Music star Yvonne Chaka Chaka was born in Dobsonville, Soweto, South Africa, in 1965. She was brought up amongst three sisters by her parents, Puti and Sophie Machaka.
Yvonne is a jack of all trades. She’s an entrepreneur, a songwriter, a mother, a humanitarian, and a performing artist who has received international attention. In fact, she’s as well referred to as the Princess of Africa. The talented songstress has been in the music scene for quite long but she manages to keep her youthful look. Yvonne Chaka Chaka, a mother of 4 sons is the most inspiring musicians most of us have come across since childhood. She got married to Mandlalele Mhinga a medical doctor in 1989 and her family life is amazing judging from what she had to say in an interview, “My husband keeps me young. He allows me to be myself and also gives me the freedom to do all the things that I love to do.’’ Aside from her music career, this talented artist runs her charity organization dubbed Princess of African Foundation, which lobbies for children’s rights.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka fame
This songstress is popular for her hits like Umqombothi which was used in the opening scene of Hollywood blockbuster hotel Rwanda, the 1987 hit Thank you Mr. DJ, and I’m in love with a DJ.
At 54 years old, Yvonne Chaka Chaka maintains a youthful look not common to most of her age-mates. Nonetheless, she has made it open that when old age hits she will not fight it but embrace it with her whole heart. “I am not going to dye my hair grey. I love it. It shows that I have lived. I travel around the world and see children dying at the age of five, so I am grateful for my life, and I want to use it to help make a difference. I want to reach out and also help make a difference through my music. As long as there is something to fight for, I will not retire or shy away.’
The amazing musician accepts the fact that as she ages she’s losing friends. Her major concern is to leave a legacy that will make her be remembered once she’s gone. In as much as she’s living to the fullest, Yvonne doesn’t fear death either. “I don’t worry much about death. When I was younger I was scared and could not even mention it, now I don’t care. Life is for the living. If I was to die today, I’d be gone. I don’t worry because maybe I’ll be in a better place. Here you worry about crime and poverty, but when you’re dead you’re dead. There’s none of that worry.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka uses her music talent to mentor the young generation to work hard towards their goals without focusing much on the challenges. She even mentored songstress Zahara upon request by Ma Winnie Mandela. As they say old is gold, Yvonne’s music evokes some beautiful childhood memories to her fans. She is ready to further her music career regardless of her age. In as much as the young generations are producing new music, Yvonne’s hits remain great to the African and large global audiences.
Indeed the South African music industry is going places with such an amazing soul.
