Chaka Khan Stuns at 71: Her Ageless Beauty Turns Heads at UK Awards Show
Chaka Khan first rose to fame in the ’70s as the lead vocalist for the band Rufus, delivering hits like “Tell Me Something Good.” In 1978, the “Queen of Funk” launched her solo career with the smash hit “I’m Every Woman,” which became an empowerment anthem.
Throughout her career, Khan has won 10 Grammy Awards and sold an estimated 70 million records worldwide. She has collaborated with many artists, including Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones, showcasing her versatile talent across genres. Khan’s influence extends beyond music, as she has advocated for women’s rights, racial equality, and various humanitarian causes. So it’s no surprise that the O2 Silver Clef Awards bestowed upon her a special honor.
Nordoff and Robbins is the UK’s largest music therapy charity. Each year, the O2 Silver Clefs Awards raise millions for the organization while honoring legendary British musicians. At the 2024 event, the lunchtime gala honored AC/DC, blur, The 1975, and Jessie Ware, among others. Chaka Kahn received a special distinction as she received the Global Impact Award.
The 71-year-old took to the stage to accept her award. Kahn explained, “Music has always been my solace, my strength, my voice, a gift,” according to PA Media. She continued, “I’m grateful for this beautiful honour to be part of the Nordoff and Robbins creative community, where the power of music is used to transform, inspire, and bring love to the world. Music really does heal.”
Khan looked absolutely radiant in her black ankle-length shirt dress and heeled booties. She wore a thick belt over the drop-waist look, adding gold rings and a gold bracelet. The “Through the Fire” singer‘s naturally beautiful look included a neutral square-tip manicure, a pink lip, and rosy cheeks. She wore her hair in gorgeous curls down to her waist.
The 71-year-old looked ageless as she beamed on stage. In 2012, Khan credited a vegan diet, forgoing all meat and dairy products, for her health. At the time, the “Like Sugar” singer had been diagnosed with Type-2 Diabetes and high blood pressure, as she shared with HuffPost.
She finally decided, “I can’t live like this,” evaluating her priorities and initially going on a “strict unconditional fast for a couple of months.” About 75 pounds lighter, healthier, and happier, Khan appears to be living her best life.
