Chaka Khan says she’ll miss Madiba during SA tour

American disco diva Chaka Khan says she will miss having a cup of tea with former president Nelson Mandela – a man she considered a friend – while touring in South Africa next month.

In an interview on Friday, Khan (62) said she enjoyed socialising with Mandela and his wife, Graça Machel, at their home in Houghton during previous visits to Mzansi.

“I met with him and Graça a few times,” she said. “He was a lovely man. He really is missed on this planet.”

Khan is famous for hits Tell Me Something Good and I’m Every Woman, and was close friends with the late songbird Whitney Houston.

The Grammy Award-winning star will share a stage with American House musician “Little” Louie Vega and local acts The Muffinz and Unathi at the DStv Delicious International Food andamp; Music Festival in Joburg on June 6.

Speaking to City Press from Miami, where she performed this week, Khan promised South African fans “a great show”.

“I can’t wait to be in South Africa. I’ll be covering stuff from my entire career.”

Khan has spoken openly about her problems with substance abuse and once nearly died after taking a toxic mix of cocaine and sleeping pills.

“Addiction is a very big problem around the world. It is a very personal matter, too. I really suggest anyone with problems should get some help,” she said.

Khan has not used alcohol or painkillers since June 2013, and said she was feeling “fabulous”.

A leaked copy of her 2010 rider – a document stipulating an artist’s backstage demands to concert organisers – clearly states “no alcohol”.

Her backstage demands include agave honey, six “high-end” sandalwood candles and a fruit platter with dark-purple grapes.

Under the heading “Chaka Khan transportation requirements”, she demands VIP assistance at airports and a late-model SUV limousine that can fit eight people.

“Chaka Khan private dressing room requirements” include that her dressing room be near the stage.

“If on a different floor, by no means will she be required to go up or down stairs – there must be an elevator in close proximity.”