Chaka Chaka To Star In 'Motherland Tour'

Staff Writer | Monday June 28, 2010 00:00

 

The project is also meant to pay tribute to African women who are leaders in their communities in the battle against malaria, HIV/AIDS and poverty.

Speaking during a press briefing at Botswanacraft on Friday, Manager and son of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Themba Chaka Chaka, explained that 'Motherland Tour' is the muso's way of thanking her fans for the continued support that saw her enjoying success for 25 years in the music industry.

'In celebrating, she wants to give back to the community,' Themba said.

Themba noted that part of the proceeds from the tour will go towards the fight against malaria, adding that the tour is part of his mother's continued efforts in the battle against the disease. Chaka Chaka is UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador against malaria, and also ambassador for Roll-Back Malaria, which is sponsored by the World Bank, United Nations (UN), World Health Organisation (WHO) and other institutions. Chaka Chaka tirelessly campaigns for medications and mosquito nets to help end malaria, which claims about 3 000 lives in Africa everyday.

The concert, which is organised by a local based company, Eyedeas, will feature Botswana's Kgotla and Kabo Leburu, and popular South African musician Johnny Mokhale of Lerato Ka Mogala fame, who has won the hearts of many people in both countries.

Chaka Chaka has produced a number of hits appreciated not only in South Africa, but also across the continent and beyond. She is one of the few African musicians who have performed in many countries around the globe. Her hits included Burning Up, I'm In Love With A DJ, I Cry For Freedom, Makoti, Motherland, Be Proud To Be African, Thank You Mr DJ, Bombani, Umqombothi, which featured in the opening scene of Hotel Rwanda.

Chaka Chaka has a total of 20 albums to her name and has shared the stage with heavyweights in the music industry like Bono, Angelique Kidjo, Annie Lennox, Youssou N'Dour, classic rock band Queen, and South African legends Johnny Glegg, Miriam Makeba, and Hugh Masekela.

The tour will include a gala dinner at Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) on August 13.