We’ve all heard of the iconic South African singer who made the 90s African music scene a beautiful sight to behold. Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a phenomenal singer who was born in Soweto, South Africa, 58 years ago. You might know her as the Princess of Africa or as Chaka Chaka. Either way, you might want to sit back for a quick story. I think you’ll find this a rather interesting time of reminiscing what her early years were like, and what it felt like to hear her songs play on the radio
Chaka Chaka’s Early Life
Yvonne Chaka Chaka often describes herself as one of those people born with music in their blood. Her father was a musician who didn’t get to see his musical dreams come to life before he passed away. On the other hand, her mother was too busy being a single mum to try and chase a career in the music industry. Despite this, young Yvonne was sure of two things: firstly, she could sing, and secondly, nothing was going to stop her from following her dreams.
At an early age, Chaka Chaka was already singing in the choir and to whoever cared to listen. She was so talented that she made it to a popular talent show, Sugar Shack. This placed her as the first black child to appear on local South African television at the time. It also introduced her to the eagerly waiting South African audience who now began to look out for her. I’d say it was Yvonne’s way of telling the world “Look out for me, I’m coming.”
Yvonne’s Music
The first album Chaka Chaka released was called “I’m In Love With A DJ.” This was after she was discovered by Phil Hollis of Dephon Records. This album gave us the classic “Umqombothi”, one of my personal favorites. You might also recognize it from the opening scene of the iconic 2004 movie, “Hotel Rwanda”.
Subsequently, Chaka Chaka released about 14 albums between 1986 and 2006. One of the most iconic projects she worked on was “Thank You Mr. DJ” in 1987. I had to single it out due to the immediate wave of nostalgia that hit me as soon as I played it. “Thank you Mr. Dj for playing my song, thank you thank you, I’ve been waiting so long.”
Yvonne’s undeniable talent led her to share the stage with so many icons like Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, and Ari Lennox. She is known and loved by people of all races, tribes, and social statuses. Chaka Chaka even got to perform for so many iconic world leaders. This includes Queen Elizabeth II, US President Bill Clinton, and former South African President Thabo Mbeki. She has bagged so many awards and recognition during her career. Some notable recognitions include being named as Forbes’ 8th most powerful African and among the top 100 most influential women in the world.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka Now
Even though we don’t get much music from the iconic songstress these days, Chaka Chaka’s music catalog remains as green as ever. For a quick trip down to the early 90s and 2000s, a good Yvonne Chaka Chaka song will do the trick.
As she released less and less music, Yvonne began to show more interest in philanthropy and humanitarian services. She served as an ambassador for several causes. Causes such as fighting against AIDS, TB, and Malaria, the United Nations MDG Envoy for Africa. She is also an ambassador for Nelson Mandela’s campaign awareness for AIDS. In 2002, she became the face of First National Bank, and in 2006, The Princess of Africa foundation was born. This foundation focused on children’s rights protection all over Africa and beyond.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka might have retired from making music, but we still hear her voice loud and clear in so many other areas that matter. The icon has continued to use her voice and social status to serve Africans, and this makes her even more deserving of the title “Princess of Africa”.
Just because we can, let’s take a quick look at a Yvonne Chaka Chaka classic “Thank you, Mr. DJ.”