Cameras flashed as star after star walked the red carpet at California’s Pasadena Civic Auditorium in honor of the United Negro College Fund’s special tribute to the legendary singer, Chaka Khan. Khan received the Award of Excellence during the 32nd annual UNCF An Evening of Stars® gala.
Actor Malik Yoba, the new face of the UNCF; and singers Faith Evans and Ginuwine were among those who presented and performed for Ms. “Every Woman.” Here’s what they had to say about this wonderful occasion.
How did you feel when you found out you were performing for Chaka Khan?
Faith Evans: “… To be called on to perform for Chaka Khan is an honor. She’s definitely one of the greatest to ever touch a microphone. She was kind of like a female Rick James back in the day. She is a rock star and she has transcended so many genres with her vocal ability, I am just so happy to be here.”
Ginuwine: “When they called me and said, [and asked if I could] sing a song for her, I said ‘hell yeah, I can do that! She means a lot to me now … and when I was younger I used to break dance to her music. Chaka Khan, Prince, Anita Baker, Bobby Brown and Michael Jackson were all my inspiration.”
What’s your role with the United Negro College Fund?
Malik Yoba: “I was [s]elected to produce and direct all the content for the UNCF Web site, and also to be the face of The Empowerment 2010 UNCF college tour. We begin next week at Hampton University and we’ll be covering financial literacy, healthcare, college prep, etiquette, beauty, etc. It’s a great place for students interested in attending an HBCU.”
With 10 Grammy wins and a magnificent career that has spanned over 30 years along with hit songs like “I’m Every Woman,” “Sweet Thing,” “Tell Me Something Good,” “Through the Wire” and “I Feel for You,” a tribute was long overdue for the songstress.
“We don’t always have to wait until someone dies to honor them,” said Ginuwine. True words indeed.
–marqueta smith
