AFRIMA 2018: Yvonne Chaka Chaka Schools Musicians

Renowned South African music superstar, Yvonne Chaka Chaka has charged musicians in Africa to see the talent of producing songs as a business means to avoid dying as paupers.

She said African musicians die poor after working their entire lives because they are yet to understand the business aside of the God-given talent.

Speaking at the Africa Music Business Summit at the 5th AFRIMA 2018 under the theme, ”AFRICA MUSIC IN A GOSPEL VILLAGE: LEVERAGING THE OPPORTUNITIES”, she said the time has come for African artist to fight for the recognition they deserve.

”Musicians die paupers, musicians are not appreciating as much as they are supposed to be on this African continent. There are people who try to appreciate us, but I really think that it is time for us to do it for ourselves. We need to use music as an information disseminator and as our weapon to deal with our liberation struggle.” – she said.

According to her, she released her latest album ‘Keep Looking At Me’ just last year, adding that as far as making music goes, she is still having the time of her life due to the seriousness she partake in her music craft.

The summit saw Ugandan music activist and parliamentarian, Bobi Wine; Internationally acclaimed video and audio disk jockey, DJ Van; Nigerian music executive, Kenny Ogungbe; Ghanaian entertainment and media owner, Bola Ray; and President of the Musicians Union of Ghana, Bice Osei Kuffour also known as Obour,  joined by other well-known African and international music Intellects, professionals and enthusiasts for discussions and networking.

It aims at creating an engaging environment for discussions on how the potentials present in the continent’s music industry can be fully harnessed for socio-economic gains.

It forms part of one of the activities lined up for the 5th All Africa Music Awards (5th AFRIMA-Ghana 2018) scheduled from November 22-2014 in Gold Coast City, Accra, Ghana.

By: Justice Dzido