Dr Thomas Hasani Chauke well known as Shinyori amongst Tsonga tribe was born on the 4th of February in 1952.

Chauke initiated his band with about 13 singers from a shebeen in the 79’s, today Chauke ascended to become one of the most Powerful traditional musician, singer, composer, producer.

Just after few months of band establishment only five remained and buy into his vision, according to Dr Chauke they used to perform in schools to raise money and asking donations so that they can go to Joburg to record.

 

 

 

When they get to Johannesburg Chauke signed up the contract the GRC recording label and the music was branded Nyoresh by that time.

He then terminated the deal with GRC and moved on to join the Wea Records which was a better deal when compared to GRC and he changed his music from Nyoresh to shimatsatsa which means a beautiful girl

In 1981 Chauke released his first ever ulbum namely shimatsatsa number one, and the songs were welcomed by many tribes including Pedi and Balobedu.

Munghana-Lonene saw a need to have a certain award category to be named after him and this comes after Chauke was honored by University of Venda for his contribution towards music, and he personally Hand over those award named after him to motivate upcoming artists.

Chauke became the first Tsonga artist to score one diamond disc and the double gold disc within 2years, under his burner Chauke obtained 6 platinum disc and eleven platinum, 9 triple platinum discs.

Chauke won 16 awards from South African Music Awards and managed to win 10 from Munghana-Lonene FM and also won MTN Sama19 Lifetime Achievement back in 2013

Dr Thomas Chauke is a friend to Mike Nkuna CEO of Masingita Group, and friend to Stan Mathabatha who is the current Limpopo Premier.