Israel: another talented Chinga on the spotlight

For years when Malawi was enjoying music from the gospel songbird Grace Chinga, not much was known about her children. At times music fans would get a glimpse of her daughter Miracle who would take the backing vocals responsibility during live shows. At time she would also appear in her music videos as a dancer. She also featured in one of the late musician’s production.

Soon after her death, it emerged that not only did Miracle resemble her mother in looks, she also took after her singing abilities. She first sang at her mother’s funeral which ironically also launched her music career.

Months before Chinga’s passing, she had also introduced her eldest son Steve Spesho who produced her song Ndidzaulura.

Together Miracle and Steve Spesho went on a tour to promote their mother’s post-death album Esther making them the music faces of the Chinga family.   

But what people did not realise was that there was one more child, a son named Israel Chinga-Moffat who was also blessed with a gift of music.

Many years after his mother’s death, Israel was still in school and very little was known about him. It is only now that the young man is emerging as his own man producing music for established musicians such as Eli Njuchi and, of course, producing and releasing his songs.

Born and raised in Chilobwe Township in Blantyre, Israel says his life is synonymous with music.

He said his first inspiration was his mother Grace Chinga, especially her soul-lifting music such as Korona and Wayalula which continue to win many souls.

From Grace, the country’s music industry witnessed the birth of Miracle and his brother Steve. The two carried the mission of their late mother by, among other things, promoting her music. Up to date, Grace’s music refuses to die because Miracle and Steve are sustaining it through vigorous promotion.

As if Miracle and Steve were not enough to maintain the legacy of their mother, another Chinga is here.

Apart from singing, Israel is also a gifted music producer. At his tender age, he has worked with some of the country’s top-notch musicians like Eli Njuchi.

On the singing front, Israel has just released a new single titled Once, which is currently dominating music charts on different radio stations.

He said his number one motivator was his late mother.

“My mother remains my greatest source of inspiration and one of my favourite musicians. She paved a way not only for me, but also my brother Steve and sister Miracle. May her soul continue to rest in power because she raised artistic soldiers who are continuing with her mission,” he said.

He further said his mission is to produce good music for the soul and not to prove a point to anyone including those who doubt his abilities.

“When I write my songs, I try my best to do what’s best for my fans. Let us keep on growing and learning from each other. I am encouraged to realise that my songs are being embraced and aired on various radio stations.”

Commenting on her brother’s rising music career, Miracle wrote on her Facebook page: “My little blessed brother Israel is here to bless us with his music.”

She went on to describe the song Once as powerful quoting its lyrics about the importance of sharing blessings.

Dancehall artist Jay Jay Cee said Israel was one of the music forces to reckon with.

“Listening to Israel’s new music you can tell that he is a gifted musician who has come in the industry to stay. He has great potential to become the next big thing,” said Jay Jay Cee.

Israel dropped his first single in 2020 titled Dzanja Lanu. The up-and-coming artist plans to release a full album soon.