10 Years, 10 Lessons: Cape Town singer-songwriter Chad Saaiman shares insights from his journey

Chad Saaiman is a Sama-nominated artist, radio host, entrepreneur and proud Capetonian, whose impact goes beyond performing.

With over 15 years in music and entertainment, Saaiman's story is one of growth and inspiring others, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Starting in Mitchells Plain and rising to fame, his story is one of resilience, passion and a drive to keep growing. In a heartfelt Facebook post that went viral, he shared important lessons from the past decade, hoping to inspire anyone searching for purpose.

“Ten. Since the beginning of 2025, I’ve had a strong sense that this year is significant, with an underlying feeling of things coming full circle. It then occurred to me that it’s been 10 years since I returned to CPT, after a 4-year stretch in JHB.”

But rewind further. Before the music milestones and management wins, there was survival.

“Most of you may know that it didn’t start well, being shot in a botched hijacking in 2011. With the bullet going through five organs and almost losing my life, it wasn’t my time.

"God’s had another plan for me. The blessing of life and a perspective that will always stay with me as I wake up, how I show up, and what I stand for, each and every day.”

Read that again! Five organs. A second chance. A recalibrated life.

The trauma of that experience shaped the foundation of his life, grounding him in gratitude and purpose.

“We've lost so many of our brothers who came up together during that period. May your souls rest in peace. (Kiernan, Tibz, Dimples, Riky, Deelan, Warras and more. The lessons learnt and that period of my life will always add to the foundation of how I move.”

Ten years on, this man is not just a performer but a builder of dreams. As the managing director of Stereotype Talent Management, he’s turned setbacks into stepping stones.

“Running a business and learning through failure, trial and error is not for the faint-hearted,” he admits. “But it’s one of the best things I could’ve done: ownership.”

At the height of the pandemic, Saaiman faced the daunting reality of scaling back his operations. “Covid shut us down,” he says candidly. But rather than give in, he refocused his energy on growing @theblackties_sa, a private events powerhouse, while expanding into technical and sound services.

“Every year is stronger than the previous. Growth is compounding, and gains are marginal. Some would call me conservative in my approach, but I believe in stacking the days, maintaining excellence, and always learning.”

“I get to sing, perform, host a lunchtime radio show in the city, work with brands, mentor, consult for entertainment companies, run a successful business, still write and release music, and be a husband, father, brother, son, and friend to those I love,” he shares.

In his reflective post, Saaiman, who co-hosts "The Lunch Club" on Good Hope FM. also dropped a list of 10 lessons he’s learned over the past decade. Equal parts insightful and practical, these lessons offer a roadmap for navigating life’s highs and lows.

10 Lessons in 10 years

1. “Your choice in life partner will be one of the greatest decisions you’ll make.”

A reminder that love and support from the right partner can be life-changing.

2. “Understanding the difference between having time and having capacity will improve your mental well-being.” Time management isn’t enough; knowing your limits is key.

3. “Keep younger AND older people in your circle; there are great lessons on both sides.”

Wisdom is everywhere, if you’re open to it.

4. “The one who responds first often lands the opportunity.”

Initiative and timeliness can make all the difference.

5. “Your legacy doesn’t only live in your work; it lives in your impact and how you lived your life and treated others.”

True success is measured by the lives you touch.

6. “Family and friends who become family over everything. Call them as regularly as possible.”

Stay connected to the people who matter most.

7. “It’s really okay to not have an opinion on something you don’t understand. Ask questions, listen, and learn.”

Humility and curiosity go hand in hand.

8. “Never debate on text, if possible. Never respond immediately when angry. Write it in your notes and revise later.”

Words have power; use them wisely.

9. “Discerning between what is personal and what is just business/feedback/critique will give you clarity.”

Separating emotions from decisions leads to growth.

10. “‘Love Actually’ is not a movie for kids.”

A lighthearted reminder that some lessons are better learned the hard way.