Chaka Chaka and Sunshine Kids collaborate

Leandrea Louw
The renowned South African singer, songwriter and UNICEF regional goodwill ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, fulfilled her promise to the Sunshine Kids Centre Walvis Bay earlier in June to record a song with them.

The composer of the song, Gerson Dollar Mwitanga, said the song, titled Kulilah, was about his experiences as a young boy growing up in the ­

village. The song is in Oshiwambo and English.

“Working with Chaka Chaka was truly a humbling experience. I grew up to her music, it almost felt unreal. I would have never thought that one day I would be able to say that I ­recorded a song with her. With the song, I simply wish to encourage people to embrace the disabled. It does not mean that if you are disabled you should give up on your dreams.”

He is currently a music teacher at the centre where he teaches kids to play the guitar, drums, keyboard and to read music.

The song is produced by Themba Mhinga who has produced most of Chaka Chaka''s albums. Mhinga has also worked with artists such as the late Mandoza, Loyisa and Hugh Masikela.

The Sunshine Kids Centre is a centre for the mentally and physically disabled.