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Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Yvonne Chaka Chaka is an internationally acclaimed South African singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and educator whose remarkable career has made her one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures. Widely known as the “Princess of Africa,” she has spent more than three decades at the forefront of African popular music, inspiring audiences across the globe with her artistry and advocacy.

Throughout her distinguished career, Yvonne has shared the stage with renowned artists including Angélique Kidjo, Annie Lennox, Bono, Queen, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour. She has performed for world leaders and dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and former South African President Thabo Mbeki, among many others.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Yvonne is a passionate humanitarian and champion for social development. She has served as a Global Fund Champion for the Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a United Nations Millennium Development Goals Envoy for Africa, and a Goodwill Ambassador for the Roll Back Malaria Partnership. Nelson Mandela personally selected her as the first ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and she is the founder of the Princess of Africa Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and community development initiatives across the continent.

A leading voice for creators’ rights, Yvonne served as Vice President of CISAC (the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers), where she played an instrumental role in advocating for fair remuneration, stronger copyright protections, and greater recognition of creators worldwide. Throughout her tenure, she was a powerful advocate for Africa’s creative sector, championing policies and initiatives that empower creators to benefit from the value generated by their work in an increasingly digital economy. She remains committed to the cause and is here in her role as a CISAC VIP.

As a participant in the United Nations AI for Good initiative, Yvonne brings a unique perspective at the intersection of creativity, technology, and social impact. Her experience as both a celebrated creator and a global advocate underscores the importance of ensuring that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, support human creativity, respect creators’ rights, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive future.

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    Singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and educator
Related sessions
In person
7 July 2026
•
11:30 - 12:00
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia
Africa rising: The people building the future of music
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