SHE was renowned for her full of life attitude, yet stepped onto others toes, intentionally or not, Brenda Fassie, cared-less.
Baptised as ‘Madonna of the Townships’ or whatever superlative you may think of by her fans, she was larger than life.
Talk of life, the Langa born (Cape Town) was recently honoured, posthumously by family, friends at her Vulindlela Documentary series premiere in Sandton, on a wet Saturday evening.
Vulindlela is a powerful 4-part series that charts Brenda Fassie’s extraordinary rise from obscurity to South African music royalty.
After hitting rock bottom and being written off by the industry, Brenda defied all expectations, reinventing herself through the iconic album Vulindlela.
MaBrrr, the legend, opened the way for generations to come and today, some continue to use her mantra especially in the music industry- on the survival, tribulations, fame that all came with her status.
At the premiere, her family spoke about life and challenges after 21 years’ of her passing, as guests that included legendary music producer Sello Chicco Twala, another great Blondie Makhene, celebrated author and friend Bongani Madondo, and mme Yvonne Chaka-Chaka (in absentia), reminisced on Brenda Nokuzola Fassie’s legacy.
The first series focused on who, how and where Brenda was identified, and the people who identified her talent such as legendary Koloi Lebona from CCP records at the time, how the band’s name Big Dudes was conceived and how she replaced the pregnant Anneline Malebo from the group Joy, famous for a hit ‘Paradise Road’, etc…
Even after her passing after two decades, her spirit still echoes through the rhythms of SA music today and abroad.
At the do, Brenda’s nephew and niece- Gemma and Robin Fassie, accompanied by the big brother Bongani Fassie, went down memory lane belting out some of MaBrrr’s hits, as guests got down, and did sing-alongs on Vulindlela, Weekend Special, Zola Budd, etc…
“My artistry is an evolution of her spirit. Where she broke barriers, I built bridges. Where she spoke for people, I reminded the people who they are. What I’m doing was inevitable; I was born into it. The Fassie bloodline does not fade; it multiplies,” remarked Bongani, who looked strong, healthy and more focused.
The Fassie family is preserving her memories by digitising archives, restoring masters, and ensuring that the next generation of artists can learn from her story, her genius, and her encourage.
Bongani also explained its not about nostalgia; but continuity and the name Fassie is alive and evolving.
‘I’m happy the final product is ready to be shared with the country, after years’ of keeping this a top secret. Sit tied, MaBrrr is gonna shake you’ remarked Chicco, who was accompanied by his son.
My former editor and Sowetan’s then assignment editor Andrew Molefe, should be smiling from his grave in that both him and Brenda shared love/hate relationship.
The production was compiled and produced by SAs top firm- Dzinge Productions, who toiled local and international landscapes, for 13 years’ in preparation for this astounding Vulindlela project, according to Shandu Nesengani.
And yes, the motion is set with the release of the four part series Vulindlela (open the way) to be carried on the public broadcaster SABC 1 on Saturday’s evening.
Image SLM (Full of life. Brenda Fassie’s -Vulindlela to premiere on SABC 1).
