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Chad (rapper)
Chad (rapper)
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Key Information

Donovan Chad Mansoor (born 16 April 1993), known mononymously as Chad (and previously as Chad Da Don), is a South African hip-hop record producer, songwriter and rapper. Chad released his debut studio album The Book of Chad on 16 April 2016, his 23rd birthday.

Background

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Chad was born and raised in Pretoria and eventually relocated to Midrand in his teenage years. Chad had started a Christian rap group while he was a teenager, but went solo shortly after.[1] While growing up, Chad played football and represented South Africa in the under-14 national squad. The tournament was hosted in Zurich.[1]

Musical career

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Chad released his debut single titled "Hola", featuring his then label-boss Cassper Nyovest. Due to creative differences, Chad left Family Tree Records and started his own label imprint DCM Entertainment.[2] Amongst those signed are fellow artists and songwriters his best friend Bonafide and rapper Exe.[3] Chad is now also signed to Locnville's new label ContraBanned.[4]

The track "Wasted", by Chad and Locnville is featured on the hit US TV show, Lucifer in Episode 213.

On October 23, 2020, his studio album, Dreams Don’t Sleep was released.[5]

Discography

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Studio albums

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Album title Album details
The Book of Chad
Stay in Your Lane
  • Released: 22 November 2019
  • Label: D.C.M Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, Digital Download

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Chad, born Donovan Chad Mansoor on April 16, 1993, in , , is a prominent hip-hop rapper, , and songwriter known professionally as Chad Da Don. He rose to prominence in the South African music scene with the release of his debut studio album, The Book of Chad, on April 16, 2016, coinciding with his 23rd birthday, under his own label DCM Entertainment. Mansoor's early interest in music began at a young age when he started , influenced by his , leading him to form a Christian rap group at 18 and perform his first major show at a church in front of thousands. He transitioned to mainstream hip-hop around , becoming a key figure in South Africa's urban landscape through prolific collaborations and features with artists like and Jay Jody. His discography includes subsequent albums such as Stay in Your Lane (2019) and Dreams Don't Sleep (2020), alongside singles like "Cat Fish" and "Keng Kang" in 2024, showcasing his ongoing evolution in the genre.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Donovan Chad Mansoor, known professionally as Chad, was born on April 16, 1993, in , . He was raised in during his early years. His family environment emphasized , which later manifested in his teenage formation of a Christian rap group in . Chad's mother, Norma Mansoor, played a pivotal supportive role in his life, serving not only as a parental figure but also as his manager, guiding his early personal and professional development. He grew up in an abusive household, with his father subjecting him and his mother to ; at age 14, Chad and his mother survived a traumatic incident where they were . Public information regarding any siblings remains limited, respecting the family's privacy. During his teenage years, the family relocated from to , a move that exposed him to new suburban influences while maintaining ties to his roots in the region. Growing up, Chad was immersed in the burgeoning South African hip-hop scene, which provided an outlet amid his abusive childhood, fostering his initial cultural and creative foundations. This early exposure to local music and faith-based communities, including attendance at Christian Revival Church, laid the groundwork for his personal growth before pursuing broader interests.

Early interests in music and sports

Chad's early engagement with sports began in his youth, where he excelled in soccer and also showed promise in golf as a prodigy. He played for South Africa's under-14 national squad, representing the country at an international tournament in Zurich, Switzerland, during the opening of , where the team emerged victorious. This experience underscored the discipline and teamwork he developed through competitive athletics, shaping his approach to collaborative endeavors later in life. His introduction to music came at age eight, when his sister played him rap songs, sparking his interest and leading him to begin as an outlet for the and personal challenges in his household. This early exposure to American rap influences, including artists like , fueled his passion. Growing up in amid South Africa's burgeoning hip-hop scene, Chad absorbed local sounds that further honed his creative expression. As a teenager, Chad formed a Christian rap group, channeling his faith-based values into collaborative performances, including his debut at a church conference before thousands. The group's eventual disbandment prompted him to pursue a solo path, allowing him to explore personal artistry more freely and build foundational songwriting skills rooted in these formative influences. His family's encouragement during this period supported his shift toward music as a primary pursuit.

