The Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, has the world at her feet.
The legendary singer and humanitarian will be honoured with the 2017 BET International Global Good Star and Power Award for her selfless service.
She said told SunBuzz: “I’m very happy about it. This is one award that I had never anticipated. I’m overjoyed and humbled.”
The Umqombothi hitmaker has been recognised alongside Somali-Canadian social activist Ilwad Elman.
They join past winners, the philanthropist Akon for his Lighting Africa initiative and Tanzanian supermodel Millen Magese.
Yvonne has served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund and has partnered with Roll Back Malaria for the past 12 years.
She also started the Princess of Africa Foundation, which aims to carry out community and advocacy work.
“I have been doing this work for the past 12 years. I do this for the people and not to win awards, but it is true that when you give, you always receive as well,” she said.
“I have always admired Miriam Makeba, whom in South Africa was not cherished but she was cherished by the world.
“She was able to speak to presidents and world leaders through her humanitarian work.
“I do this with love and eagerness.”
She added that one does not have to wait to be called for duty but must want to do good work and do it with love.
“This does not pay but it is fulfilling. Every one of us has some kind of good in us and we can all do good.”
Yvonne will receive her award at the international edition of the awards on Saturday in Los Angeles.
Alex Okosi, vice-president and managing director for Viacom International Media Networks, said: “The continent is privileged and honoured to have incredible women such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Ilwad Elman representing Africa.
“They are well-deserved recipients who have influenced the world through their humanitarianism and social activism.”
Yvonne will release her new single called Keep Looking At Me in a fortnight.
The 2017 BET Awards will air across Africa on BET (DStv channel 129) on 27 June at 8pm
