Honorary doctorate for Xitsonga musician

Date: 28 May 2010 By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Well-known Xitsonga musician Thomas Chauke, who received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in African languages from the University of Venda, admitted that his story was not a good lesson for learners. Replying after being conferred the degree, the doyen of Xitsonga music had this message to the youth. “Thomas Chauke is a lucky man as it is not easy to succeed in life without education. With education, Chauke would have been very far.” He said because of technology, aspirant musicians needed to have good education. “There are so many technological devices to deal with, and without education you are doomed,” he said. When Deputy-President Kgalema Motlanthe conferred a doctorate on him, his music was played and everyone went wild. His wives, popularly known as the Xinyori Sisters, went to the stage and danced the way they do it at festivals. Then an electric atmosphere developed, with everyone in the hall on their toes, dancing and clapping to the music. Chauke said the award was not his alone, but also for his band, as well as the Xitsonga music pioneers, his peers and all his supporters. “Through this award, your work is recognised,” he said, referring to the people who pioneered his type of music. Chauke’s supporters came from far and wide. They included Rev Joseph Chawane of the Presbyterian Church and Samson Mthombeni, one of the Xitsonga artists who have received a Living Legend Award for pioneering this type of music. For someone who dropped out of school in Standard 3, Chauke’s musical success is like a fairytale. He received one diamond disc, one double gold, six platinum, 11 double platinum and nine triple platinum discs. He also received 11 awards from Munghana Lonene FM, 13 Sama awards, one South African Traditional Music Award and a host of other awards, which include a certificate of recognition from former Kwa Zulu Natal Premier S’bu Ndebele. Chauke has five wives, 23, children and 12 grandchildren. Deputy-President Motlanthe said the honour accorded Chauke is significant in that he is a role model whose music appeals to millions of people and he urged others who do not understand Xitsonga language to go out and learn it.

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Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.