Racheal spreading her wings
Former church singer moves to a new beat
Racheal Chabalala is a triple threat as a singer, songwriter and dancer.
Known on stage as Ray T, this 26-yearold talent recently discovered her musical passion. The Tembisa lass thought her singing would end within the four walls of her church in Moriting section.
Growing up in a staunch Christian home didn’t allow Chabalala to explore other music genres outside of gospel.
“I was raised by my grandparents and only lived with my mother in 2007. I used to sing back-up at church,” she says.
It was only in 2015 that she was spotted by popular Yfm DJ Thakzin when he was attending the church.
“Thakzin immediately spotted me and told me she knows someone that needs a vocalist on their track and I have the perfect voice.” Since then opportunities have come thick and fast.
“I got to work with DJ Shimza on a track called Liberty last year; it was about the ANC. Please don’t get it wrong, I’m not into politics,” she says with a giggle.
Currently working on her album that she is yet to name, Chabalala already has a song titled High of Love that is apparently making waves on the internet.
“High of Love is all about me having a crush on someone and fantasising about him to a point where I was mentally dating him,” she says shyly.
The album, which is said to be out early next year, will have “emotion in each beat”, she says. Chabalala is also open about the challenges she has faced.
“I came across a lot of producers who tried to take advantage of me financially and even tried to get into my pants.”
She warns other upcoming artists to believe in themselves and not be distracted.
“Be strong willed and believe in your craft.”