Henny C scoops four Xitsonga Music Awards

Prince Chauke is arguably currently the biggest and hottest Xitsonga musician in Limpopo.

Known as Henny C – Tsonga Prince in music circles, this musician, originally from Phambo village in Malamulele, scooped up four awards during the 15^th annual Mungana Lonene FM Xitsonga Music Awards (XMA15).

The awards ceremony, which saw nominees battling it out in 13 competing categories, was recently held at the Giyani Stadium.

The soulful Henny C took home best disco, best RnB, best Doctor Thomas Chauke Artist of the year and the highly contested Best Xitsonga Male award. Nominated in five categories, the only award he did not win was Most Popular Song of the Year, which went to Joe Shirimani.

“Winning those awards was like a dream come true. It is something that I worked hard for with the hope that one day I will win,” he said. These awards, however, are not the only accolades he has achieved in his 16-year-long music career. Last year he won the best RnB award during the Limpopo Music awards (LIMA), in which he was nominated in four categories. He was also nominated in the best vernacular Hip Hop category in SATMA 13.

“When I made my first RnB song, I knew that my songs would be played on MLFM one day and I would win awards,” he said.

Narrating his journey to Limpopo Mirror, Prince C said he only managed to find his breakthrough in the industry in 2016 after he was given an opportunity to record his first Afro RnB album. The 10-track-album, inspired by his personal life, was released in October that year. His first single from this debut album, Lovola money, earned him two nominations at the South African Upcoming Music Awards (Sauma) in 2017.

The studio producer, studio engineer, photographer, videographer and music-video producer recalled that the journey to success was not easy. “It wasn’t easy - it’s been ups and downs; trying to find the right people to work with, the funds and the studio was a huge stumbling block,” he said.

Prince C, who is a husband and the father of two boys, credited his achievements to his manager, Tumi Shirinda, his wife Jenine Chauke and his family for supporting him. “Facing everyday life as a musician who doesn’t have a full-time job is not easy.  But that’s what makes everything worthy when one day you break through. With God on our side, anything can change anytime,” he said.

Even though it was a struggle in the beginning, Prince C continued believing in his talent.

He has recorded three albums since 2016 and has indicated that they continue to do wonders for him. He is also planning to release another album this year, since he is known for releasing albums annually.

“I am so excited to do some few songs as well and release another album, which will be available soon,” he said.

Entertainment - Date: 14 April 2019

Phathutshedzo Luvhengo

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