On July 10, we are hosting our first ever ALA Sherehe and we are excited to bring together our global community once again in a virtual celebration of song and dance
We are pleased to announce the star line-up:
Yvonne Chaka Chaka is acknowledged as a word-class performer defined by originality, creativity, and consummate showmanship. Music has taken her to different parts of the African continent and all over the world as the demand for her music intensified. During her many performances, one of her backing vocalists, Phumzile Ntuli, contracted Malaria in Gabon in 2004 and later died. Touched by this tragedy, Chaka Chaka later became a Goodwill Ambassador for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Roll Back Malaria Partnership. In 2006, she started her foundation called Princess of Africa (a name she received after a 1990 tour in Uganda), which focuses on championing the change in health and education for communities across Africa. Chaka Chaka Is The brainchild of Backing Vocalists and Session Musicians Award.
Yvonne Chaka Chaka is a long-time friend of ALA, attending traditional events on campus like Graduation:
Celebrating ALA’s Second Graduating Class
Malagasy award winner and Boston based singer-songwriter Niu Raza ‘11 is known for her unique sound, the perfect blend between her traditional heritage and modern music. She has been using her craft as a catalyst for change whether through women empowerment on social media, teaching and helping the next generation of musicians or advocating for children’s rights with non-profit organizations like Unicef Madagascar. Self-made, she is a music powerhouse by herself.
An independent musician, who chose to create her own path, build her own music business journey and has worked with Labels like Sony Music and several Grammy nominated and winners like the multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier, the bass player Victor Wooten, Beyonce’s touring Saxophonist Tia Fuller or the producer Javier Limon. Entrepreneur, she is also an influencer that has worked with several brands within the skincare and fashion industry. A musician beyond the sound, beyond expectations.
Learn more about Niu Raza as a featured alumna in our Redefine Expectations series:
Ny Ony Razafindratandra ’11 – Telling African Stories through Music
Chmba Ellen Chilemba ‘10 is a Music Producer, DJ and Activist. She is the Founder of Tiwale, two community centers in Malawi supporting girls/women and nonbinary folks through art, education and economic opportunities.
Chmba started Tiwale at 17 years-old to help end the vicious cycle of child marriage in Malawi. Tiwale has since directly supported 395 women and girls and reached 20,000+ youth in campaigns.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic Tiwale has distributed 26000+ masks made at their community center prioritizing low-income critical workers, educators and students. In her music, Chmba blends a fusion of afro sounds, future beats, electronic and house grooves. She is dedicated to building spaces that allow women and other marginalized identities into the music industry. She just released an EP album, Mtima Rising.
Read more about Chmba Ellen Chilemba ‘10:
Chmba Ellen Chilemba ‘10 Recognized as 2021 Kofi Annan Changemaker
ALA’s Homecoming Spotlight: Ellen Chilemba, Class of 2010
ALA alumni Ellen Chilemba Wins Top Accolade and Grand Prize
Ellen Chilemba is the 2017 Glamour Magazine College Woman of the Year
Sabiqah Bello ‘20 is a writer, spoken word artist and Certified Youth Trainer. She has performed poetry at major conferences around Nigeria and internationally, including events organized by the African Union, the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Foundation, the Swedish Embassy and the Young African Leaders Initiative, among other organizations and societies. She has also won a number of poetry slams and awards for her creative works. She has made several TV appearances, facilitated youth training, and been a panelist on discussions around art, women, youth and social empowerment. She is a key member of some literary societies in Nigeria and is the co-founder of Gifts of Guidance – a growing gift startup in Nigeria.
