Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter
SOUTH African superstar, Yvonne Chaka Chaka is set to join an ensemble of artistes from around both sides of the Limpopo who will belt out songs from Oliver Mtukudzi’s catalogue at this year’s Joy of Jazz festival, as part of a tribute to the late great Zimbabwean musician.
As it celebrates its silver jubilee, this year’s edition of the Joy of Jazz Festival will bring together 50 musicians from 10 countries, with a segment of the extravaganza dedicated to the celebration of Tuku and his music.
Chaka Chaka will be a part of that cast and alongside Mbeu, Mono Mukundu and Samantha Mtukudzi, she will attempt to bring Mtukudzi back to life, belting out some of Tuku’s greatest hits at the jazz extravaganza that will be staged over two nights on September 27 and 28 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The line-up for the 25th edition of the festival includes Grammy winner, Chris Botti, English trumpeter Matthew Halsall, Mzansi’s very own Feya Faku, US-based pianist Kenny Banks Jr, Cuban artist Chucho Valdés (seven-time Grammy winner), Japanese keyboardist Keiko Matsui and SA opera musician Sibongile Mngoma.
In an interview on Newsroom Afrika, Chaka Chaka said she felt honoured that the festival had given her a chance to perform two of Tuku’s tracks.
“I am also grateful to the Joy of Jazz for asking me to do two songs from Oliver Mtukudzi because they are also honouring him,” he said.
The decision to honour Tuku at this year’s fest is significant, as Tuku gave one of his last performances before his death at the 2018 edition of the festival. On that occasion, Tuku was hailed as the highlight of the entire extravaganza, with South African publication The Citizen writing that “it was the celebrated Zimbabwean singer, Oliver Dairai Mtukudzi who won the hearts of many at the Mbira venue of the convention centre.”
“We want more!” the crowd reportedly roared at the packed venue after a superb rendition of such songs as Chris Nani, Baba Wongororo and Neria.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Chaka Chaka revealed that Tuku was one of the few artistes who had convinced her to make new music over the last few years, with her collaboration with him and Hugh Masekela being one of the few times she had shared the studio with other artists over the last few years.
“I haven’t done any collaborations recently. My last CD was released in 2022 but recorded it in 2017 with Oliver Mtukudzi and Hugh Masekela. It was called Tapera. The original was recorded by Oliver so Uncle Hugh did his part and we all agreed that I would release my version at a later date. I have done collaborations with other artists, but I haven’t done much with younger artists,” she said.
While she might not have collaborated with a lot of young artistes, Chaka Chaka said she was always eager to open up new opportunities for them.
“I think we all have a reason to be here and I think every person here has a story to tell. Given that platform, one has to use it in a very correct manner. That doesn’t make me any better than anyone and I don’t take anything for granted, I always say as much as I had the inspiration to do great things if you don’t work hard and not use your platform correctly then you’re as good as nothing.
“For me, if you’re given a platform, use it correctly and when you succeed, take others with you. This is why when I travel, I always take young people with me because I learn from them and they also keep me young. The challenges that I have, are different from the challenges that young people have. So, it is important that when you’re given a platform, give others a place at the table as well,” she said.
Turning to the genesis of her career, Chaka Chaka said she had initially wanted to become a chartered accountant but became a singer by accident after impressing a music executive during an audition at the SABC.
“To tell you the truth, Mum wanted me to go and study law. I wanted to study accounting. I heard some talk about being a chartered accountant but you come from the township and your mother is a domestic worker. You don’t even know how you’re going to go to university. So, while I was going to Race Relations looking for a scholarship to go to university, I found myself at the SABC and that’s where I was introduced to Phil Hollis.
“They were looking for girls to sing the song I’m in love with a DJ and that’s how I was found. I never intended to be a musician. My mother would have never allowed that…while I took myself to university to study speech and drama at Trinity College in London, I thought there was no longevity in that kind of work. I guess I was afraid of failing and that’s why I pursued education as well because I didn’t think I would be in this industry for this long,” she said.