Chaka Khan: Funk This!
A Soulful Interview with the R& B Diva
Chaka Khan is the original voice behind hits like "I'm Every Woman," "Ain't Nobody," "I Feel For You," "Through The Fire" and "Whatcha Gonna Do For Me." Ms. Chaka is an eight-time Grammy award winning star and one of those artists that needs only a one name introduction. So, after ten years, I had the pleasure of speaking with the Diva today (9/25/07) as her new album "Funk This" hit the stores.
Saba, Ink: October 19th is Chaka Khan Day in Chicago. Do you have any special plans this year? Is there like a parade or something?
Chaka: I have to put it on my calendar to remember but no, no, they haven't gone that far with it (laughing).
Saba, Ink: Tell me about your "Chakalates" Brand of Chocolates.
Chaka: It is sold in Neiman Marcus, and benefits my Chaka Khan Foundation. I founded it to support research and help find a cure for Autism. I have a Nephew who is Autistic.
Saba, Ink: I've read somewhere that you have recently embraced Christianity. What did you follow before?
Chaka: No. I have not just found Christianity! I just go to the Church of Chaka. I believe in a greater power, I pray in my house and try to embrace the Universe and stay in the moment.
Saba, Ink: So you are more of a spiritual person.
Chaka: Yes, I'm very spiritual.
Saba,Ink: "I'm Every Woman" is one of my personal anthems. What is it about you that appeals to so many women?
Chaka: I don't need to know why a watch works. I just need to know that it can be fixed when it's broken. Get my drift? I don't question why I'm just glad that I do.
Saba,Ink: Your hair has always been your signature all these years. Do you have a stylist that manages your hair?
Chaka: My hair is my trademark.
Saba, Ink: Yes, it is. So do you have someone that styles it?
Chaka: I do my own hair.
Saba,Ink: Wow! So before a show you are doing your own hair?
Chaka: Yes. I design my own clothes and do my own hair.
Saba,Ink: I also realize that you have a very strong following in the Gay Community. Why do you think the Gay Community sustains you?
Chaka: They all want to be me (laughing). All I want to know is that they are behind me and they love me. That is all that matters to me. I'm sure there are a number of reasons but I appreciate it.
Saba, Ink: My last comment is on your new album "Funk This!" What are you bringing to the (music) industry that is not already there?
Chaka: Me, now. I'm much different then I was yesterday and where I was musically.
Saba, Ink: Will this CD bring a flavor that is not out there in the market right now?
Chaka: Yeah, definitely. It is me. It is my heart, my soul and my spirit.
Saba, Ink; Well, now that we're down to a minute, any parting words for your fans?
Chaka: I thank everyone for loving me, praying for me and putting up with me thru all my madness (laughs). I appreciate your support!
Saba,Ink: I thank you for your time Ms. Chaka, and I'm looking forward to all the hits from the new CD.
Chaka: I thank you, and GOD Bless.
Saba,Ink: God Bless you too.
Published by saba,ink
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10 Comments
Post a CommentI'm not sure why in the world I never read this interview because I thought I read them all, but good job on this one. She is definitely a powerhouse. I never knew there was a Chaka Khan Day though. That's news to me. She deserves it, but Chicago needs to more active.
She didn't really tell you anything; but interviewing her is a serious honor. It says a lot that you can interview people on a level such as she is. Didn't particularly care for her response on Christianity though; she talked about being spiritual but anyone can be spiritual, that has little to do with Christianity whatsoever outside of any context. The older we become the more spiritual we are, perhaps she is undecided. I am looking forward to new material from her, and other artists from that time; they had a serious work ethic, and can put anyone from the nineties forward to rest.
Go on with your BAD self Ms Chaka! I'm so glad you're back doing what we've been missing and what you do best-SANG! Thank you for all that you have given us throughout the years! We LOVE you!!!
Audrey
TheVacationDivas.com
chaka khan, chaka khan, shake it chaka khan!!! hahaha
Thanks for sharing the interview on such a wonderful icon.
Great interview Saba Inc.:)
Bring the Funk Chaka! We'll be checkin' it.
Through the Fire!-is the song that reminds me of me and my boo! Big Kudos Saba! Go hed on with yo bad self!
Awesome article! I'm a big fan of hers.
Lucky you; WOW! I had such a hard time my FemMANist rebuttal articles choosing who to put in and who to leave out. "I'm Every Woman" definitely belonged on my list of strong women's anthems and it was really hard to give Aretha two mentions and leave Chaka's song off the second list. Great info; I always seem to forget about Rufus. When they popped into the music scene I thought Rufus was Rufus Thomas, not a group name. Songs that fly up the charts express sentiments of many. I like her church.