The opening scene of Hotel Rwanda plays over a joyful South African pop song. It is “Umqombothi” by Yvonne Chaka Chaka, a song about traditional beer.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka was born in Soweto in 1965. As a teenager in the 1980s, she became one of the first black children to appear on South African television, and her 1985 single “I’m in Love with a DJ” made her a star while she was still in school.
Bubblegum pop
Chaka Chaka was part of the bubblegum pop wave in South Africa in the 1980s, catchy, synth-driven dance music that became hugely popular in townships and across Africa. Her songs included “I Cry for Freedom”, “Motherland” and “Umqombothi”.
Bubblegum was produced cheaply, sold in huge numbers and was often dismissed by critics. Brenda Fassie, Chicco Twala and Chaka Chaka were among its biggest names, and their songs filled the townships in the final decade of apartheid.
Umqombothi
“Umqombothi” is named after the traditional beer brewed from maize and sorghum, popular in South Africa and used at family gatherings and ceremonies. The song is upbeat and celebratory.
In 2004, it was chosen for the opening credits of Hotel Rwanda, the film about Paul Rusesabagina and the 1994 genocide. The song’s energy provided a stark contrast with the horror that followed in the film.
Princess of Africa
Chaka Chaka toured widely across Africa and became known as the Princess of Africa. She was especially popular in countries such as Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Ghana. She performed for Nelson Mandela, who became a fan and friend.
Beyond music
Chaka Chaka has worked as an ambassador for health campaigns, including efforts against malaria, and has been involved with UNICEF and the Roll Back Malaria partnership. She studied at university as an adult and founded a foundation to support education and health.
Legacy
She was among the first black South African women to build a pop career on the scale of international stars, at a time when apartheid still limited black artists’ opportunities.
Listening
“Umqombothi” and “I’m in Love with a DJ” remain her signature songs, and many African radio stations still play her music on throwback shows.
A song about a pot of home brew became the opening music for one of the most serious films about Africa. It was a reminder that joy and tragedy share the same continent.
