Chaka Khan
Say the name “Chaka” and most folks in the know instantly think of a woman who has made an indelible and lasting impression on the music scene of the past three decades. First, as the lead singer of the massively successful R&B, funk and pop band Rufus, then as a solo artist in her own right who has influenced an entire generation of female vocalists (think Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Ledisi, Maysa among others). Like Aretha, like Joni, like Tina, a first name will do. For there’s only one Chaka, woman of fire, possessed of a powerhouse, unforgettably distinctive trademark vocal style who sings with unrelenting passion, honest emotion and authenticity; no matter what the song, you can count on Chaka to deliver with realness, every time.
Seldom has that been more evident than on the aptly-named FUNK THIS, in some ways a return to her musical roots with Rufus, a glorious collaboration with the super hitmaking team of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. It’s the album that many a Chaka fan will instantly say they’ve been waiting for, a tough’n’earthy showcase for the gritty, in-your-face sound that first attracted the solid and loyal audience that have been with Chaka “through the fire” (also the title of her autobiography), through the ups and downs and ins and outs of a career filled with accomplishment, achievement and, as she herself admits, its share of highs and lows.
Honored by BET with a much-deserved “Lifetime Achievement Award,” Chaka’s enduring spirit and passion for music and life have endeared her to music lovers the world over. “Music has always been the background theme to life,” she states, “and people are profoundly affected by what they hear. I think I always knew I’d forever be doing this. It’s what I was put here for. It’s always been kind of like a ministry – now it’s a conscious one,” she says referring to her own recent life changes. “Every song on this new album has a message, an in-depth message which can be applied to many things in life. Every word is heartfelt and I didn’t sing anything I didn’t feel.”
posted on Ejams.com