Chaka Khan, born Yvette Marie Stevens, has spent the past 50 years setting the music world ablaze with her unparalleled talent and unwavering resilience.
Given the name “Chaka” at 13 by a Yoruba priest, meaning “woman of fire,” Khan has lived up to the title, igniting stages and hearts with her fiery voice and dynamic presence.
Best known for hits like 1984’s “Through the Fire,” Khan’s career spans 22 studio albums, 10 Grammy Awards, and countless collaborations with legends such as Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones.
While widely celebrated as the “Queen of Funk,” Khan has never fully embraced the label.
“I sort of resented being called that,” she admits in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar.
For her, music is an expansive art form that transcends any one genre.
“I was multicolored all the way,” she says, reflecting on her ability to seamlessly switch between funk, jazz,
R&B, rock, and pop. With a voice that ranges from a sultry growl to a powerful mezzo-soprano, Khan has always resisted being boxed in.
As she marks her 50th anniversary in the industry, Khan remains focused on the future rather than dwelling on the past. Her recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a testament to her lasting impact, but for Khan, it’s just another milestone on her ongoing journey.
“I’m not nostalgic at all. I’m just busy with my life, and suddenly I’ve been doing it for 50 years,” she says. “I’m really a next person.”
Khan’s schedule continues to be as vibrant as ever. While on tour in Norway, she spoke about her role as curator of London’s Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre, where she spotlighted emerging and community-focused artists during a 10-day celebration of music.
Her approach was to center the festival around community and young talent. “I asked around about what artists were really loved by the community that we were serving,” she explains.
In addition to curating Meltdown, Khan’s June 2023 Tiny Desk Concert on NPR quickly became a viral sensation, bridging generations as her timeless tracks from the ’70s and ’80s found new life on platforms like TikTok.
“The beautiful thing is throughout my career, I’ve always had a lot of love,” Khan shares. “To see now how the daughters and granddaughters and grandsons of people who grew up with me are now into me, that’s really special.”
Looking ahead, Khan remains committed to creating music that touches lives. A collaborative album with pop singer Sia is set for 2025, showcasing her versatility and passion for pushing boundaries.
As for her legacy, Khan humbly hopes to be remembered as someone who brought joy and uplifted others.
“I can just pray that when it’s over, I’ve done good by as many people as possible,” she says.
In every note, performance, and decision, Chaka Khan’s journey is one defined by resilience, reinvention, and relentless love for her craft and her fans. Fifty years in, and her fire shows no sign of burning out.
