Chaka Chaka’s enduring musical journey

Yvonne Chaka Chaka PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Yvonne Chaka Chaka PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

Yvonne Ntombizodwa Machaka also known as The Princess of Africa was born in Dobsonville in Soweto. She became the first Black child to appear on South African television, in 1981 "Sugar Shack", a popular, talent show, introduced her to the South African public.

Chaka Chaka started singing at the age of 19 in 1985 when Phil Hollis of Dephon Records discovered her. 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 music scene.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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