Following in his father’s musical footsteps
By Christopher Owuor, March 11, 2020Harriet James @harriet86jim
Ever since his youth, John Chacha aka the don had a dream of becoming a renowned artist.
He worked hard on his music and managed to do a few collabos with veteran artist such as Jua Cali, Pilipili and Joel, but sadly he never succeeded in fulfilling his dream.
“I know I was a great musician, but sadly the songs didn’t do so well in the market because of a few issues with the recording label. I decided to divert my focus to another passion I didn’t know I had, events organising,” he narrates.
He is currently an events organiser, a talent manager and the chairman of the Mombasa Entertainment Industry having been voted in by 1,657 artist’s under Mombasa county supervision.
Little did he know that his last born son, Chastar Njewa would reawaken his passion for music by becoming a singer.
At the tender age of 11, Chastar is already making waves in the country with his music and philanthropy that has won him several awards as well as a chance to sing before the president.
Chastar is determined to follow in his father’s footsteps in the music industry and his parents have not regretted allowing him pursue his music career.
“When he was just six years old, Chastar came to me and told me that he had an idea to compose a new birthday song because he thought the regular ones were too boring.
He asked if he could do a fresh and uptown remix of birthday songs. I gave him a challenge that if he performed well in school, I would finance his wish,” he recalls.
With the target in mind, Chastar managed to work hard and come on top of his class. His father kept his end of the bargain and financed his wish of going to the studio to record the song.
On his seventh birthday, a new birthday anthem was launched. He released several other songs such as Nashukuru, Baller, Daddy and Big dream.
Presently, Chastar is working on a project with award winning artist, Nameless and Alivyonipenda hitmaker, Otile Brown. His song dubbed, Nashukuru is a call for action to support the disabled in society.
His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed as he has received three awards; The Young Achiever under 12 award in 2016 by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture and Gender, Mombasa county.
The Most Outstanding Young Star Award by Pwani Celebrity Awards, the Outstanding Young Star in 2016 and The Governor Medal of appreciation for supporting local artists in 2019.
“He was rewarded for his music and support for artists. He donated 60 per cent of his 2016-2017 earnings to the less fortunate and talented children in the Big Dream Start Small Talent Search,” he says.
Just like other competitions, Chacha says the children performed in front of a crowd and the best three won school fees vouchers worth Sh100,000.
His dance group dubbed, Young Unit is a formation of underpriviledged children from SOS Children’s Villages Kenya, a member of SOS -Kinderdorf International, the largest private child welfare organisation in the world.
Chastar was invited to perform for President Uhuru Kenyatta last year. “It was a good feeling knowing that his work has been noticed making him believe in his craft.
Remember, before that call, he had two awards already so this call built his confidence and brand,” Chacha says.
Charstar is currently planning for a Chastar Album Lauch Tour this year following the successful launch of his album last year.
His mother concentrates on ensuring that he performs well in school and his father ensures that he undergoes his vocal coaching twice a week to perfect his vocal range and singing skills.
In addition, he attends the coast chorus music academy during the holidays. John has an older son who’s 17 years old. He has no interest in arts, but sciences. Chastar is also learning to play the guitar.
After school, Chastar enjoys playing football, skating, motocross and swimming. He was a motocross champion in the Mombasa under 10 and became second in skating.
He gets his inspiration from what surrounds him, his life, and other people’s lives and reading.
Chacha calls on parents with children with different talents and interests to encourage them.
“Talent is a God-given option of our survival. It can and has helped people make ends meet. It is the only thing after a school degree that can make you stand out from the rest.
My son performs in statehouse every year and he earns well. He already has an option just in case a degree doesn’t work in his favour,” he concludes.