Singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka, popularly known as the “Princess of Africa”, says she does not regard herself as a celebrity but as a mere citizen.
Speaking to Sunday World this week, Chaka Chaka said she stays relevant and consistent because she has always had older and younger people to learn from.
“When I see the public, I see people who have made me. My experience has taught me that a human being has to be valued and the world has to be respected,” said Chaka Chaka.
“If we do not deviate from the principles taught to us as young people, Ubuntu will also carry us to peace and love.”
Legends and Legacy award
Next month Chaka Chaka will be honoured with the Legends and Legacy Ball Africa Main Honouree Award. This will be presented at the Legends and Legacy Ball Africa Awards.
The awards are scheduled to take place on July 13 at the Sandton Convention Centre. Chaka Chaka was chosen particularly for her work in the arts industry. World renowned Congolese singer-songwriter, dancer, and “King of Ndombolo” Kofi Olomode will be performing specifically for her.
Speaking about the award, she said she was very humbled and excited at the same time.
“I have always been saying that I do work to my best ability without anticipating accolades and recognition. However, when the honour comes, I appreciate them at heart.
“Because it means that your role is being appreciated and making a little difference. We came to this world for a God-assigned mission. He gave me his free oxygen to serve his people one way or another.”
Continues to fight for artists’ rights
Chaka Chaka said she is advocating for the government to level the playing field. This for artists to work in an environment that doesn’t suppress any form of their creativity.
She said this is the reason she had written a letter to the president. In it she is discouraging him from signing the Copyright Amendment Bill. She said signing it will open up the free use of artists’ work.
Growing up under oppression in Soweto was bad. But they had great musicians like Mirriam Makeba, Letta Mbuli and Caiphus Semenya and Dorothy Masuku. They all stood up in arms and used their songs to oppose apartheid.
“We found a voice in them and these are the people who created timeless and thoughtful songs. Alongside Bra Hugh [Masekela] and the Mahotella Queens, who took our sound to the international community. These people are a definition of what I regard as legends.”
