The legendary musician also speaks about Amapiano, his support for up-and-coming artists and more…
Ahead of her honor at the 2024 Legends and Legacy Ball Africa Music Awards, iconic musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka has opened up about her illustrious career spanning decades.
The legendary musician is among the esteemed musicians announced as winners of the prestigious award, which will be held next month on June 8.
Talk to CitizenMr. Chaka Chaka expressed his deep gratitude for this recognition and emphasized his deep love for Africa.
“Africa is my home and my goal is to ensure that those who follow in my footsteps can also achieve great things,” she said.
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Supporting emerging musicians
She said she started her music career when she was still young but encountered some problems.
“It was a challenge for me to enter the music world at a young age with no musical background. By the way, this was right after I graduated from high school.
“As a result, I signed bad contracts due to a lack of understanding of copyright and intellectual property rights. Rights are a big issue in the music industry. Ultimately, music and business go hand in hand, so I developed my knowledge of music and business in general.”
Using his experience, Chaka Chaka now collaborates with young artists and shares his knowledge.
“It's important to me to share knowledge with young artists so they don't repeat the mistakes that we made and cost us so much,” she said.
In 2015, Chaka Chaka established the Backing Vocalist and Session Musician Awards, the first ever award to recognize, recognise and celebrate backing vocalists and sessions.
The healing power of music
This year, she said, she plans to give background artists another chance to shine.
“This project is very close to my heart and a mission. This year, through our MusicEx initiative at the Gallagher Estate, we will be giving artists a platform to learn about the music industry.”
“Not only do industry experts engage with artists, but we also engage experts from all walks of life, including finance and tax. Industry experts team up to empower each other with necessary and effective knowledge.” she said.
Influenced by legendary artists such as Letta Mburu, Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, whose music became a powerful tool against apartheid, Chaka says she has found purpose in her music career.
She said her belief in music's power to heal and amplify the voices of marginalized people has been a guiding principle throughout her career.
Also read: South African music artists earned more than R250 million from streaming last year
Chaka Chaka talks about the evolution of the music industry
Reflecting on the evolution of the music industry, Chaka Chaka acknowledged the transformative power of new genres like amapiano.
She said she has watched with admiration as the genre continues to evolve, creating job opportunities and fostering a sense of cultural pride among its supporters.
“In the '80s, we were called bubblegum because people thought our music wouldn't last. To this day, our songs still shake the ground and I still play the classics everywhere I'm invited around the world.
“Then kwaito became very familiar to young people. They found a way to express their culture and lifestyle. Mandoza's “Uziyitola kanjani ulale ekhoneni'' is remembered in those days. This is one of the remaining hit songs. It's a song of encouragement.
“I was involved in the development of Amapiano. I witnessed the rise of some of my favorite genre stars such as Nkosazana Daughter, Aymos, and Eemoh. The genre is taking the world by storm and Amapiano is becoming more popular among young people. “It’s great to see them providing employment opportunities,” she said.
Advice for people who want to become musicians in the future
Chaka Chaka offers invaluable advice from her own illustrious career to aspiring musicians looking to follow in her footsteps. She stresses the importance of being authentic and staying true to your craft, as well as the need for aspiring artists to surround themselves with a supportive team that shares their interests and values.
“There's no one great path. Each path is unique. What I'm saying is be happy with your craft and don't try to be something you're not. Do it the right way. Please. In this game, it's essential to have a team that has your interests at heart.”
“I would also recommend having a mentor on your journey. I still learn every day from the people in my circle. It is a huge advantage for anyone given the opportunity to study and pursue academic activities.”
Leaving a Legacy
Chaka Chaka said he wanted to be remembered as someone who served his country and continent with passion and humility.
Furthermore, she added: “I am grateful for life and have lived it to the best of my ability. I have given my all to every opportunity that has been presented to me. I approach every approach and step in life with humility. I would like to be remembered as someone who emphasized the need for
“My intention is not to leave any legacy behind but to use my time now and give thanks to Almighty God. Life is for the living. When I am gone, it is over.”
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