She’s a legend, she’s an icon, and her presence was shining bright on that stage when Chaka Khan headlined the closing night of Rosendal Garden Party 2025, ending the vibrant ad eclectic weekend on a high note.
Born Yvette Marie Stevens in 1953, Chaka Khan rose to fame in the early 1970s as lead vocalist of funk-R&B group Rufus, delivering enduring hits like Tell Me Something Good. She launched her solo career in 1978, making I’m Every Woman an empowering anthem (later immortalized by Whitney…).
My generation discovered her in 1984 with I Feel for You, where the rapper going Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan is what the jukebox in my head will still start reflexively playing when I see her name anywhere.
As her career has now spanned 50+ years, she has released 22 albums and earned 10 Grammys. Her musical versatility has spanned everything from funk to disco to jazz and hip hop, and her adaptive voice has lent to many collaborations with music titans like Prince, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis and more…
Beside being a part of The Queens Tour in North America with Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Stephanie Mills this year, Chaka Khan is performing at select festival dates internationally, having the dates spread out “far enough apart” to suit her lifestyle.
From the moment she stepped on stage, it was evident that after all these years, she clearly enjoys what she’s doing. She was all smiles and full of energy, her powerful vocals sounding soulful as ever. She lived up to every bit of her reputation with her commanding presence on stage. The audience was singing and dancing along, and definitely got a full dose of joy along with the nostalgia of her hits songs.
Chaka Khan created an intimate atmosphere even on that big stage with her heartfelt stage banter and warmth. And the connection with the audience really amplified the emotional resonance of her songs.
All photos © Nina Uddin