Musical career

Beginnings and debut

Chad began his professional music career in , initially performing under the stage name Chad Da Don and drawing from his teenage experiences in a Christian rap group that he formed around age 18. Influenced by artists like , he honed his skills in amid a challenging upbringing in , , using hip-hop as an outlet for personal expression. His early efforts focused on building a foundation in the local scene, transitioning from group collaborations to solo pursuits shortly after starting the group. A pivotal moment came with the release of his debut single "Hola" on May 14, 2013, featuring Cassper Nyovest and produced by Anatii. The track, blending Setswana and English lyrics, marked Chad's breakthrough in the South African hip-hop landscape, gaining traction for its energetic flow and collaborative appeal within the emerging Motswako subgenre. This release not only showcased his rapping prowess but also caught the attention of industry figures, propelling him toward wider recognition. Following the success of "Hola," Chad became affiliated with the collective, Cassper Nyovest's , around 2013-2014, through his friendship with Nyovest, where he contributed to collective projects and expanded his network in the hip-hop community. His involvement included features on label tracks and participation in group sessions, helping solidify his presence among South Africa's rising rap talents. During this period, Chad's style evolved into a multifaceted approach, incorporating hip-hop production, songwriting, and versatile centered on motivational narratives and street-life themes reflective of his roots.

Major releases and label affiliations

Chad's debut studio album, The Book of Chad, was released on April 16, 2016, coinciding with his 23rd birthday. Issued through his independent label, DCM Entertainment, the 22-track project marked a significant step in his career following his end of affiliation with in August 2015 amid creative differences. This fallout led to the release of his diss track "Chad is Better" in April 2016, targeted at . The album delves into themes of personal journey and success, with Chad describing it as a narrative of his life experiences up to that point. He established DCM Entertainment to maintain artistic control and later signed with ContraBanned, the label founded by South African duo , in October 2016. This partnership included a distribution deal with Warner Music, enhancing his international visibility and opening doors for broader exposure. A pivotal from this era was the track "Wasted" with , initially released in 2014 but featured in the U.S. TV series during Season 2, Episode 13, which aired in January 2017. The placement in the popular show amplified the song's reach, contributing to Chad's growing global audience. Building on the momentum from his earlier singles, Chad's second album, Stay in Your Lane, arrived on November 22, 2019, again under DCM Entertainment. The 13-track release highlights themes of and motivational hustle anthems, as evident in the title track's lyrics urging focus and perseverance amid challenges.

Independent ventures and recent work

Under DCM, he released his second studio album, Dreams Don't Sleep, on October 23, 2020, a 21-track project featuring collaborations with artists such as K-Zvla, Chang , and , exploring layered themes of personal growth and underlying struggles. The album highlighted his evolution as a multifaceted artist, blending production and rap to create introspective narratives that resonated with listeners seeking depth beyond mainstream hip-hop. Building on this momentum, Chad continued his independent output with a series of releases in 2021 and 2022, including the albums SATIVA in 2021, INDICA in 2022, and a collaborative project with Pdot O titled later that year. SATIVA and INDICA, released under DCM Entertainment, delved into motivational and reflective content inspired by life's highs and lows, with tracks emphasizing resilience and self-discovery—evident in song titles like "Big Ambition" and "Bout It" from Psalm 23. These works showcased his songwriting and skills, as he handled much of the and composition himself, while also contributing beats and to tracks by other South African artists, such as features on Taminology's releases. His approach prioritized digital streaming, leading to a strong presence on platforms like and , where these albums garnered consistent plays and fan engagement through shared snippets and behind-the-scenes content on . In recent years, Chad has maintained a steady output amid his diversified pursuits, releasing singles like "23" featuring Jay Jody and in 2023, and continuing with features on tracks such as "Cat Fish" in 2024 and "Manelo" in 2025. This period reflects a thematic shift toward motivational , influenced by changes, as seen in his emphasis on perseverance and spiritual elements in projects like . By focusing on independent digital releases and collaborations within the South African hip-hop scene, he has sustained relevance, with ongoing production for peers reinforcing his role as a key influencer in the genre's evolution.

