ABOUT 25 years ago a gorgeous and budding musician burst on to the charts with the hit song I'm in Love with a DJ.

ABOUT 25 years ago a gorgeous and budding musician burst on to the charts with the hit song I'm in Love with a DJ.

Many had arrived with the same oomph and promise before her but most drowned in the turbulent industry.

So many thought she would prove to be another one-hit wonder. But by 2010 she has become the Princess of Africa, a musical phenomenon with a passion for and dedication to the African continent that is a far cry from her debut song.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka now dines with icons such as Nelson Mandela. She is also the mother of grown-up children, a wife and and a United Nations goodwill ambassador.

Her contribution to the fight against poverty and disease in Africa, and to the music, was recognised by luminaries on Saturday.

Congrats, Princess of Africa. May you carry the torch higher and higher, Yvonne.