Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Yvonne Chaka Chaka, born Yvonne Mhinga, ranks among the earliest South African performers to reach audiences beyond national borders. Her continued appeal stems from catchy pop tunes, English-language lyrics aimed at younger listeners, and an appealing youthful persona. Having stepped away for an extended break to raise her four children, she has not yet resumed recording, yet anticipation builds worldwide for new work from the “princess from Africa.” Through her commanding alto, she played a key role in establishing bubblegum disco as the leading dance sound across South Africa during the 1980s and the first half of the 1990s. In partnership with producer Sello “Chicco” Twala, she released the 1984 chart success “I’m In Love With a D.J.” as her first single and then delivered a succession of gold- and platinum-certified tracks. She still oversees operations at Chaka Chaka Productions.