What Toklezea hit maker Chantelle has been up to

Winnie Wambui alias Chantelle, literally blew into the music scene with her runaway hit Toklezea. Writer SHIRLEY GENGA caught up with her to unearth what she has been up to since.

GN: When did you get your first big break into the music industry?

C: I believe that would be last year but one around April after releasing Toklezea.

GN: How would you describe your sound?

C: I do not have a melodious voice, but mine is a great rap voice.

GN: When can we expect a new single or album, it has been a while since we heard from you?

C: When I first got into music, I was doing it for fun and it turned out a huge success. I am on a break until I figure out the direction I want my music to take.

GN: What of acting are you doing that anymore?

C: Yes I am still acting; I play the role of Sweetie on KTN’s show Lies That Bind. I have been at it for close to two yeas now.

GN: Tell us a little about your character?

C: Sweetie comes from a not well off, single parent family.  She is currently pregnant by a boy from a rich family but his mother is not amused. Her character brings out the different social classes we have in society.

GN: Do you see yourself acting for a while?

C: Yes, I enjoy acting very much. I like being able to play so many different characters and I definitely see myself doing this for a while.

GN: You shocked the industry last year when it came to light that you had gotten saved. What prompted the change? 

C: My parents are believers and I was brought up in a strict Christian family, but after I left home, I detached from my Christianity.  It was after meeting my man that my relationship with Christ revived.

GN: Where you scared when the news came out that you would lose you fans?

C: No, when I have God on my side, nothing can go wrong.

GN: Is it difficult adjusting from the secular life?

C: Yes, it is pretty hard but my boyfriend J Blessing (Jibril Blessing) helps me a lot.

GN: So now can we expect a gospel album from you or is that a thing of the past?

C: (Laughs) time will tell.

GN: Tell us a bit about your background?

C: I was born in Narok, the last born with four brothers. I was raised in Nairobi with a brief two-year stay in Naivasha. God, blessed me with more siblings.

GN: You lost your mum at a young age, tell us about that?

C: I lost her when I was in Class Six. Everything I did with mum was special and she will forever remain in my heart. God has, however, been amazing to my brothers and me because he blessed us with another amazing, beautiful, caring and loving mother. In fact, we take after each other so much that many assume she is my biological mother. I would never ask for a better mum. I love her so much.

GN: What advice would you give to any struggling young who has lost a parent?

C: Do not dwell too long on those who have passed on. Remember them, of course, but do not forget to continue living. Work hard and make them proud. Importantly, do not feel sorry for yourself, death is a part of life we cannot hide from.

GN: You have never really confirmed whether you and J Blessing dating or married, so what is the truth about your relationship?

C: I am married to him.

GN: Did you have a wedding ceremony?

C: We are both very private people and being in the spotlight leaves everything about you out in the open. We prefer keeping our marriage private at the moment.

GN: What do you love most about him?

C: I love his maturity and hard work. He also treats me really well, loves and respects me. Simply put, I love everything about him — the whole package

GN: What do you do for fun?

C: I love listening to music and watching movies. Spending time with J Blessing is also a high. He sure knows how to put a smile on my face.

GN: Give us two of your 2014 New Years Resolutions?

C: To be the best wife I can be. I had wanted to start a children’s home some time back, but of late my heart is touched by the plight of old people who are alone and neglected. They probably took care of their kids in their youth, but now they have been forgotten and deserted. For this reason I hope to start a home for the old.

GN: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

C: I live each as it comes and work hard on it, but a stable company and a beautiful family are definitely on the cards