Super Woman: Chaka Chaka

Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a singer, entrepreneur and humanitarian. She was born in 1965; her father died when she was 11 and her mother, a domestic worker, brought up three daughters on her meager 40Rand (about Rwf2,950) a month salary. She started her music career in1985, at the age of 19 years, when she was discovered by two South African producers in Johannesburg. Shortly after, her debut album “I’m in Love with a DJ”, sold 35,000 copies, and the title track became an instant hit. Consequent songs like “Burning Up”, “Thank you Mr. DJ”, “Freedom”, and the ever-popular “Umqombothi” (“African Beer”), propelled Chaka Chaka to stardom. She also released several award winning albums that earned her the popular honor, “Princess of Africa.” Throughout her career Chaka Chaka has met people like Nelson Mandela (singing at his 85th birthday party), the Queen of England and Oprah Winfrey. She has been at the forefront of South Africa’s popular music for over 20 years. But whether she is performing for Kings and Queens, Presidents and First Ladies or corporate concerts; she always returns to those she loves –her fans and family of listeners in South African cities, townships and rural areas. Chaka Chaka owns a limousine company together with her husband, Dr Mandlalele Mhinga. She owns a music label and production company. She also teaches literacy part time at the University of South Africa, and sits on several boards of charitable organizations and NGOs. In July this year, Chaka Chaka was in Rwanda and performed at the AfricaSan 3 conference where she met Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame. Ends