Chaka Chaka Yvonne
- Yvonne performing
Yvonne Chaka Chaka, known as the "Princess of Africa", was born in 1965 in Dobsonville, Soweto. Yvonne comes from a very strong family with a background of music. She describes her father as a great musician who never realized his dream. Yvonne's mother raised three daughters with an income of R40 a month. Her father died when she was eleven years old.
In 1981, Yvonne became the first Black child to appear on South African television on a talent show called "Sugar Shack". That show introduced her to the South African public.
She was only 19 years old in 1985 when she started her singing career. She was spotted by Phil Hollis of Dephon Records in Johannesburg. Her first album was "I'm in Love With a DJ". That album sold 35,000 copies. With her second album called "Umqombothi" she automatically became a South African star of Mbaqanga music. Since then she released hit after hit. Her award winning albums include "Burning Up", "Sangoma", "Who's The Boss", "Motherland", " Be Proud to be African", "Thank You Mr DJ", "Back on my Feet", "Rhythm of Life", "Who's got the Power", "Bombani ( Tiko Rahini), "Power of Afrika", "Yvonne and Friends" and "Kwenzenjani".
Yvonne has performed all over Africa. She has performed for luminary figures such as Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II and Oprah Winfrey. Yvonne holds two diplomas from the University of South Africa, one in Adult Education and another in Local Government, Management and Administration. She also studied speech and drama at Trinity College, London.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka owns a music label and her own production company. In addition to her music business, she and her husband, Dr Mandlalele Mhinga, also own a limousine company. She is the mother to three boys.
She teaches literacy part time at the University of South Africa. She sits on several boards of charity organisations and NGOs. She is also involved with the board of the Johannesburg Tourism Company. Miriam Makeba says that "She's my baby!", Hugh Masekela describes Yvonne as "my mad niece", and legends Dolly Rathebe and Dorothy Masuka describe Yvonne's music as "something that all should listen to".
Interesting Facts about Yvonne Chaka-Chaka
Yvonne is a Chairperson for the Shoprite Checkers/ SABC2 women of the year award. She is a business women. She is also a dedicated charity worker. She is one of South Africa and the continent's most successful artists. She is a beneficiary of the grand prix pan African de la chanson and Ngoma Awards in Zaire. Yvonne Chaka Chaka is also a patron of the Giving and Sharing project, a campaign of "indigenous giving and philanthropy". She is involved in a selection of fundraising and benefit causes, notably the Orlando Children's Home, and HIV work. She is also Unicef's goodwill ambassador for malaria since November 2006.
In 2006 she took on the role of chairperson at Gestetner Tshwane. She took the role as part of a R9-million black economic empowerment partnership with Chaka Chaka Investments having a 74,9 percent share in the company. Yvonne has launched her own foundation: The Princess of Africa Foundation. She has also become a member of the True Class Motor Holdings - Mercedes Benz in February 2007. She was also appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for Roll Back Malaria, a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Recent facts:
The Most Influential Women in Business and Government
Yvonne has won the Most Influential Women in Business and Government 2009 award for the Arts and Culture sector on the 31st July 2009.
MANDELA DAY
Yvonne perfomed at the first 'MANDELA DAY' Concert in Madison Square Garden, New York on July 18, 2009.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Yvonne Chaka Chaka invited by the Melinda and Bill Gates foundation to be one of the Champions in the 2010 initiative to combat Malaria - More info coming soon.
2009 MTN South African Music Awards - Lifetime Achiever award
Yvonne Chaka Chaka receives a Lifetime Achiever Award.
Nollywood Movie
Yvonne is back from Nigeria for a Nollywood Movie shoot.
Tanzania
Yvonne Chaka Chaka returns from Tanzania (The World Malaria Day) Read more.
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Callie Ashley
- Ashley Callie
Ashley Callie, 32 an Award-winning Isidingo star died on the 15 February 2008. Ashley died a week after a terrible car crash left her with serious head injuries. The time of tragedy happened when she was on her way home from the launch of the Pirelli calendar in Sandhurst, Sandton Johannesburg. Her smart car collided with a red Renault on the corner of 4th Avenue and Tana road at around 22:30 on the 8th February 2008.
Ashley was a South African best actress better known for her role as Leone Haines in Isidingo. She joined the drama series from 2000 to 2008. Besides being an actor Ashley was a co-owner of La Vista social club in Mellville, Johannesburg.
"It is with sincere regret that the Callie family confirms that Ashley passed away as a result of the head injuries she sustained in a car accident," her family said in a statement. "Ashley continues to live on in our hearts and minds."
Jack Devnarain, who plays Rajesh Kumar on the soapie, said it was difficult to think of an Isidingo cast without Callie. "This is such a hard thing to have to bear, "I can't imagine what her family have been through over this past week," he said."She really gave all of herself in her work and in her friendships."
Jeanne le Roux, the manager at the La Vista Club in Melville, which is partially owned by Callie, said that the staff was devastated by the soap star's death. "It is really sad, especially since we thought she would pull through," Le Roux said.
Isidingo's executive producer, Pumla Hopa, said the crew and cast of the popular soap opera were undergoing trauma counselling at the studio yesterday afternoon after hearing the news. "I'm shocked, I can't think of the words to express my condolences to Ashley's family and friends at this difficult time. I'm sorry, I can't be very expressive at this time, words fail me," Hopa said.
Soapie storylines are shot four weeks in advance, so viewers will still see Callie's character on screen for the next while. All South Africans are mourning for the loss of Ashley Callie. Ashley you will be remembered, we salute you.
Ashley Callie graduated with an honours degree in drama from Wits University. In 2006 Ashley won the SAFTA (South African Film and Television Awards). This is the award for best actress. Long live Ashley long live!!
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