Khan is just one of the artist continuing BRIC’s longstanding tradition of presenting an eclectic mix of artists at the forefront of their field. Previous Festival openers have included cultural luminary David Byrne, reggae icon Jimmy Cliff and pop sensation Janelle Monáe, among many others.
Chaka Khan has a multitude of accomplishments along the path of her 40-year-long career. A singer, songwriter, producer, visual artist, author, actor, philanthropist, entrepreneur, activist and mother, she is an international music icon who has influenced multiple generations of artists and continues to do so.
The artist first arrived to the stage in the 1970’s at 18 years old as the lead singer of the band, Rufus. Since then, she has become a ten-time Grammy award winner with 22 Grammy nominations. Throughout her career, she has released 22 albums and racked up ten #1 Billboard magazine charted songs, eight RIAA certified gold singles and eleven RIAA certified gold and platinum albums. She’s been awarded the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, the Soul Train Legend Award, and the World Music Lifetime Achievement Award; inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame; and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.