Five minutes with Ghanaian-South African R&B songstress Chayuta

Since releasing her Afro-pop-infused single Where You Dey earlier this year, 19-year-old singer-songwriter Chayuta has been making a name for herself on the R&B scene.

Born Mpho Mokoena to a South African father and Ghanaian mother, the singer lived in this country for a year, during which time she developed an affinity for her now-favourite foods: biltong, pap and braaied meat.

She’s learning how to produce her own music and working with established artists in the African music industry to carve out a name for herself.

We caught up with her to find out what’s on her cultural radar.

Are you an avid reader?

Yes! I am currently reading The Valley of Memories by Maria Vanderpuye, who happens to be my grandmother. She has always been an inspiration to me. She's a strong, hard-working woman, but after reading her book and understanding what she went through as a teenager and young adult, my admiration for her has increased to a level I can't explain. It's definitely a must-read for young women finding their way in life. 

I also love reading poetry for inspiration to write some of my more meaningful songs.

What music are you listening to?

I’m obsessed with amapiano. My go-to song is Mnike by Tyler ICU and Tumelo.za. Whenever I hear that song I want to call up my friends and go clubbing; it gives me so much energy. I’ve also caught myself listening to a lot of Shenseea songs lately. I love her confidence when she sings and her lyrics are powerful. I want to deliver the messages in my songs in the same way. The “independent woman” inspiration in her lyrics is growing on me. She's a versatile artist and that makes me love her even more. She reminds me of Rihanna, my all-time favourite artist.

Who inspires your fashion style?

Rihanna. She's my fashion icon, but I look up to other artists for style inspiration as well, like Kehlani and Teyana Taylor. I'd love to share fashion tips with South Africa's Ntando Duma. I love her style. 

Which beauty products are you into?

I learnt from my mum at an early age how important it is to take good care of your skin. My mum is in her 40s and has amazing skin. People think she's way younger than she is. I follow a three-step face-care routine. No matter how tired I am, I never go to sleep with makeup on. I cleanse, tone and moisturise every morning and evening.

I'm a minimalist when it comes to makeup, preferring a natural look with just mascara and lip gloss. Full makeup is only for photoshoots and music videos. I don't have a particular brand I use. I pick what works for my skin, but I love Fenty and MAC.

Any health or wellness trends you're following?

If you can’t find me in the studio, you’ll find me in the gym. I started going to the gym with a personal trainer early last year and I can’t stop. It's fun. My friends look at me like I’m crazy when I say I love working out. I do cardio and a bit of weightlifting, and short workout videos for fun, especially with my gym partner. I've gained a lot of confidence and strength physically and mentally from being active.

Where have you travelled?

I want to explore more of Africa — there are so many beautiful places I've yet to discover. I recently came back from Mauritius. It's such a beautiful island, with gorgeous beaches. My holiday destination this year is South Africa and I am so excited.