Legendary musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka will be honoured at the highly anticipated 2024 Legends and Legacy Ball Africa Awards set to take place on July 13 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

This year’s event, a tribute to celebrating musical artistry and democracy in South Africa, promises to be an extraordinary celebration of Africa’s rich cultural heritage in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Imajin and Fusion South Africa, Imajin and Fusion Global, known for their exceptional music events, are committed to advancing regional integration and fostering economic and cultural development across the continent.

The event is also a celebration of South Africa’s 30 years of democracy and the spirit of African unity.

“Our goal is to empower the next generation of African musicians by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry,” said Lebohang Letsoalo, Country Director of Imajin and Fusion South Africa.

In an exclusive interview with SA Positive News, this year’s main honoree, the esteemed Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, took us down memory lane to when she found out about this incredible honour.

“I was honoured and appreciative at the same time. It’s always humbling when people appreciate what you do or the role you play. To all the artistes who came before me and inspired me musically, the likes of Bra Hugh, Brenda Fassie, Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba, Caiphus, & Letta Mbulu, we are who we are because of them.”

“There are also several people who contributed to musicians like me: journalists, promoters, instrumentalists, backing vocalists, and the media at large. We are products of Bona, Pace, and Thandi magazines; waar was jy?” said Chaka Chaka.

In celebration of unity and Africa’s vibrant culture, Imajin and Fusion South Africa and Imajin and Fusion Global have announced the addition of legendary artists Koffi Olomide and Heritier Watanabe to an already impressive lineup. Their performances will add a unique dimension to the event, highlighting the diversity and richness of African music.

When SA Positive News asked the Princess of Africa what this moment meant at this point in her career, she had this to say: “Very humbling indeed. It means that I should feel good about being in Africa and appreciate the contribution that I and other artistes have made. One will forever be grateful to God for the free oxygen and appreciate the gift of touching people even across borders.”

The evening will feature a star-studded lineup, including Mafikizolo, DJ Zinhle, King Promise, Camidoh, and Princess MacDonald. These artistes will deliver electrifying performances, paying tribute to Africa’s rich musical legacy with renditions of Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s iconic music.

The Legends and Legacy Ball Africa has been an annual event by Imajin Advertising Company, now known as Imajin and Fusion Global, since its launch in 2011.

Its debut event honoured Ghana’s music legend, Daddy Lumba. Since then, it has honoured three Ghanaian music legends: Amakye Dede (2012), A.B. Crentsil (2013), and Kojo Antwi (2015).

Yvonne Chaka Chaka concluded the interview by sharing her insights with SA Positive News on the state of the music industry in the African diaspora.

“It’s amazing! It keeps growing and exciting! So much talent! The collaborations between other fellow African artistes and Amapiano stars are commendable! I love younger artistes and support their creativity. I am a fan of Sun-El Musician, Ami Faku, Aymos, and Nkosazana Daughter, to name but a few," she said.