Personal life

Relationships and marriages

Chad's first major relationship was with South African singer , which began in late 2018 after they met on the set of one of her music videos. The couple quickly went public with their romance, announcing their engagement in December 2018 through matching tattoos of each other's initials on their ring fingers. However, they split in February 2019 amid rumors, before reconciling in early 2019. They confirmed their marriage on in May 2019, referring to each other as husband and wife and releasing a collaborative , "Gcwala", inspired by their earlier . The union ended in final separation in late 2019. Khumalo later reflected on the in October 2020, stating that Chad's high level of insecurity was a primary factor and that marrying him would have been her "worst mistake." She covered up her tattoo in January 2020. Chad began dating model Carlla Poggenpoel in October 2019. The relationship progressed steadily, with Poggenpoel getting a of Chad's name on her neck in early 2020 to symbolize their commitment. They married in February 2024. In February 2025, the couple marked their first . Chad's relationships have drawn significant media attention in , shaping public perceptions of his . Coverage of his time with Khumalo highlighted the intense faced by couples, including fan warnings and speculation about their compatibility from the outset. His subsequent partnership with Poggenpoel has been portrayed more positively in outlets, emphasizing stability and mutual support.

Family

Chad served as a stepfather to his ex-partner Kelly Khumalo's son, Christian (born May 11, 2010), during their relationship, acting as a positive through shared outings and attendance at school events. Since February 2024, Chad has been married to Carlla Poggenpoel, with whom he had been in a relationship for several years prior; as of November 2025, the couple has no publicly confirmed biological children. Chad's mother, Norma Mansoor, has been instrumental in supporting his early musical career, often acting as his manager and providing unwavering encouragement. Details about siblings or his father's role in family life are not publicly detailed.

Other activities

Business endeavors

Chad founded DCM Entertainment as his independent label imprint in 2016, taking on dual roles as producer and executive to maintain greater artistic control over his projects. Through DCM, has signed fellow South African artists Bonafide, a close friend and songwriter, and rapper , with a primary emphasis on developing and promoting new talent within the local hip-hop scene.

Media appearances and boxing

Chad da Don's song "Wasted," a collaboration with LCNVL, was featured in the soundtrack of the television series during its second season episode 13, aired in 2016, marking one of his early international media exposures. In , he has appeared on various shows to discuss his career, including an on Afternoon Express in September 2019, where he participated in a cook-along segment alongside promoting his music. Additional appearances include a 2020 Urban Lifestyle stay-at-home focusing on his hip-hop journey and a 2016 News24 video detailing collaborations with producers like Brian Soko. He also featured in a 2020 "5 Minutes With" segment, sharing insights into his creative process as a rapper and producer. In 2025, Chad da Don ventured into celebrity boxing, announcing on April 3 via social media a match against actor Abdul Khoza as part of the "Fist of Fame" event, positioned as a personal challenge to test his limits and engage fans. The bout was scheduled for July 26 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, promoted heavily on platforms like Instagram and X to build hype around his athletic side and align with hip-hop's competitive spirit. However, Khoza withdrew in early July, citing personal reasons, leading to the postponement of the overall tournament and cancellation of the matchup. This endeavor highlighted Chad da Don's efforts to diversify his public persona through fitness and publicity, drawing significant media attention despite not proceeding.

