Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s music career spans 22 years, during which she has recorded 20 albums. Dubbed the ‘Princess of Africa’ by her fans, Yvonne’s music strikes a chord in dwellings all over Mzansi, and she makes others’ lives melodious not only through her famous voice, but also by giving generously of herself to the various charities with which she’s involved.

It makes sense that this concordant style of being flows into Yvonne’s home life as well. Hearing that the first house she bought was not for her, but for her mother, Sophia Machaka, is no surprise. ‘My mother meant everything to me,’ Yvonne says. ‘As a child, I lived with her and my sisters in a room at the back of “the madam’s house”. I admired the house and always knew I wanted to buy one myself, so as soon as I got my first big paycheque in the mid-80s, I thought about getting my mother a new home. We were living in Dobsonville, Soweto, and being the proud and noble woman she was, Mama told me she wouldn’t move because the land meant too much to her – she owned the title deed, her husband had passed away there, and she had borne her children there.’

Of course, that didn’t dissuade the entrepreneurial Yvonne, who says: ‘I decided that if my mother wouldn’t leave the land, then I would build her a new house on the same spot.’ And that is exactly what she did. ‘All-in-all, it took about seven months and cost me around R90 000,’ she says. That was in 1986. In 1989, Yvonne married her husband, Dr Mandlalela ‘Tiny’ Mhinga, and it was time for this songbird to leave the nest. She says: ‘He already had a place in Kelvin and we could’ve just stayed there, but I wanted to start a new home.

‘I remember the day we found our house so clearly. We’d been driving around Kelvin looking at properties and weren’t happy with anything we saw. One must remember that in those days, being the late 80s, non-whites weren’t allowed in certain suburbs. We knew freedom was coming, though, because areas like Kelvin and Bryanston had opened up. It was five to five [4.55pm] and we were driving through Bryanston, when I noticed an open gate leading to a showhouse. Tiny and I drove in, and I just knew straightaway that I wanted the property.’

The property in question was a five-bedroom, five-bathroom home that sat on one-and-a-half acres of land. ‘[It] had an amazing skyline. I told Tiny, “I want this house right now!”’ She adds that to this day, the estate agent still laughs at how determined Yvonne was about getting her way with the property. She continues: ‘It was in excellent condition. We could have moved straight in, but there were a few things that I thought had to go.’ These included ‘really horrible green tiles in the kitchen, which we first replaced with white tiles and, more recently, with marble.’ They also added new red paving around the house and terracotta tiles at the pool. They built a tennis court on the grounds, although Yvonne admits that the family haven’t used it in years. ‘My husband used to be out with his racquet regularly and I used it to ride my bicycle on it,’ she says. ‘Now my boys have put up a basketball hoop and they play every once in a while. (Yvonne and Tiny have four sons: Ningi, Themba, Mfumu and Mandla.)

She says the house, which cost them around R690 000 in 1990, has ‘the most wonderful garden. I love colourful flowers – especially red ones and yellow ones – so it’s usually bursting with blooms. Walking amongst the trees is so calming. It’s a marvellous space for my three dogs and, of course, for my children. Although,’ she adds with a laugh, ‘when I notice things I don’t like I ask the gardener to sort them out for me – I’m more of an “in-doors” lady.’ Yvonne’s busy schedule includes travelling, so when she’s in Jo’burg she prefers to be home. ‘My space is lived in and is by no means a showhouse. There are always people milling about, and I am mad about entertaining. Tiny and I are both keen on flowers, so the house is always over flowing with colour and fragrance.’ Because of the large space, Yvonne built a threebedroom cottage for her helpers, and a cottage that doubles as her studio. ‘My children laugh at me when I get dressed and tell them I’m off to the office,’ she says.

Yvonne says she’s happy to still be living in the same home after 18 years, although she does sometimes have an urge to develop the land because ‘it’s the thing to do’. She adds, laughing: ‘Tiny and the children are having none of it, though. It must be because they’re all male!’ As for her immediate plans, Yvonne says: ‘Winter is coming and it’s a quiet season for performers. I think I’m going to head off to London this July. I like to get away – it always makes me realise how wonderful home really is.’

