Yvonna chaka chaka

South African songwriter Yvonne Chaka Chaka performs during the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) at the Accra Conference Centre on November 24, 2018. (Photo by CRISTINA ALDEHUELA / AFP)

Yvonne Chaka Chaka responds to Uganda deportation claims

Several reports stated that immigration officials detained South African musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka in Uganda. Here’s what happened.

Yvonna chaka chaka

South African songwriter Yvonne Chaka Chaka performs during the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) at the Accra Conference Centre on November 24, 2018. (Photo by CRISTINA ALDEHUELA / AFP)

According to Eyewitness News, South African musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka was detained by immigration officials for not having the correct working visa.

“It was done by our officials so that we maintain the integrity of our immigration rules for all visitors to our country. We are hopeful that Ms Yvonne will once again visit our country when she applies for the correct visa”.

Ugandan police spokesperson Fred Enanga

The news was initially shared as an exclusive by PML Daily, with Conrad Ahabwe reporting that Chaka Chaka arrived in the country on Monday, ahead of her New Year’s Eve performance.

Plug pulled on year-end performance

Chaka Chaka’s much anticipated year-end performance was set to take place at Enkuuka Y’Omwaka in Buganda Kingdom, one of the largest sub-national kingdoms within Uganda.

However, Chaka Chaka was allegedly stopped by armed guards on Tuesday, right before her soundcheck. According to PML Daily, authorities cordoned off the hotel and “ordered her to stop her rehearsal”.

“They also demanded all staff and journalists present to switch off their phones or they be confiscated. The armed men then demanded to speak to her in private. We could not immediately establish where this was to be done.”

Conrad Ahabwe, PML Daily.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka responds

Chaka Chaka has since responded to the claims. South Africa’s beloved musician shared a short video clip on Instagram to “set the record straight”. She explains:

“As you can see, I am here, all is well. […] I took the decision not to appear this evening at Enkuuka because there were just too many things I didn’t understand. If somebody had explained it to me, I would have understood.”

She confirmed that she will not be deported; the only change to the schedule is that she won’t be performing at Enkuuka on New Year’s Eve.

“Happy New Year!”

“Not deported, not arrested, not captured, everything is fine; everything is in order. I know my country is worried, my people are worried, my husband is worried. Everybody is worried. But I am fine.”

Chaka Chaka also shared a series of photos, presumably taken at the hotel, with the caption: “All is well, happy new year 2020. Here we come.”

“Look, this is me. But I won’t be appearing at Enkuuka this evening. I want things to be done correctly because I love this continent.”

Yvonne Chaka Chaka

She concluded her video message: “To everyone out there: Happy New Year!”

Watch: Yvonne Chaka Chaka responds to deportation claims

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All is well happy new year 2020. Here we come. ❤️?

A post shared by Yvonne Chaka Chaka (@yvonne_chakachaka) on