Chaka Khan with Special Guest 5STARR

Chaka Khan is one of the world’s most gifted and celebrated music icons. A singer, songwriter, actor, author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and activist, Chaka has influenced generations of music creators during her four decades as an artist. A ten-time GRAMMY Award winner, she has the rare ability to sing in a number of musical genres, including R&B, pop, rock, gospel, country, world music and classical. She is revered by millions of fans as well as her peers for her timeless, unmatched vocal style and image. The late, great Miles Davis noted that Chaka “sings like my horn.” And none other than the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has said that Chaka “is a one-of-a-kind, premier vocalist.”

During her legendary career, Chaka has released 22 albums and racked up ten Number One songs on the Billboard charts, seven RIAA-certified gold singles and ten RIA-certified gold and platinum albums. Chaka’s recordings have resulted in more than 2,000 catalog song placements. “I am so humbled by the love, support and gracious spirit of my fans worldwide and the continuous support my peers have shown over the years,” says Chaka. “Throughout my career, I have been through the fire a few times over and I’m still here as a living testament to God’s love and grace.”

The Umoja Festival entertainment is a unique combination of contemporary and ancient art forms. In African tradition, permission from the elders of the village is sought because of their wisdom, knowledge and experience. The Umoja Festival has always observed this tradition in seeking permission to begin the festival from the elders of the Portsmouth community.

Nationally acclaimed musical guests perform jazz, reggae, gospel, and rhythm and blues. Children’s area contains games, crafts, and workshops with origins in several African countries. The Festival’s closing activity features a gospel jubilee of musical talents from throughout Hampton Roads.

Ethnic foods, a marketplace of sculptures, paintings, prints, baskets, quilts and other assorted hand-crafted wares contribute to the ambiance of the Festival.