Yvonne Chaka Chaka elected CISAC vice-president

Her election follows in the footsteps of Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo. She was elected alongside Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, and the pair will deputise Swedish songwriter and ABBA co-founder Björn Ulvaeus who was elected president of the confederation on 28 May. The election of Ulvaeus, Chaka Chaka and Márquez was held virtually during CISAC’s general assembly. They join Chinese director, writer and producer Jia Zhang-ke and Spanish visual artist Miquel Barceló as the four vice-presidents of the confederation.

“Thank you everyone for the support, I’m so excited to serve,” Chaka Chaka wrote on Twitter. She also vowed to work tirelessly to bring the voice of African creators to the world stage.

CISAC director general Gadi Oron said: “Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Arturo Márquez are outstanding, inspirational creators, and I’m delighted CISAC will be able to benefit from their energy and authority in campaigning for creators worldwide.

"They join us as vice-presidents at a critical moment for CISAC’s work, with millions of creators facing loss of their livelihoods and the challenge of rebuilding their careers. We are looking forward greatly to our collaboration and their support.”

Last year, Chaka Chaka was elected to the board of directors of the Composers Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO).

Her CISAC appointment "will enable Yvonne to be at the forefront of advocating for the African creator and ensure that their plight is understood and prioritised,” CAPASSO said.

"Chaka Chaka will support the confederation’s work to advocate for creators’ rights and improve their conditions across five repertoires, namely music, audiovisual, visual arts, drama and literature."

CAPASSO added: “Chaka Chaka will also support the confederation’s efforts to seek improved royalty collections and systems for creators, especially on the African continent.”

CISAC represents more than 230 authors societies in 120 countries. The confederation is responsible for collecting €9.6bn ($10.7bn) of licensing income and royalties worldwide and supporting the livelihoods of more than 4 million creators.