On the grapevine

The latest on the grapevine is that one of South Africa’s musician and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, was last week in the country. Yvonne Chaka Chaka, known as the Princess of Africa, was recently spotted in Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts, in the western Province with the First Lady, Madam Jeannette Kagame to pay condolences to the victims of the earthquake. Talking to the victims, the singer promised to create awareness. “We are sorry about what happened to you. Many of you lost your beloved ones and property. We promise you to provide you with quality homes and schools.” Chaka Chaka who was last in the country in October, when Kigali City Council celebrated its 100th birthday, was on a three-day visit in the country to highlight the plight for earthquake. New video clip for Sgt. Kabera According to those in the know, Sgt. Robert Kabera’s new video clip is due to be launched March, 20. And the singer is to perform his new clip for his fans. We hear the venue of the gig is at Prime Holdings, entry fee will be Frw2000. Kabera, 29, released his first track in 1997. Later, in 2001, Kabera joined the Army Jazz Band, after realising that he would be better off performing as part of a group. Best known for his song ‘Kama Jeshi’ (‘Like a Soldier’) that is played frequently on Rwanda’s radio stations, Sgt. Kabera has captured the heart of the nation. He has also found fame, and finds himself likened to some of the most renowned artists of the country. To date, the singer, described as the ‘army vocalist’, has released 15 songs. He is soon to launch an album. Knight escapes to NY for survival As conditions in his home country, Rwanda went from tense to murderously chaotic in the mid-1990s; Stan Knight got hold to his music. D.J. Stan Knight, 27, who is well known for spinning records in Kigali’s clubs, hasn’t always had it so good. He is said to have been a refugee in Congo, Kenya and Uganda. Finally, he sneaked onto a cargo ship, concealing himself in a container that held clothing and electronics. When in February 1999, the ship arrived in New Jersey he had no idea which city it was, he emerged from his metal box malnourished and dazed after three months of hiding. A reliable source said Knight was later adopted by a dockworker, who took him to a Manhattan church. When he told the people there his story, they took him to Covenant House, where he was given food, and a place to bathe and sleep. Today, Knight maintains a smile on face and a looks forward to developing his music career. Ends