Listen To The TOP 20
Hits From Across Africa!
Hits From Across Africa!
TOP 20 compiled and presented by Chaka
Chaka is the Founder of SARFM Radio
Born in Zimbabwe into circumstances most Americans would consider less than meager, Chaka Ngwenya seemed untouched and unscathed by the limitations of his surroundings. While most were dreaming of simply making it to the nation's capital, Harare, Chaka was telling his mother every day that one day, he would be in New York. However, before setting foot on U.S. soil, he managed to become one of Zimbabwe's most recognized and beloved radio and television personalities. By 2000, however, Chaka felt he was being called to leave the country he loved, and, in turn, loved him dearly, to journey to a nation built on the promises he had spoken every day of his life. Stepping out to make his dream a reality, Chaka left his fame, and a little fortune, to become a youth pastor in the Salvation Army. It was a job that was far different from everything he knew, but it landed him right in the middle of the American city of which he had always dreamed.
In New York City's Harlem neighborhood, no one knew his name. No one turned on a television set to see him. No one waited eagerly for his radio program. In Harlem, Chaka was not recognized as a television and radio personality. And, in his new American home, he experienced a major problem that he felt the need to address and rectify. He was not being recognized as an African. He longed for home, even though he identified somewhat with the rich African-American history which he found in Harlem. In 2005, he founded SARFMRADIO.com, an American-based African web-radio station. He wanted to give a taste of home to his fellow Africans, but he also wanted Americans to hear Africa's heart beat just a little louder. He envisioned bridging the gap that existed between Africa and America, a vision that would provide both nations with a connection as well as a greater understanding of the uniqueness and contributions each has to offer.
Since 2005, Chaka has trained almost thirty disc jockeys from around the world. He tells them every day that, "This is not just entertainment. You are providing education and information at its best!" We want our listeners to love the music, but we also want them to be informed. Today, Chaka's voice is well-known on Internet radio, but it's not limited to this one communication venue only. You might also see his face when you turn on your television or visit your favorite news source. The Daily News, NY1 and CNN have all done stories on this budding star and his growing listenership. If you Google his name, you will also discover how frequently he has spoken out on behalf of his beloved Africa and the changes he seeks to bring to his ailing home country. Danny Glover, Foxy Brown, Lil' Mama, Kwame Jackson, Akon, Leon and Sheryl Lee Ralph have all spoken to him, and some have even visited his studio seeking to reconnect with their homeland. Chaka has also been featured on New York Daily News, CNN and many world wide media outlets.
"Gone are the days when Africans didn't have a voice," states Chaka. "We are here and we can tell our own story without any misinterpretation. It's time for people-of-color to come together and merge our unique talents and resources. Whether born in the US, the Caribbean, or South America, we are all Africans sharing one love and one mission. equal opportunity, happiness, and prosperity for all." Whether on a recent trip back to Zimbabwe or on the streets of Harlem, Chaka now has fans who shout his name as he walks by.
Chaka is the Founder of SARFM Radio
Born in Zimbabwe into circumstances most Americans would consider less than meager, Chaka Ngwenya seemed untouched and unscathed by the limitations of his surroundings. While most were dreaming of simply making it to the nation's capital, Harare, Chaka was telling his mother every day that one day, he would be in New York. However, before setting foot on U.S. soil, he managed to become one of Zimbabwe's most recognized and beloved radio and television personalities. By 2000, however, Chaka felt he was being called to leave the country he loved, and, in turn, loved him dearly, to journey to a nation built on the promises he had spoken every day of his life. Stepping out to make his dream a reality, Chaka left his fame, and a little fortune, to become a youth pastor in the Salvation Army. It was a job that was far different from everything he knew, but it landed him right in the middle of the American city of which he had always dreamed.
In New York City's Harlem neighborhood, no one knew his name. No one turned on a television set to see him. No one waited eagerly for his radio program. In Harlem, Chaka was not recognized as a television and radio personality. And, in his new American home, he experienced a major problem that he felt the need to address and rectify. He was not being recognized as an African. He longed for home, even though he identified somewhat with the rich African-American history which he found in Harlem. In 2005, he founded SARFMRADIO.com, an American-based African web-radio station. He wanted to give a taste of home to his fellow Africans, but he also wanted Americans to hear Africa's heart beat just a little louder. He envisioned bridging the gap that existed between Africa and America, a vision that would provide both nations with a connection as well as a greater understanding of the uniqueness and contributions each has to offer.
Since 2005, Chaka has trained almost thirty disc jockeys from around the world. He tells them every day that, "This is not just entertainment. You are providing education and information at its best!" We want our listeners to love the music, but we also want them to be informed. Today, Chaka's voice is well-known on Internet radio, but it's not limited to this one communication venue only. You might also see his face when you turn on your television or visit your favorite news source. The Daily News, NY1 and CNN have all done stories on this budding star and his growing listenership. If you Google his name, you will also discover how frequently he has spoken out on behalf of his beloved Africa and the changes he seeks to bring to his ailing home country. Danny Glover, Foxy Brown, Lil' Mama, Kwame Jackson, Akon, Leon and Sheryl Lee Ralph have all spoken to him, and some have even visited his studio seeking to reconnect with their homeland. Chaka has also been featured on New York Daily News, CNN and many world wide media outlets.
"Gone are the days when Africans didn't have a voice," states Chaka. "We are here and we can tell our own story without any misinterpretation. It's time for people-of-color to come together and merge our unique talents and resources. Whether born in the US, the Caribbean, or South America, we are all Africans sharing one love and one mission. equal opportunity, happiness, and prosperity for all." Whether on a recent trip back to Zimbabwe or on the streets of Harlem, Chaka now has fans who shout his name as he walks by.
African Music
Africa.com and SARFMRadio will continue to provide you with African music in all possible genres from the Motherland and the rest of the world. TOP 20 is a weekly program that will be changed every Monday by 12:00 am Eastern Time. We would love to hear from you so write to us at music@africa.com with your sugestions and comments.
Africa.com TOP 20 from the continent, provided by SARFMRadio, your African and world music station!
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Africa.com TOP 20
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