Birthplace: Langa, South Africa
Born: 3 November 1964
Died: 9 May 2004
“I am a shocker, I like to create controversy. It’s my trademark.”- Brenda Fassie
Brenda Nokuzola Fassie’s dad died when she was two and she was raised by her mum who made a living as a pianist.
Fassie began singing at a very young age and by the age of five, tourists were paying to hear her sing.
When Fassie was 16, renowned producer Koloi Lebona recognised her outstanding talent and realised she had “the voice of the future.”
Fassie moved to Joburg with Lebona, initially joining the group Joy before starting her own band called Brenda and the Big Dudes which had an instant hit in 1983 with the Weekend Special. The single became the fastest selling record at the time.
Throughout the decade Fassie established herself as a great solo pop star. She used her fame to raise money for anti-apartheid organisations, holding fundraising concerts for them. She toured extensively internationally performing her particular brand.
In the late 1980s, she began working with producer Sello “Chicco” Twala. The album Too Late for Mama achieved platinum status in 1989, making their partnership one of the most successful in South Africa’s music industry.
During this time, Fassie’s controversial personal life was publicised. In 1989 she married Nhlanhla Mlambo but it quickly ended in divorce. Her drug habits hampered her music career and she was in and out of rehab. Her female lover Poppie Sihlahla died in 1995 of an apparent drug overdose.
Rumours that Fassie’s career were over were proven wrong when she released her 1998 album Memeza, which earned her a number of awards.
On 26 April 2004 Fassie was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack. Fans all over the country held prayer services for her but she remained in hospital, finally dying on 9 May. Her funeral was held on 23 May in her hometown Langa.
Brenda Fassie is survived by her son Bongani Fassie.
