Chaka Chaka: I have achieved my destiny

Yvonne Chaka Chaka arrived in Nairobi last Monday to attend the 'Health Symposium on Hand Washing' in her capacity as Lifebuoy brand's face. Her mission was to drum up support for the campaign but, in the process, got to socialise with Kenya’s notable personalities. She spoke to SHIRLEY GENGA about her life's journey.I love my bed and I love to sleep. But when I want to spoil myself, I go for a manicure or pedicure. I do this every week. I also love to travel. For instance, I can get up one morning and decide that I’m missing my sister and want to see her, so I’ll get on a plane and fly to London to visit her.Yvonne in one of her various poses. Photos: Moses Omusula, Evans Habil and CourtesyMy energy and enthusiasm is boundless, especially if I’m involved in a project that I’m passionate about, like this one (the Lifebuoy Hand Washing campaign). I love business, too. When Unilever approached me to be the brand face of one of their soaps, I thought they wanted me to promote Dove or Lux, Lifebuoy was the last brand in my mind. It took me by surprise when it turned out to be the one. In fact, I thought about the offer for a while then I discussed it with my husband and I took it up. What motivated me most was the fact that I would be working with people from all over Africa. Oh, and there’s the fact that they gave me good money for the campaign (laughter).But really, I do believe in giving back to society. As a mother, I know that children often don’t understand the importance of washing their hands. Little things make a difference so I came on board to try and help spread the gospel of washing hands. When you are successful, it is easy to close your eyes and pretend certain things are not happening, but that is not how my mother raised me. I refuse to sit back and do nothing. That is why whenever the opportunity to give back arises, I’m always happy to take it up.Hope to childrenIt is the reason why I actively promote the rights of women and the protection of children. I am the trustee of Tomorrow Trust, which educates orphans and vulnerable children. I’m also the Unicef Goodwill Ambassador against malaria, and the ambassador for Roll-Back Malaria, which is sponsored by World Bank, United Nations and World Health Organisation among other institutions). As a performer and mother, I am sad that millions continue to die from a disease that is preventable. I was outraged to learn that malaria is responsible for the death of a million children every year. I also run my charity, the Princess of Africa. I came from a humble background and God has brought me this far. How can I not give back? Whenever I can, I love to give hope to children from humble backgrounds by encouraging them they can achieve anything if they dream and work hard. Just look at me!Besides music and production, I also have companies dealing with information technology, energy, minerals and human resource development especially on adult training. I also own Sandown Motors, which is a luxury motor vehicle retailer. Life was not easy for me growing up and as a mother, I try to teach my children (four boys — Ningi, 28, Themba, 25, Mfumu, 19 and Nandla, 17) not to take anything or anyone for granted. Yvonne Chaka Chaka (left) receives a bouquet of flowers from Dr Anne Mugera of Kenya Association of Physicians at a dinner hosted in her honour at a Nairobi hotel.When I was younger, we did not attend private schools. We never had holidays in England. I grew up in a ghetto where life was hard. I always remind my boys that everything they have is a blessing and not their right. They must understand that in life, they need to work hard if they want to live a good life. In fact, whenever I see them getting big-headed, I always remind them that the car they drive is mine and the house they live in is also mine, not theirs. I also tell them if they want any of the luxuries they must work hard. Money is good. It can buy you nice things but it is not everything. Yes, it can bring joy but it should not rule one’s life. After all, when we die we leave it all here on earth. Great experienceNingi is in advertising and has always been very creative. He does not stay with us. Themba is a producer and we are working on an album together. It is wonderful working with him. Mfumu is still at university pursuing Bachelor of Commerce. My baby boy is Nandla and we are similar in many ways. He is an extrovert like me, plays rugby and loves his drums. It’s wonderful when everyone is at home. We hang out together and play golf, although my last-born is not fond of it. Motherhood for me has been a great joy and wonderful experience, but I understand that not every mother has the luxury of having a flexible job. Yvonne with her family I’m in charge of my work schedule so it has been easier for me. It has always been my policy to never compromise on family time. Even today, I set aside family time. I met my husband, Dr Mandlalele Mhinga, through my sister. We then became close friends and later a couple. The rest is history. We got married in 1989 and have been together as husband and wife for 21 years. Marriage is a wonderful experience that calls for a lot of hard work and understanding of each other. My husband understands me and I him. Whatever weaknesses we have, we cover each other because that is what love does. For example, I do not like to iron but I love to cook, so my husband will do the ironing while I do the cooking. He always likes to joke that I overwork him and it makes us both laugh. Apart from that, trust is a very important ingredient for marriage. I got married after my career had taken off, so I was always on the road and my husband let me go because he trusted me.As a doctor, he has many female patients but you will not find me checking up on him. We have learnt to trust each other. He is my best friend and my rock. He loves to play golf and you will find us playing together.—Additional information from www.princessofafrica.co.za&#12288;

Chaka Chaka: I have achieved my destiny

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