Chaka Khan on Chakzilla, her ‘secret younger lover’ and why she’ll never retire (EXCLUSIVE)

Five decades into a career that’s made her one of music’s most enduring icons, Chaka Khan is still proving why she’s the answer to everything. With her new album Chakzilla on the way and I’m Every Woman now lighting up the West End, the queen of funk, soul and unapologetic fabulousness takes on Attitude’s ultimate test…

Attitude: You’ve been a diva for decades. What’s the most diva thing you’ve ever done?

Chaka Khan: I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m sure you’ll have to ask the people around me. If I told you, that wouldn’t be very diva of me, would it?

The diva never reveals her secrets. 5/5

Tell us one thing people need to stop asking you.

When I’m going to retire. I’m not! Next question.

Case closed. 5/5

What’s one rumour about yourself that you wish was actually true?

That I’m difficult. I wish I would be more difficult. And, that I have a secret younger lover somewhere in Europe. Actually, maybe I do.

Madonna called. She wants her toyboy back. 5/5

Your most expensive bad habit?

Beautiful things. I like gold things. I see something beautiful and suddenly I’m having a conversation with myself that I usually lose. Then I usually give it away because someone admired it.

Gold… then generosity. We approve. 4/5

I’m Every Woman is now a stage musical in London. What was the strangest feeling about seeing your life turned into theatre?

Watching somebody else be me! That’s strange. Your life is just your life and while you’re living it, you don’t think of it as a story. Then suddenly you’re sitting there watching your younger self and thinking, ‘Girl, you have no idea what’s coming!’

Talk about an out-of-body experience. 5/5

If you could build the ultimate “Every Woman”, which three women would you steal qualities from – and why?

Oh, I can’t pick just three. That’s the point of ‘I’m Every Woman’. I find something beautiful in so many women: our strength, our wisdom, our intuition and the ability to keep going. I’d steal a little something from all of them. I’m Every Woman.

The only correct answer, really. 4/5

For years, people have shouted, “Chaka Khan!” whenever they don’t know the answer to a quiz question – from PinkPantheress to RuPaul. What’s your reaction when you see it?

I love it! Apparently, I’m the answer to everything even when nobody knows the answer to anything. I’ll take it!

The answer was Chaka Khan all along. 5/5

What’s on your backstage rider?

Hot herbal tea and lemon to take care of my voice. Maybe some organic roasted seaweed snacks and Swiss Miss chocolate. Keep the drama somewhere else.

Seaweed, Swiss Miss and zero drama. 4/5

Your favourite Pride memory?

The love I have received from the LGBTQ+ community throughout my life and career has been incredible. Pride is joy. Pride is freedom. Pride is people being exactly who they are, and you know I’m always going to celebrate that.

Exactly why she’s our queen. 5/5

What’s one thing you’ll never apologise for?

Being myself. Took me too long to figure that one out to start apologising for it now.

A life motto if ever we heard one. 5/5

The quickest way to annoy you?

Waste my time. I can forgive a whole lot of things, but don’t waste my time.

Noted. 3/5

Most ridiculous request you’ve had from a fan?

I couldn’t possibly tell you that in Attitude without being redacted.

Now we’re desperate to know. 5/5

If Chaka Khan was a cocktail, what would be in it?

Equal parts leather and sparkle, dash of mystery, always served fresh and straight up.

One Chakatini, please. 4/5

Your favourite swear word?

Ah, bless your heart.

The classiest insult in the book. 4/5

If you opened a nightclub, what would you call it?

Funk This.

Guest list, please. 4/5

The most outrageous thing you’ve ever bought?

My forest in Georgia for peace and quiet.

Some buy handbags; Chaka bought a forest. 5/5

Finally, what’s one thing you’d still love to tick off your bucket list?

I don’t really believe in finishing the list. Every time I tick something off, I add something else! I want to keep making music, keep travelling, keep learning and keep gardening and, most importantly, keep making memories with my family – my grandbabies. As long as I’m creating and planting and doing something meaningful, I’m there.

Some icons never stop growing. 4/5

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89% Attitude

She’s the answer to every quiz question, refuses to retire and won’t spill her biggest diva moment. We’d expect nothing less.

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Chaka Khan’s new album, Chakzilla, is out on 18 September