Yvonne Chaka Chaka

by Craig HarrisOne of the first South African artists to break through to the international stage, Yvonne Chaka Chaka (born: Yvonne Mhinga) continues to attract attention with her infectious pop melodies, youth-minded lyrics (mostly in English), and girlish charm. Although she has yet to return from a self-imposed hiatus to raise her four children, the world eagerly waits for a comeback of the "princess from Africa." With her powerful alto voice, Chaka Chaka helped to turn bubblegum disco into South Africa's dominant dance music of the 1980s and early '90s. Working with producer Sello "Chicco" Twala, she followed her 1984 hit debut single, "I'm In Love With a D.J.," with a string of gold and platinum hits. Chaka Chaka continues to run her company Chaka Chaka Productions.