Blessing Annatoria Biography
Annatoria, born Blessing Annatoria Chitapa, is a Zimbabwean-born gospel and R&B singer based in England who won the ninth series of The Voice UK.
| Birth Name | Blessing Annatoria Chitapa |
|---|---|
| Born | March 20, 2002 (Age 24 Years) |
| Place of Birth | Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Genres | Pop, R&B, Gospel, Afrobeat |
| Years Active | 2020 - present |
| Known For | Winner of The Voice UK (Series 9, 2020) |
| Parents | Cleophas (father), Sarita (mother) |
| Siblings | Dawn (brother), Sharon (sister) |
| Education | The Kingswinford School, Dudley College |
Early Life and Education
Chitapa was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. At the age of seven, she relocated with her family to the United Kingdom, settling in Dudley, West Midlands. She attended The Kingswinford School and Dudley College. During her youth, she participated in local sports, including playing basketball for West Bromwich Albion at age 15. Raised in a Christian household, Chitapa sang in church from an early age, citing contemporary gospel artists such as Tasha Cobbs, Donnie McClurkin, and Kierra Sheard as musical influences.
Music Career
2020: The Voice UK
In 2020, Chitapa auditioned for the ninth series of The Voice UK. She selected singer Olly Murs as her mentor during the audition stage. She progressed through the competition rounds, performing tracks such as "I'd Rather Go Blind," "We Won't Move," and "Without You". In the final broadcast, she performed Robbie Williams' "Angels" and was declared the winner.
Following her victory, she signed a record contract with Island Records and released her cover of "Angels" as her debut single, which reached number 50 on the UK Singles Download Chart.
2021–Present: Debut Album and Independent Releases
On April 30, 2021, Chitapa released her debut studio album, Count My Blessings, through Universal Music / Island Records, becoming the youngest winner in the history of The Voice UK to release a full-length album. The project was recorded remotely during COVID-19 lockdowns with producer Rupert Christie and combined gospel, R&B and pop elements. Its lead single, an interpretation of Kirk Franklin's "I Smile" peaked at number 63 on the UK Singles Download Chart.
Later in 2021, Chitapa parted ways with Island Records. In March 2022, she independently released the single "Stay with Me". Continuing her career in gospel music, she was awarded Best Gospel Act at the MOBO Awards in February 2025.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Count My Blessings (Released: April 30, 2021; Label: Island / Universal)
Singles
- "Angels" (2020) – UK Singles Download Chart #50
- "I Smile" (2021) – UK Singles Download Chart #63
- "Stay with Me" (2022)
As of July 2026, Annatoria was ranked #7 on the list of most followed Zimbabweans on Instagram.