Yvonne Chaka Chaka

With over 16 award-winning albums, a string of gold and platinum hits and a SAMA victory for Best Female Singer, Yvonne Chaka Chaka has rightfully earned her title as the Princess of Africa. She has worked with some of the best and most respected musicians and producers in the industry, such as Sello 'Chicco' Twala, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse and Gabi Le Roux and has become a household name across Africa. Her dazzling career path has seen her perform for Nelson Mandela’s 85th birthday party and meet the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and Oprah Winfrey.

Chaka Chaka was born in Dobsonville in Soweto and became the first black child to appear on South African television when in 1981 Sugar Shack, a talent show, introduced her to the South African public. She started singing at 19 in 1985 when Phil Hollis of Dephon Records discovered her in Johannesburg and shortly after, released her debut album I’m in Love With a DJ, which sold and incredible 35,000 copies. Hits such as I'm Burning Up, I Cry for Freedom, Makoti, Motherland and the ever-popular, Umqombothi immediately ensured Chaka Chaka's status as a star on South Africa's Mbaqanga music scene.

Chaka Chaka's award-winning 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 (TikoRahini), Power of Afrika, Yvonne and Friends and Kwenzenjani, all of which have been top-sellers during her illustrious career.

In addition to a prosperous performance career, Chaka Chaka has two diplomas from the University of South Africa, one in Adult Education, another in Local Government, Management and Administration. She also studied Speech and Drama at Trinity College, London, qualifying in 1997. She teaches literacy part time at the University of South Africa, sits on several boards of charitable organisations and NGOs, and serves on the board of the Johannesburg Tourism Company.  She has her own music label and production company and together with her husband, Dr Mandlalele Mhinga, owns a limousine company.