A chat with Chomee
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday November 23, 2017 15:17
“It all started when I was eight years old when Arthur wanted dancers for a TV show performance, I was part of them. After the show he was impressed and I got to be part of his company, 999 Music at a tender age. That was around the same time of Oyi Oyi, I got to be part of the video,” said the 31-year-old Chomee.
She joined the Arthur Mafokate stable when he had signed the likes of Abashante, Zombo, Makhendlas and Lira to mention but a few.
“You can imagine I was surrounded by greatness and I subconsciously learnt from these different people and applied what they taught me. I did not see it as a job, I saw it as fun. While at it Arthur made a rule that I only join everyone on weekends and during the week I go to school.
As she grew into a teenager, still under Mafokate’s wing, she enrolled into a school of dance to enhance her skill. Just like any child she had a dream of being a lawyer and live a non-celebrity life but she states that the universe put her on this path.
With time she became a full time dancer and choreographer as she toured around with Mafokate featuring on his music videos and songs, slowly becoming a musician.
“This time around Arthur heard me singing Nestum’s song. He was impressed by my execution and asked if I would like to go to the studio and try out something. He believes in giving people a chance. I then recorded my debut album which did not do well but was followed by Jaiva Sexy which did well all because of perseverance”, Chomee said.
Having started her career at the age of eight, she had seen all angles of the entertainment industry and notes that it does not come easy as life does not always deliver what you want but the most important thing is not to give up no matter how many times you fall.
Over the years she says she has learnt to respect time since an opportunity comes once in a lifetime and to take her craft professionally all the time.
Having established a mark in the entertainment industry she has inspired and paved way for a number of young female artists, “I would really not like to take credit because I found people that paved way for me. I am happy we are getting more female artists”.
In recent years Chomee established her own company Divatainment, which she want to see grow and become as big as Kalawa Jazmee and 999 Music. Her company is currently handling the marketing side Summa Ya Di Summa 3 compilation album by 999 music artists.
“As women we fear to build and grow our own empires. I hate fear. I want it to be the first female owned company to have such a stature.”
Just like any celebrity she has been associated with bad publicity, such as a story that headlined newspapers that alleged that she was involved in a love affair with her mentor Mafokate. It was later reported that the two separated with the mentor moving on with his newly signed artist Cici, who he was recently accused of physically abusing.
She noted that through her strength she has managed to overcome and not allow what the media say to get into her head and affect her. “You get used to it. If you and the people around you know it is not true then its fine. If it’s one sided you will see there is an agenda there.” She has since moved on with someone that she says is not in the entertainment scene. Apart from being a celebrity, Chomee says she enjoys her space of quietness and reading books. She is currently reading an autobiography by Richard Branson.