Tete Runiga keeps Chibalonza’s candle burning
Tete Runiga , Angela Chibalonza’s sister, during the interview. PHOTO | HUGHOLIN KIMARO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
It is now eight years since her sister passed away and she has learnt to live without her though she says the memories of Angela’s death are very fresh in her mind.
After Angela’s death, she continued living in Kenya with a different sister, determined to continue singing.
Hardly a year after her sister, the renowned gospel singer Angela Chibalonza died in a road accident, Tete Runinga made the decision to complete the work her sister had started.
Tete Runiga, 25, was born the seventh in a family of 12 children; 5 girls and seven boys.
‘I CAME TO ADVANCE MY EDUCATION’
“The primary objective of my coming to Kenya in 2006 was to advance in education. I intended to study human medicine so that I would save mankind from diseases. I never thought I would find myself later saving their souls by preaching to them through Gospel music. God works in very mysterious ways!”
It is now eight years since her sister passed away and she has learnt to live without her though she says the memories of Angela’s death are very fresh in her mind.
After Angela’s death, she continued living in Kenya with a different sister, determined to continue singing.
To date, she has recorded three albums.
Asked whether there are any artistes who are her role model she says, “Yes, first is my dear sister Bahati Bukuku, Upendo Nkone, Upendo Kilairo, Christina Shusho, Rose Muhando and Gloria Muliro. I also admire Rebecca Malope and would like to sing until I reach her standards.”
