BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI– From the Kingdom of Eswatini to a television studio in Cape Town, Cheilla Merissa Vovos, known professionally as Cheistar, is steadily taking her music beyond the borders of home.
The Afro-pop artist recently appeared on Cape Town TV, where she discussed her musical journey before taking to the stage for a live performance. For Cheistar, the appearance was more than another entry on her growing list of performances it was an opportunity to see her music connect with an audience outside Eswatini. “The vision is bigger than borders,” she said, reflecting on the experience.
Cheistar describes herself as an artist with a purpose beyond entertainment. Her music draws from themes of identity, love, confidence, transformation and the human experience, while she hopes her work encourages young people to dream beyond their current circumstances.
Her Cape Town appearance also gave her a chance to experience how her music travels when removed from the environment in which it was created. She mentioned that South African audience received her music warmly, describing the exchange between performer and audience as one of the reasons she continues to love being on stage.
“For me, performing is not simply about getting on stage and singing,” she said. “Music allows me to set my own mind free.” That freedom has also shaped how she approaches her identity as an artist. Cheistar said experience, perseverance and learning from every opportunity have helped her become more confident in expressing herself without trying to fit into someone else’s mould. “I have also learned to become unapologetically myself,” she said.
Now, her attention is turning to what comes next. Cheistar is preparing to release the music video for “Ungowami” and is working on a full-length album targeted for early next year. She also has international appearances and collaborations in the pipeline.
While she remains tight-lipped about some of the upcoming stages and destinations, Cheistar says her fans should stay close to her social media for announcements. From local stages to Cape Town television, the artist is entering a new chapter one where she is not only taking her music further, but also building the experience around it.
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(Courtesy Pic)
