GLOBAL ICON: YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA

A Legend, A Luminary, A Loved One

Editor: Leon Haasbroek

Photos by: Johan Venter

Make-up by: Denisha from SOMA

It’s rare to meet someone whose name not only echoes across the decades but is deeply stitched into the fabric of a continent’s story. Yvonne Chaka Chaka is one such name - a powerhouse voice, a mother to nations, and a beacon of African brilliance. For me, this story is deeply personal. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Ma Yvonne for over ten years, and in that time, our relationship has grown beyond the professional. From projects born in the heart of lockdown to shared dinners in her kitchen, I’ve witnessed firsthand the humility, fire, and faith that drive this extraordinary woman.

Born and raised in Dobsonville, Soweto, Yvonne’s earliest encounters with music were shaped by her father’s treasured vinyl collection - a living room filled with the sounds of Mahalia Jackson, Louis Armstrong, and other greats. She speaks of this musical immersion not as a calculated pursuit but as something that simply was. “I had the love of music without realising that one could actually do it,” she reflects. That love would soon ignite into purpose, though not without some drama - her first public performance saw her fleeing the stage in terror, only to be chased back by her manager who reminded her that “the people will beat us up.” Terrified, eyes shut tight, she sang.

But fate, as it often does, had grander plans. At the age of 19, a spontaneous detour changed the trajectory of her life forever. What began as a trip to apply for a scholarship led her to Dephon Records, where Phil Hollis handed her a lyric sheet, a cassette, and twenty rand note and in his words: “there’s my girl.” From that moment, the journey of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, The Princess of Africa, officially began.

Coming of age in apartheid-era South Africa, her voice carried not just melody, but message. Early songs were penned by others - including a young Afrikaner writer named Attie van Wyk - but Yvonne soon began writing her own songs that spoke to the realities of a country in turmoil. She never sought to be overtly political, but rather authentic. “When I write, I don’t write for myself. I write for the audience,” she explains. “You want to write about something that you have experienced… your everyday life.”

This sense of purpose extended beyond music. Rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu, her humanitarian work is not a brand but a way of life. Whether it was during COVID-19 when we worked together supporting SMMEs, or through her ongoing efforts in education, health, and social entrepreneurship, Yvonne has remained steadfast in using her platform to uplift others. “It was the right thing to do,” she says simply.

Her evolution is nothing short of iconic. From the Afrobeat-infused sounds of early African pop, shaped by legends like Fela Kuti and Miriam Makeba, to her own chart-topping tracks - she’s witnessed the genre’s rise and transform. And yet, she remains grounded, focused not on legacy, but on impact. “Life is for the living,” she says with characteristic pragmatism. “When I’m gone, I’m gone.”

Behind the scenes, Yvonne has always worn multiple hats: an artist, mother, entrepreneur, teacher and humanitarian. Her business acumen emerged early; while her siblings enjoyed the oranges their father bought them, she was selling hers, and even theirs when they weren’t looking. Today, her entrepreneurial spirit flourishes through ventures like Princess of Africa Haircare, her Chaka Chaka Homeware range carried by Woolworths, and Woman Radio, a space for bold young female voices.

Her reflections are full of grace and grit. She credits her support structure for helping her raise children while performing, bringing them on tour with their nanny in tow. She lists Miriam Makeba, Dorothy Masuka, and Mahalia Jackson as key influences. She beams as she recalls collaborations with the likes of Youssou N'Dour, Tshepo Tshola, and the late Hugh Masekela.

And when asked what she’d say to young artists hoping to follow in her footsteps? “Go for it! Never doubt yourself. There will always be naysayers. The pie is big enough for everyone - but that applies with hard work and dedication.”

As Ma Yvonne celebrates her 60th birthday and an extraordinary 40 years in the creative industry, I can only express the deepest gratitude. For the music. For the mentorship. For the moments - shared in boardrooms, behind microphones, and yes, in her kitchen.

God is indeed great – Yvonne Chaka Chaka