IFGH Presenter: Ms. Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Yvonne Chaka Chaka is an internationally recognized and highly respected performing diva, entrepreneur and humanitarian. Dubbed the Princess of Africa,” Yvonne experienced a meteoric rise in 1984 as a music star of infectious pop melodies and dance music during the height of apartheid. Her inimitable and distinctive alto voice delivers personal messages woven throughout every song she’s written. With musical beats that span afro-traditional to a world sound, the power of the music equals the power of Yvonne’s clear social and spiritual advice.

As a young performer Yvonne was the first Black child to appear on South African television in 1981. Since then, she has shared the stage with megastars such as Bono, Angelique Kidjo, Annie Lennox, Youssou N’Dour, the classic rock band Queen and South Africans Johnny Clegg, Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela to name a few.

She has performed for HRM Queen Elizabeth, US President Bill Clinton, South African President Thabo Mbeki and a host of other world leaders. Considered a role model throughout the African continent, she has demonstrated compassion for others throughout her career. Yvonne has taught literacy in South Africa’s townships, promoted the rights of women, and as works to protect children everywhere. She is a Trustee of Tomorrow Trust, which educated orphans and vulnerable children. As UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador against malaria, and also Ambassador for Roll-Back Malaria (sponsored by the World Bank, United Nations, World Health Organization, and other institutions), Yvonne tirelessly campaigns for medications and bed nets that will help to end malaria — a preventable and curable disease that kills 3,000 people in Africa every day. Inspired by these statistics she created her own charity, the Princess of Africa Foundation.

Click on the links below to download her IFGH presentations.

Download

• Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Father Michael Kelly Lecture – Audio (19.42 MB)