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Enable Javascript and Adobe Flash player in your browser to browse the full media gallery-00-00Yvonne Machaka Mhinga
Yvonne was born Yvonne Machaka and has been dubbed the 'Princess of Africa'. She was born in South West Town, popularly known as Soweto. Her style of music is Afro-pop and Mbaqanga.
She became the first Black child to appear on South African television through a talent show called 'Sugar Shack', in 1981.
She broke into the music scene as a teenager after singing in her church choir. In 1985, as a 19 years old, she was discovered by when Phil Hollis of Dephon Records in Johannesburg. With the help of record producers; Rick Wolfe and Attie Van Wyk, she released her debut album, I am in Love with a DJ, which became an instant hit. She went on to work with Sello Chicco Twala and Gabi LeRoux.
Her famous song 'Umqombothi was featured in the award-winning movie, Hotel Rwanda and she was one of the first South African musicians to break into the international limelight.
She is educated in Adult Education and Local Government Management and Administration from the University of South Africa (UNISA) where she has also taught literacy. She now runs her company, Chaka Chaka Productions and works for many non-governmental organizations. She also owns a limousine company together with her husband, Dr Mandlalele Mhinga, and serves on the board of the Johannesburg Tourism Company.
She released a new album in 2008 by the name 18/28. The numbers 18 and 28 relate to different things in her life.
Some of her popular songs include, Umbambe, Kana uchechema, From me to you, I'm winning (My dear love), Saphel'isizwe, Caught breaking the law, Bombani, I'm in Love With a Dj, I Cry for Freedom, Makoti, Thank You Mr. DJ, Let him go, Back on my Feet, Rhythm of Life, Baba Baxolele, Siphithipithi ,Let the Children Live, Why, Xivandlanyongeni, Siyanikhumbula, etc
Song lyrics
The Best of Yvonne Chaka Chaka (1995)
Motherland
Let him go
Who's got the power (1995)
Who's got the power
Thank you Mr. DJ (1998)
Umqombothi (African beer)
I'm burning up (1999)
I'm burning up
Email
, USD 3.95 only.
DEAR YVONNE,
FOR THE JOY THAT I DERIVE FROM YOUR TUNES I WILL LIKE YOU TO SEND ME ALMOST ALL YOUR LYRICS DIRECT INTO MY MAIL BOX MKAGBO@BOSS.LA
I LOVE YOU GREAT
YOUR ADMIRAL FRIEND'
MAURICE AGBO
FROM; GHANA
we want more Chaka Chaka, she rocks!
she is also very beautiful. she has everything, love everything about her
I stumbled across your music while surfing the internet. WOW! I will buying your CD's! Fabulous work.
Dan
Victoria, BC, Canada
I first heard Yvonne playing in the J-burg airport and was lured into the music shop by it. I immediately bought her CD and haven't stopped listening.
I've been moved by her songs, many without knowing what they mean, but I'm beginning to get interested in seeing translations. In particular, I'm trying to find a translation of "Kana Uchechema" Can anyone suggest where to go?
Bill
Portland, Maine
Oops. I just looked more carefully at the liner notes and found the translation for Kana Uchechema. So, I'm happy about that.
But is there anywhere with translations of the other ones? Bombani? Saphel 'izizwe?
if you could find the lyrics, we could help you with the translations. let us know if you find anything. will help you look myself
kindly submit your sweet music to me
I am one of the long time fans of you & Im hailing from East London , from the hey days of Chaka Chaka to this moment of Mrs Mhinga (Princess of africa). You are my inspiration to an extent hearing your voice, be it you are talking or singing as long its Yvonne perfect. I salute you mam, when I think of the time you entered the showbiz at young age where you could have lended on dragz and the like but you stayed focused and dermined till where you are today, it realy took a great stride.
You never stop being gorgeous, young looking and energetic lady. If I were to descibe you to somebody who has never seen or heard of you, I think I would be correct to say, Deligence, Determination, Principle, Business woman and a profesional, are the concepts that better describe you.
You realy deserve to be awarded, for being suchm a gud ambassador in many respects, Im certain that im not alone on this feeling, never stop the good work. Im looking forward to meeting with you out fo stage, if I happen to get an offer in Jozi next year as I was completing my B Econ degree, Ill make sure that I do meet my Heroin, the princess of africa Mrs Mhinga(Yvonne Chaka Chaka) and the mother of four boyz.
Mrs Mhinga?
From Wikipedia,
"Chaka Chaka owns a limousine company together with her husband, Dr Mandlalele Mhinga, has her own music label and her own production company. She teaches literacy part time at the University of South Africa, sits on several boards of charitable organisations and NGOs, and serves on the board of the Johannesburg Tourism Company."
Yvonne Chaka Chaka, now that name was much more cooler then Yvonne Mhinga but congrats to her :-)
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