Yvonne humbled by BET award
Musician excited over recognition for humanitarian work
Internationally acclaimed musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka says she is humbled by her latest BET acknowledgement.
America’s Black Entertainment Television awards announced on Tuesday that Chaka Chaka, along with Somali-Canadian social activist Illwad Elman, would be honoured with the 2017 BET international global good star and power award.
According to a statement released by the organisers, this award honours “individuals championing endeavours to positively impact change and heighten awareness in different parts of the world”.
Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, Chaka Chaka said she was happy and humbled that her humanitarian work with the UN in various parts of the world was finally being recognised by an international music platform. Chaka Chaka has been a UN ambassador for the past 12 years.
“I got a call on Sunday to say we would like to talk to you about something and on Monday I got another call followed by an e-mail and then a letter… For me it’s humbling because of all the work I do,
“I just came back from Geneva. All this humanitarian work I do – I travel to New York, Washington, Uganda and Kenya – it’s quite humbling that while you’re busy doing what you think you have to do, someone else is watching,” she said.
The Soweto-born legend who is popular for her hits, which include Umqombothi and Thank You Mr DJ, said for her it was important for artists to use their fame well.
“It’s not all famous people who do good work but we all have a role to play and we are all important and there is something that we can get from each other.”
Chaka Chaka said she will attend the glamorous awards night at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles in the US on June 27.
For me it’s humbling because of all the work I do