She woke up to 125 messages, tons of calls from radio stations and her sons brought her flowers and pancakes.
Now she is in the car, making her way to the Egyptian embassy in Pretoria, where they are having a brunch in honor of her 57th birthday.
Later, she will go to the South African Gallery of Legends, where she will also be celebrated.
The Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, is being showered with love at a year old but just a number for her age.
He has no secret to aging like fine wine. “It’s all in the genes,” she tells Drum. But she thanks her late mother, whom she says never grows old.
“We all have different genes but I thank my mom that she passed away when she was 71. She had a great body and never got old,” says Yvonne .
Yvonne admires and looks up to veteran actress and singer Abigail Kubica. “She’s in her 80s but looks like a diamond, and she dresses regardless of her age. These are the people who inspire me, they take care of themselves and are aging gracefully.”
She advocates good treatment of the body.
“It is important to take care of yourself, your body is the temple of God. This is what God made you, It is important to take care of yourself, love yourself. In order for people to love and respect you, you have to be yourself first. need to be loved. Inner love and contentment are important. Don’t look at someone else and hate them for no reason, don’t envy them. God loves us all, look at someone and see the good in them, that Well come back to you,” Yvonne says.
She has been in the industry for over three decades and she attributes her longevity to the respect for her craft. He has worked hard to become the artist he is today.
“I put as much effort into my performance as I did in the beginning. I’m never late. It’s that grace and respect and not being complacent has got me where I am today,” says Yvonne.
The Umkombothy hitmaker believes that nobody owes him anything. “Whatever I do I do for those who love me, who come on my shows. That’s enough for me. My love and my work comes from people and that makes it easier for me to get up and do the work I’m called to do, and do it with love, whether it’s a fundraising or an event,” she shares. Is.
She has no plans to quit music and is still booked and busy. She is scheduled to perform in Botswana and Dubai in the coming months. “I go where I’m asked, I do what I love, where people want me to go.”
Her 36 years in the industry has taught her lessons including being financially savvy, but what she values most is the appreciation of her fans.
“36 years has been a great lesson with its ups and downs. I appreciate everyone who supported me, came to my shows, wrote about me, bought my music and encouraged me. It’s the support I get from people that propels me forward and I think sometimes we forget,” says Yvonne.
As a veteran singer, she has seen the industry change throughout the years and she says this generation is lucky. “There are so many platforms for the youth to expand their horizons and their talents.”
She notes that social media can also come with its disadvantages, but “if used properly, it’s a good thing,” Yvonne says.
She urges young artists to be flexible. “Staying in the limelight requires hard work and perseverance. Everyone has a reason to be here, whether you’re a writer, singer or songwriter. While others may criticize your work, some people will like your work.”
And when it comes to money, she advises artists, “Invest it, tomorrow can never be yours”. The multi-award winning singer says that throughout her years in the industry, she has never compared herself to anyone, instead, she learns.
“I don’t compare myself with anyone, and I don’t see anyone as a competition, no competition, everyone is here for a reason,” she says.
“Love your work, love the people who support you, whether your audience is small or large, love and respect them. Don’t compare yourself to anyone, learn from and respect them,” she Says further.
She is busy with new projects.
“I believe in trying and testing things and doing my research,” she says. She is also working on different business and income streams and has no intention of slowing down.
