Namibian artists pay tribute to Brenda Fassie

Brenda Fassie’s song Weekend Special remains the soundtrack to many, many weekend parties all over Namibia. Known as the Madonna of the Townships, Brenda or Ma Brrr - as she was fondly called - left a legacy that still reverberates throughout Africa. In the 1980s - during the height of apartheid - and 1990s Brenda delivered hit after hit, after hit. Celebrated live performer Big Ben says that he grew up listening to her. “Brenda broke all the walls. She was our star. We adored her. Everyone adored her,” he says. Big Ben describes Vulindlela as his favourite Brenda song of all time. Award winning songstress Tequila says it’s sad that Brenda isn’t here today. “She was a pioneer for female musicians and set trends,” she says. Tequila says that when she was very young, she started practicing her singing and dancing to Brenda’s songs. “I still try and apply all her techniques. Brenda gave her all on stage. She was a performer,” Tequila says. Asked what her favourite Brenda song is, Tequila is quick to point out that it’s Too Late For Mama. “The song touches your heart. Brenda tapped into her emotions and that is extremely hard,” she says. Tequila says that till this day Brenda’s songs are hits. She describes her as a legend, whose sound inspired many singers. “Brenda’s voice was so unique and beautiful. She didn’t mimic anyone. She made her own rules. She was creative in every sense,” she says. Brenda Fassie always made the headlines, whether it was for her sexual orientation or flashing her boobs or legs during shows. Brenda won the Best Selling Release award for four years in a row at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), starting in 1999. Her albums, Memeza, Amadlozi and Nomakanjani remain South Africa’s most popular albums ever. South African Music Awards, the biggest music awards in her home country puts will show just how much star power she had. , She grew up in the 1970s in Langa, one of Cape Town's oldest black townships. Brenda would eventually get her big break in the 1980s when a member of the popular group Joy went and maternity leave and Brenda stood in for her. She later went on to form Brenda Fassie and the Big Dudes. In 1983, Brenda became a household name thanks to her popular party song Weekend Special. Three decades later, Weekend Special is still loved by young and old and is sung by those who weren’t even born went it was first released. Also known as a party girl, Brenda lived a flashy lifestyle, splashing money on cars and houses. Her battle with drugs, which eventually claimed her life, has also been widely reported. During an interview in 2001, Brenda said she would rather have happiness then money. Still, Brenda remained loved both by her fans and leaders like Tata Madiba, who adored Brenda. She wrote the song My Black President for him. In 2004 Brenda collapsed and was rushed to hospital. She was in a coma for two weeks before she died. Sally says she was also inspired by Brenda. “She was the best in the business. There will never ever be another Brenda Fassie,” she says. Sally says Brenda was one of the most honest musicians. “She was our ghetto queen. Nobody compares,” she says. Sally says Soon And Very Soon has her favourite Brenda song. Lize Ehlers says that Brenda was “a burning fire”. “I remember watching her music video Wedding Day on NBC throughout my youth and loving her. It was just spectacular,” she says. Lize performed Brenda’s Wedding Day in the theatre production Meme Mia last year and says it was a tremendous honour. “She was a fearless performer and a fashion icon, and her music will live on forever,” Lize says. WINDHOEK GORDON JOSEPH