More than five decades after her first successes, multiple Grammy winner Chaka Khan (73) returns with new material: Her album "Chakzilla" will be released on September 18. This is according to an announcement about the album. For the US soul and funk singer, who is also represented in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it is her 23rd studio album.
Thematically, Khan focuses on strength, joy of life, and self-determination. She wrote the songs together with Sia and Grammy-winning producer Greg Kurstin, who was also responsible for the production. Appearances by Snoop Dogg (54) and Lenny Kravitz (62) add additional prominence to the guest list.
"This album is about joy"
Khan herself describes the work as a personal inventory. "This album is about joy. About freedom. About loving yourself and others and discovering your own strength, no matter where you are in life", she is quoted as saying. And further: "I've experienced a lot since my last album. These songs are meant to celebrate exactly that. This music is about being human, feeling good, and embracing your own strength."
A new glimpse into the album is the single "Boogie's In My Soul", which features Snoop Dogg and which Khan also wrote with Sia. The rapper describes the song as the soundtrack of a perfect summer: "Nobody can take that away from you anymore. It's already in your system. Now let it into your soul too."
Khan involved as co-writer on every song
This was preceded by the title track "Chakzilla", which initiated the album announcement. It is noteworthy that Khan contributed as co-writer on all tracks - a circumstance that makes the album one of the most personal of her career.
Sia expresses her enthusiasm about the collaboration: "Working with Chaka was a dream. She has one of the most distinctive voices of our generation and a great sense of humor to boot. We laughed incredibly hard. She's a true one-take wonder. I tried to capture her energy, her spirit, and her depth. Chaka is unique and Greg did an outstanding job with the production."
Producer Greg Kurstin is also generous with praise: "It was an honor and a privilege to work with Chaka on this album. As a longtime fan, collaborating in the studio was something very special." Her voice is rhythmic, expressive, and emotionally moving. "She has always touched me, just like countless other people. Chaka is highly professional and incredibly entertaining at the same time."
The new album is part of a busy year. In early 2026, the Recording Academy honored Khan with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest honors in the industry. In the summer, her story also reaches the stage: The musical "I'm Every Woman", inspired by her life and her influence, premieres in London's West End.
