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Chaka Khan Honored at Resonator Awards, Encourages Next Generation
Music icon Chaka Khan accepted the Luminary Award, praising fellow honorees and calling for more support for women and creators in the industry.
Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:47pm
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Legendary singer Chaka Khan was honored with the Luminary Award at the second annual Resonator Awards, which celebrate women and nonbinary producers, songwriters, and engineers in the music industry. During her acceptance speech, Khan encouraged the next generation, saying "your voices matter" and calling for more doors to be opened for women and all creators. Several artists, including Joni Mitchell, Sia, and Lalah Hathaway, paid tribute to Khan with special performances.
Why it matters
The Resonator Awards shine a spotlight on the critical but often overlooked contributions of women and nonbinary music professionals, aiming to promote greater diversity and equity in the industry. Khan's acceptance speech underscored the importance of uplifting underrepresented voices and supporting the next generation of creators.
The details
Chaka Khan was presented the Luminary Award by fellow music icon Joni Mitchell, who shared a story about the time they dined and dashed before going back to pay the bill. In her acceptance speech, Khan praised Mitchell's songwriting prowess, saying she "sent me to the dictionary several times." Khan spoke about the importance of "staying open" to collaboration, new voices, and change in order to achieve longevity in the music industry. She also called on industry leaders to "keep opening those doors" for women and all creators.
- The Resonator Awards ceremony took place on January 29, 2026.
- Chaka Khan was honored at the event with the Luminary Award.
The players
Chaka Khan
A legendary singer and songwriter who has had a profound impact on the music industry over her decades-long career.
Joni Mitchell
A renowned singer-songwriter who presented the Luminary Award to Chaka Khan at the Resonator Awards ceremony.
We Are Moving the Needle
A nonprofit organization that presents the Resonator Awards to honor women and nonbinary producers, songwriters, and engineers in the music industry.
What they’re saying
“Every time we meet, something spectacular happens.”
— Joni Mitchell
“When it comes to writing and … trying to know your words, how to use your words, how powerful they are — she is the absolute tops of that for me. In fact, she sent me to the dictionary several times.”
— Chaka Khan
“Longevity isn't about staying the same. It's about staying open … open to collaboration, open to new voices, open to change, and open to the people behind the scenes whose creativity helps shape everything you hear[.] … When women and all creators are supported, we rise together. To the honorees tonight, you are the future. To the leaders here, keep opening those doors. And to the next generation, your voices matter.”
— Chaka Khan
The takeaway
Chaka Khan's powerful acceptance speech at the Resonator Awards underscored the importance of uplifting underrepresented voices in the music industry and supporting the next generation of diverse creators. Her call for more open doors and opportunities for women and all artists serves as an inspiring message about the transformative potential of greater inclusion and equity in the industry.
