The tragic story that inspired Chaka Chaka to give back
Yvonne Chaka Chaka has embodied her title Princess of Africa in both music and in real life‚ which she said was motivated by the death of a friend.
The iconic musician had the honour of representing the New Partnership for Africa’s Development at the recent 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York‚ where she spoke about TB and other health issues.
Chaka Chaka expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to attend the meeting and recounted how the death of one of her friends‚ who contracted malaria and died after being misdiagnosed‚ had led to her mission to learn more about the disease and educate others.
“In 2004‚ when I went to Gabon, one of my musicians‚ Phumzile Ntuli‚ contracted malaria,” the singer said.
“When we came back to South Africa‚ she was misdiagnosed and she [died].
“That is what prompted me to want to do what I do today.”
Chaka Chaka said it was a no-brainer when she was approached by Unicef to be a goodwill ambassador.
“I realised there was a huge problem. I was ignorant about malaria.
“I didn’t know much about it and I wanted to be the voice.
“I realised that malaria was preventable and curable and yet so many people were dying.
“I decided to be part of the solution.”
The iconic singer believes there is no wealth without health and education‚ a formula that has been the fuel behind her burning passion to help wherever she can.
At the assembly, world leaders came together to hear how diseases like tuberculosis‚ Aids and malaria affect the lives of many people worldwide, and set in motion a discussion that would yield solutions.
Miss SA Tamaryn Green‚ a past TB patient‚ also spoke at the assembly.
“I have an opportunity to help as many people as I can‚” she said.
Chaka Chaka said her activism had become a part of who she is and was grateful for the support she had had over the past five decades.
“I do this work because these are the people who make me what I am. They support my music and support everything I do.” –
Singer said her activism had become a part of who she is