Discography

Studio albums

Chad's studio albums represent a progression in his career, starting with his debut under his own label, DCM Entertainment, and evolving toward more self-produced independent releases that emphasize personal introspection and hip-hop production. His work often incorporates thematic elements drawn from his life experiences, with a focus on and collaborative features. The Book of Chad, released on April 16, 2016, by DCM Entertainment, marks Chad's debut full-length project, consisting of 22 tracks. The album features key songs such as "Paranoia" with Janine V, "Down That Road," and "Books by the Covers" with Buks, showcasing a production style rooted in hip-hop with introspective lyrics about personal growth and challenges. It was praised for its articulate personal storytelling and magical delivery, establishing Chad as a promising in South African hip-hop. Stay in Your Lane, released on , , by DCM Entertainment, is Chad's second studio album, featuring 13 tracks that explore themes of perseverance and in the music industry. Notable tracks include "Stay in Your Lane" and collaborations highlighting his signature blend of hip-hop beats. The project built on his debut by demonstrating greater production confidence through his label. Dreams Don't Sleep, released on October 23, 2020, by DCM Entertainment, comprises 21 tracks and delves into Chad's life highs and lows, including vulnerability and ambition, to solidify his hip-hop presence. Key tracks like "All I Need" and "Grateful" reflect a polished hip-hop sound with electronic influences, receiving acclaim for its introspective depth and . The underscores Chad's shift toward more autonomous production while maintaining label support. SATIVA, an independent release on November 26, 2021, is a seven-track EP-style themed around energy and creativity, inspired by sativa strains, with hip-hop production emphasizing upbeat rhythms. Standout tracks include "MARIJUANA" and "KUSHIE," highlighting Chad's experimental side in self-production. It exemplifies his growing post-label affiliation. INDICA, released independently on February 25, 2022, mirrors SATIVA with seven tracks focused on relaxation and deeper reflection, using mellow hip-hop beats. Tracks like "Lemon Cheese" and "Hash Blunt" with Pdot O continue the cannabis-inspired motif, showcasing Chad's full control over production and distribution. Psalm 23, an independent collaborative with Pdot O released on December 2, 2022, features 10 tracks drawing from spiritual and redemptive themes, blending hip-hop with introspective verses. Key contributions include joint production that highlights Chad's evolution to partnership-driven independent work. This discography illustrates Chad's transition from structured label releases to self-reliant projects, reflecting increased creative freedom and thematic maturity in South African hip-hop.

Notable singles and collaborations

Chad Da Don's debut single "Hola," featuring , marked his entry into the South African hip-hop scene in 2013, blending motswako influences with energetic flows. Released under Records, the track showcased his early versatility and helped establish connections within the industry, contributing to his initial fanbase growth through radio play and online buzz. In 2019, Chad Da Don featured on Jason Noah's "012," a high-energy collaboration that highlighted his ability to adapt to amapiano-infused hip-hop rhythms, achieving notable traction with over 247,000 views and reinforcing his presence in Pretoria's music circles. This single exemplified his shift toward more collaborative projects post-label, aiding in expanding his audience beyond traditional rap listeners. More recent standalone releases include "Cat Fish" with Money Mike S.A. in 2024, a gritty track addressing street hustles that amassed over 150,000 views shortly after release, underscoring Chad Da Don's enduring relevance in contemporary South African trap scenes. Similarly, "Machangane Bag 2.0" featuring OG Lead in 2025 delivered a remix-style banger with club appeal, produced by BlackTears SA, which quickly gained momentum on streaming services and for its infectious hook. "Keng Kang" featuring Taminology and G-TECH 2bit, released in 2024, further demonstrated his collaborative versatility in hip-hop. Among his standout collaborations, "Wasted" with Locnville in 2014 fused hip-hop with electro-pop elements, reaching wider audiences through its feature on the U.S. TV show Lucifer (episode 213) and accumulating over 165,000 total views, which boosted Chad Da Don's international exposure early in his career. The 2014 feature on Fistaz Mixwell's "Alone" alongside Riky Rick and Anatii further solidified his collaborative prowess, with the track's introspective lyrics earning praise for uniting top-tier South African talents and contributing to over 4 million combined streams across platforms. Chad Da Don has also released distinct EPs that function as standalone projects, such as the 2018 Ducking Problems (8 tracks) featuring artists like and Kid X, and the 2021 Matthew 22:14 with Pdot O, a seven-track effort exploring personal growth and resilience, featuring guests like RAS and E-JayCPT, which streamed steadily and highlighted his production skills in building thematic narratives. These non-album releases and features have played a pivotal role in sustaining his fanbase, with cumulative streams exceeding millions and fostering a reputation for authentic, cross-genre partnerships in South African hip-hop.

References

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