To Brighten Your Day ~ Yvonne Chaka Chaka

[Molly53]

Yvonne Chaka Chaka: A musical icon

Mention the name Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and people are likely to think of songs like ‘Umqombothi’ (featured in the opening scene of the 2004 movie ‘Hotel Rwanda’, ‘I’m In Love With A DJ‘, and ‘I’m Burning Up’.

Popular across Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka was the initial introduction for many people to contemporary South African music. Her infectious songs, full of celebration and energy, were played in several African nightclubs, making her a household name all over Africa.

Chaka Chaka was the first black South African child to appear on television when she appeared on a talent show called ‘Sugar Shack‘, in 1981. Her debut album, ‘I’m in Love With A DJ’, sold 35000 copies. Launched firmly into the music limelight, she continued to make award-winning albums including ‘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’.

An astute businesswoman, she also runs a limousine company with her husband, has a music label, a production company, and teaches part time at the University of South Africa. Chaka Chaka also sits on several boards of charitable organizations and NGOs, and serves on the board of the Johannesburg Tourism Company.
Written by Shirlene Alusa-Brown

[Zurie]

Molly, you're a star. I would never have thought of Yvonne, or to post about her here!

(As you can see, no matter what you try, the forum is d-e-a-d .... )

Thank you for posting that! She is adored in this country.

[Molly53]

The music is so chipper and cheerful, isn't it?

Are there any more gems people outside of Africa might not be aware of?

[Zurie]

Yes. Johnny Clegg, AKA "The White Zulu". He and his singers, etc. are just wonderful.

Then there are white African singers such as David Kramer. He sings mostly in a kind of Capey Afrikaans (Cape Coloured lingo). Wonderful and funny, but you have to understand what he's singing about!!

[Molly53]

How funny! Clegg is one of my family names!

I've been told the name comes from an Old English or Saxon word for "horsefly".