Legendary South African singer and songwriter, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, has shared inspiring advice for young and up -and- coming musicians, urging them to stay determined and take lessons from the greats who paved the way in the music industry.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Umqombothi hitmaker emphasised the importance of resilience and learning from legendary figures like Brenda Fassie and Miriam Makeba.
“I want to say to a young Yvonne or a young Becca if you are there, is that never despair. We are all here for a reason and there is only one Yvonne and there is only one Brenda Fassie, but we can learn from that and those people who came before us, those who laid the platform for us.
“There is one Miriam Makeba and there is never going to be another one. There is one Kojo Antwi. So, for me to the young people, never despair,” she stated.
The legend added that the music landscape has evolved with the rise of social media, offering young artists an unprecedented opportunity for exposure.
She encouraged them to make the most of it and embrace the potential for collaboration across the continent.
“Things have changed now really and I think it is for the better. Because there is social media and you can expose yourself.
“With the question you asked me, how do I feel when my music is being played outside in South Africa during apartheid, but it happened.
“Now there are collaborations, variation; young Nigerians, young Ghanaians who can collaborate with South African music and put everything out there on social media and expose yourself,” she stated.
