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With a voice like that and a face made for magazine covers – is it any wonder that ChianoSky was discovered by the time she was 18? She has a talent to match her idols (Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone and Kylie Minogue FYI) and a wild side to make her interesting. Her singles Sick Sick and Walking Away have catapulted her into the South African conscious and there’s little doubt she’ll be our next greatest export. LW Mag chats to the gorgeous (can you say, “Understatement”) singer and star about her upcoming debut album and more.
Full Name: ChianoSky Kruger
Nickname: Chi Chi
Record Label: EMI
Years performing: Still in progress
Sounds like: A million dollars!
Tell us a bit about your journey to the top – what has it taken to get here and how did you start out?
One thing I know is that I am very far from the top, this journey has and still does require a lot of hard work, dedication, wild decisions ,time etc. After making the decision that music is what I wanted to pursue I left Fourways High School in grade 9 and enrolled into The National School Of The Arts where I studied every corner of music, then by chance Paul Almeida walked into the restaurant I was waitressing at – Simply Asia where he gave me his card and listened to some of my songs that I had written at the time. He then presented it to EMI and then fireworks happened.
What was it like hearing your first single on the radio?
It was unreal, I still don’t think it’s processed yet that my music is actually dancing on radio , definitely needed a nap afterwards.
Your album is set for release later this year – tell us a little about the recording process and what fans can expect from the album?
The recording process has been great, not only have I discovered things about myself that I never knew before, I also worked with amazing artists and producers who have helped mold this album into gold. I think there is something for everyone on this album, it’s full of different sounds and stories that are all brought together. A lot of love, passion and time has been put into this album and I do feel like they will be able to feel it.
Which song on the album is most “you” and why?
There is no song on the album that is 100% me, every song highlights and expresses a certain part of me.
Where do you draw most of your inspiration from?
I draw most of my inspiration from my experiences, memories, old and new emotions and I like to sing about the behavior of people around me.
Who are your idols?
Since I was young I adored Amy Winehouse and Kylie Minogue.
Would you say you’re a good girl or bad girl?
I’m a wild girl!
What’s the best and worst part about live performances?
The best part so far would have to be when the crowd screams your lyrics back at you, the stage for me is a free space where I can just bare my soul, which I love. The worst would probably be when something happens to the sound and you have to spark a conversation.
What’s the best and worst part about being in the public eye?
The best part would be meeting interesting people and the worst is sometimes your space does get invaded.
Do you ever get nervous before you’re about to go up on stage?
Yes I do every time as you never know what to expect but as soon as I get up on stage the washing machine in my stomach stops.
What would most people be surprised to know about you?
That ‘ChianoSky’ is my real name not a stage name.
When did you know you were destined for a career in music?
I was never quite sure that this music career was going to happen, I just knew that I was in love with it and that was enough for me.
What are some of your ultimate career goals?
Taking my music internationally is top of my list, I can’t wait to share it with the rest of the world , also I would love to work with as many artists [as possible].
What’s your take on the local music scene?
I think that we are giving the international music scene a run for their money – we have such amazing artists from a variety of genres who are really making an impact on the world !
Who is your biggest (local) crush?
My mind is far too busy to be blowing kisses to anyone.
What’s a typical working day like for you?
No day is the same, my life is so spontaneous which I love!
How do you spend your days when you have downtime?
I enjoy exploring the town with my disposable camera, getting lost, boogying with my close friends in Greenside and I also enjoy my own company at home behind a cheese ball movie.
Describe your fans.
Diverse, supportive and beautiful.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
A good old bag of nuts.
What’s the toughest lesson you’ve ever learnt?
That not everyone can read your mind.
ChianoSky on Facebook
ChianoSky on Twitter.
