BET honours Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka

South African music legend Yvonne Chaka Chaka is being honoured internationally with a BET International Global Good Power Award, on 29 June 2017.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s latest accolade, BET’s International Global Good Power Award, isn’t for her music, but for her work related to improving the health of Africans.

The South African songstress, fondly known as the Princess of Africa, has long been synonymous with excellence in the music industry, locally and internationally.

Her lyrics resonated with freedom fighters during the apartheid years. After democracy, her focus shifted when one of her backup singers died of malaria.

“She began the Princess of Africa Foundation, where she works to eradicate the effects of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV and to carry out community and social charity works,” said BET. “There, Chaka Chaka focuses on healthcare, education and sanitation.”

The foundation’s work includes making healthcare and vaccinations available to those in need. It also provides items such as bed nets and anti-mosquito sprays. “The foundation also educates citizens about malaria treatment and prevention, and works to promote literacy.”