Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a South African singer from Gauteng, born in 1965 and raised in Dobsonville, Soweto. She becomes the first Black child to appear on South African television, and in 1981 the talent show Sugar Shack introduces her to a wider South African audience.

Early career and breakthrough

She begins singing in 1985, after Phil Hollis of Dephon Records discovers her in Johannesburg. Her debut album, I’m in Love With a DJ, sells 35,000 copies, and its title track becomes a hit. Other songs associated with her early success include I'm Burning Up, I Cry for Freedom, Makoti, Motherland and Umqombothi, which help establish her as a major figure in South African mbaqanga music.

Albums, labels and style

Chaka Chaka is associated with township bubblegum and mbaqanga. Her later albums include Burning Up, Sangoma, Who’s The Boss, Motherland, Be Proud to be African, Thank You Mr DJ, Back on my Feet, Rhythm of Life, Who's got the Power, Bombani (Tiko Rahini), Power of Afrika, Yvonne and Friends and Kwenzenjani. She also has her own music label and her own production company.

Education and other work

She holds two diplomas from the University of South Africa, in adult education and in local government, management and administration. She also studies speech and drama at Trinity College, London, and qualifies in 1997. Alongside her music career, she teaches literacy part time at the University of South Africa, serves on several boards of charitable organisations and NGOs, and sits on the board of the Johannesburg Tourism Company. She also owns a limousine company with her husband, Dr Mandlalele Mhinga.

Public profile and recognition

Over her career, Chaka Chaka performs for a wide range of audiences, including kings and queens, presidents and first ladies, and corporate events. She also meets figures such as Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II and Oprah Winfrey. Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Dolly Rathebe and Dorothy Masuka all speak highly of her music, and she is described as the “Princess of Africa”.