PUBLISHED March 29th, 2017 06:00 am
She may often be called the Queen of Funk, but there is plenty more to the songstress than that title suggests. Yvette Marie Stevens, better known by her stage name Chaka Khan, has a uniquely emotive voice steeped with a deeply sensual quality – a powerful gift that first exploded onto the music scene in the 1970s, along with a great volume of curly hair and her deeply charismatic stage presence.
In the many decades to come, she would have traversed a range of styles and genres while working with the likes of groundbreaking Chicago outfit Rufus and the motown legend Stevie Wonder, become something like a brother to the late Prince, and won a slew of Grammys, gold and platinum albums, as well as countless other accolades that are inevitably waiting for her.
In anticipation of Singapore International Jazz Festival 2017, we seek out the soul diva, now 64, for a quick interview. All we had to do was promise not to attempt the old Melle Mel rap from I Feel For You.
Hi, Chaka! We’re looking forward to having you back in Singapore. What are you missing most about the place?
The lovely people and the great food!
Where did the name Chaka Khan come from?
When I was in high school, I received the name during an African naming ceremony. My full name is Chaka Adunne Aduffe Yemoja Hodarhi Karifi and my last name Khan is from my first marriage.
Tell us about your songwriting process. Where do you start?
You know, I really don’t have a process, it just comes.
How do you know when a track is complete, then?
When I listen and I feel complete listening to it. If I listen to my track and I’m not feeling the music of the vocals then I know have some more work to do.
You’ve been doing music for some 40 years, and worked with so many artists. If you had to pick a musician from the newer generation to work with, who would it be?
Jasmine Sullivan. That girl is bad! Her voice is just unbelievable!
Let’s say your music was an animal. What would it be?
Definitely a tiger!
Who would you say are your biggest musical influences, growing up, and now?
Wow! There are so many amazing artists to name that I just can’t single one out. But, I can say that my biggest musical influences are in the genre of jazz.
Do you have any pre/post shows rituals?
You know, just being alone, having a quiet time meditating with my candles. It relaxes me and helps me to stay centred.
Who or what do you miss most when you’re on the road?
I miss my family most.
Last question! What can we expect from your set during SingJazz?
A damn good show!
Singapore International Jazz Festival 2017 is happening from 31 March to 2 April 2017 at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza. Tickets are priced from $108, available here. Stay tuned to the official Facebook page here for updates.