ZAR VISIONARY OF THE WEEK: YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA

We all know the music of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, whether we realise it or not. Her enduring beauty, talent, hard work and integrity have earned her the title of “Queen of Africa”, which she undoubtedly is.

This being mother’s day, ZAR pays tribute to a woman who gives all the praise for her success to her mother, a domestic worker from Dobsonville in Soweto, who raised three children on a meagre salary during the toughest years of apartheid. This was after Yvonne’s father died when she was only eleven.

Yvonne is herself a mother, but some of her children are the enduring musical hits that she has gifted our motherland: “I’m Burning Up”, “Thank You Mister DJ”, “I Cry for Freedom”, “Makoti”, “Motherland” and the massive internationally-known hit “Umqombothi”, the opening track from the film Hotel Rwanda.

She has two Unisa Diplomas in adult education, and another in local government, management and administration. She also has a diploma in speech and drama from the best university worldwide to offer such a course, Trinity College in London.

She uses what she has learnt, as she owns a limousine company with her husband, owns her music label and her production company and teaches literacy part time at UNISA. She sits on several boards of charitable organisations and NGOs, and serves on the board of the Johannesburg Tourism Company.

paigner for women’s and children’s rights, ZAR salutes this visionary, a true mother of Africa.

A tireless cam

Based in Johannesburg

Yvonne Chaka Chaka is commonly known as the Princess of Africa-- her instantly recognisable name at the forefront of South African music is synonymous with her catchy tunes, compelling performances and a versatility of style.

Her successful career has spawned more than 16 albums and a string of gold and platinum hits both locally and in the rest of Africa and award- winning albums including a SAMA Award for Best Female Singer. She’s 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.

Chaka Chaka was born in Dobsonville in Soweto. She became the first Black child to appear on South African television. 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. Shortly after, her debut album "I’m in Love With a DJ", sold 35,000 copies, and the title track became an instant hit. Songs like "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 had it tough growing up. Her father died when she was 11 and her mother, a domestic worker, brought up three daughters on her meagre R40 a month salary. But Yvonne persisted, and 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.

Releasing hit after hit, Chaka Chaka's subsequent 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 ( Tiko Rahini), "Power of Afrika", "Yvonne and Friends" and "Kwenzenjani".

Chaka Chaka owns a limousine company together with her husband, Dr Mandlalele Mhinga, has her own music label and her own production company. 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.

Throughout her illustrious career Yvonne has met people like Nelson Mandela (singing at his 85th birthday party), the Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Oprah Winfrey.

Chaka Chaka's continuing legacy as "Princess of Africa" is a testament to her connection to everyday people as well as royalty. Whether she is performing for Kings and Queens, Presidents and First Ladies or corporate concerts; she always returns to those she loves - her fans and family of listeners in South African cities, townships and rural areas. "Mama Africa", Miriam Makeba describes her as "She’s my baby!", Hugh Masekela adds that Yvonne is "my mad niece". Legends Dolly Rathebe and Dorothy Masuka describe Yvonne's music as "something that all should listen to".

When asked who she admired most, Chaka Chaka said "My mother because she has always been there for me. My mother raised three daughters single-handedly on a domestic workers salary. That took great courage and strength. She is my mentor and hero. When I was born in 1965 in Soweto, it was during apartheid, and those were extremely difficult times. My dad was a great musician who could never realize his dream. He died when I was 11 years old. I inherited my talent from both parents, so music has always been in my blood. When I was little I would strum an empty tin and blow into a broom stick pretending it was a microphone. I sang in church choirs. I loved singing. I am blessed that I achieved my destiny, and been able to accomplish what my father could not."

YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA - THANK YOU MR DJ FOR PLAYING MY SONGS

Yvonne Chaka Chaka-Africa's music diva

Yvonne Machaka aka Yvonne Chaka Chaka is an internationally recognized and highly respected Princess of Africa, performing diva, entrepreneur, and humanitarian.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka was born in 1965 Dobsonville in Soweto. Yvonne Chaka Chaka grew up in a humble family. Her father passed away when she was 11. Her Mother became the sole provider and struggled to bring three daughters with the little income she made as a domestic worker.
When asked who she admired most, Chaka Chaka said "My mother because she has always been there for me. My mother raised three daughters single-handedly on a domestic worker's salary. That took great courage and strength. She is my mentor and hero. When I was born in 1965 in Soweto, it was during apartheid, and those were extremely difficult times. My dad was a great musician who could never realize his dream. He died when I was 11 years old. I inherited my talent from both parents, so music has always been in my blood. When I was little I would strum an empty tin and blow into a broom stick pretending it was a microphone. I sang in church choirs. I loved singing. I am blessed that I achieved my destiny, and been able to accomplish what my father could not."

Yvonne 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.

Dubbed the "Princess of Africa", Yvonne Chaka Chaka has been at the forefront of South African popular music for 20 years. Some of her most famous songs include "I'm Burning Up", "I'm in Love With a DJ", "I Cry for Freedom", "Makoti", "Motherland" and the ever-popular "Umqombothi" ("African Beer"). Yvonne has won numerous awards and accolades and graced various magazines. She has shared the stage with megastars such as Bono, Youssou N'Dour , the classic rock band Queen, and South Africans Johnny Clegg, Miriam Makeba, and Hugh Masekela, to name a few. Yvonne has performed for HRM Queen Elizabeth, US President Bill Clinton, South African President Thabo Mbeki, and a host of other world leaders. As a young performer Yvonne was the first Black child to appear on South African television in 1981.

In 1989 she created her own company, Chaka Chaka Promotions. In 1995 she created her own music label, Chaka Chaka Music. Since then every album Yvonne has released has been on her own label. She has two diplomas from the University of South Africa, one in adult education, another in local government, management and administration. Her business ventures include companies in the Information Technology sector; Energy and Minerals sectors; Human Resource Development focused on adult training; and Sandown Motors, a luxury motor vehicle retailer . Yvonne's energy and enthusiasm is boundless. She has become a hero and mentor to others, a willing warrior and agent for change in enormous proportions. Considered a role model throughout the African continent, she has demonstrated compassion for others throughout her career.

Yvonne actively promotes the rights of women, and the protection of Children. She is a Trustee of Tomorrow Trust, which educated orphans and vulnerable children. Yvonne Chaka Chaka is also UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador against malaria, and also Ambassador for Roll-Back Malaria (sponsored by the World Bank, United Nations, World Health Organization, and other institutions). She also founded and runs her own charity the Princess of Africa Foundation.

One of her favourite male mentor and father figure is Nelson Mandela. Mandela who fondly refers to Yvonne as his dear daughter once stated, “It is what we make of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another. Yvonne, you are a testament to my belief. You have made all of South Africa proud to claim you as a national icon. You have motivated millions of women and men on our continent. Your generosity has benefited untold numbers of families and orphans facing the challenges of AIDS, terminal illness, abuse, poverty, and illiteracy. I know you will always make your indelible mark wherever you go, and with what ever you do. There is no stopping you! You will always be my Princess of Africa.”

Yvonne Chaka Chaka with husband and family

The men in her life

Yvonne Chaka Chaka with hubby Dr Mandlalele Mhinga

Her philosophy is, “When we are born we come with nothing. And when we die, we die with nothing. So every day I wake up and say, ‘God thank you for the life that you have given me. I take nothing for granted. I love living, I love life, and I live it to the fullest.'”

In Greek legend the goddess Clytemnestra said, “We are the instruments of Heaven. Our work is not design, but destiny.” African icon Yvonne Chaka Chaka is living her destiny, and those who understand her message are enriched by it.

YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA MUSIC VIDEOS