Yanga Chief

Yanga Ntshakaza (born 17 October 1987), professionally known as Yanga Chief (or mononymously as Yanga) is a South African rapper, record producer and singer-songwriter. Born in Mthatha and raised in Queenstown, Yanga studied film studies at University of Johannesburg. Quotes "That's a loaded question. I don't know. I had already gotten so used to not getting that type of recognition that even the nomination felt like a win. So the actual win itself, it's hard to compartmentalise it. It's easier when I reflect on just being a kid and seeing my idols win these awards. So if I look at it like that, it means everything. And also being from where I'm from, to walk away with it, it just means a lot to those kids and the future of Queenstown and music." "Becoming a pop star is something I've struggled with in my career. But "becoming a pop star" actually means just becoming the best version of yourself" "It's called Pop Star. It is the greatest music I've made to this point. And on this album I finally feel free, in a sense that even the award just helped me close a chapter of recognition and stature. That door is now finally closed for me. And I can just continue making music freely. So the plan with this album is to take it globally and also just visually, as the director of the videos, the story will also be told there. So I'm very excited with the album" Interview: Yanga Chief, South Africa’s Most Reluctant Pop Star, Is Starting a New Chapter; By Sabelo Mkhabela “To be sitting here today, feeling the kind of love I have received, it is different. Compared to other years, when I felt unappreciated or misunderstood, this moment feels special,” "I have worked with everyone, I have been in Joburg, I’ve done all that. But now, I just want to be authentic. Maybe it is finally my turn. Maybe it is just the season, but I can’t pretend to be something I’m not.” "For me, I realised that spending more time with myself and my culture is where I need to be as a musician right now.” Yanga Chief opens up about career journey and authenthicity;By Sergio Miller External links Category:People from South Africa Category:living peopleCategory:Men