The release of Argui! [Get up] (2002), his first solo album, solidified his reputation in Cape Verde as a guitar virtuoso and an original, soulful songwriter, and its success forced Tcheka into music full time. In 2005 he entered the prestigious Radio France International Decouverte Musiques du Monde Competition held in Dakar, Senegal, and competed against some of the leading artists in contemporary African music. Needless to say, he returned home to Cape Verde with first prize and, finally, national and regional stardom.
Mwaka 2005 aliingia katika mashindano yenye sifa kubwa ya Radio France International Decouverte Musiques du Monde Competition yaliyofanyika Dakar, Senegal na kushindana na baadhi ya wasanii wanaoongoza katika Muziki wa kisasa wa Kiafrika. Kama ada, alirudi nyumbani Cape Verde na zawadi ya kwanza na mwishowe umaarufu wa kitaifa na wamataifa mengine.