Brenda Fassie
The Queen of African PopNovember 3 1964 — May 9 2004 |
Artist: Angus Taylor Location: Bassline, Newtown precinct, Johannesburg
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Angus Taylor’s life-size bronze sculpture of the late superstar, Brenda Fassie, does more than provide a likeness: it allows the public to engage with it — by literally climbing onto it. Picture: Craig Mathews © South African History Archive Brenda Fassie, known as the Madonna of the townships, was one of Africa’s biggest home-grown stars, South Africa’s top-selling local artist and what her record company EMI called “a once-in-a-generation artist, a true idol”. But for most she was MaBrrr or simply Brenda, a phenomenon like no other. As Brenda once said while talking to fans on Umhlobo Wenene FM, “I will always be this way.” From The Archives Child StarBrenda rose quickly from childhood to stardom. Starting out as a determined young dreamer in Langa, Cape Town, she was discovered by independent producer Koloi Lebona, who brought her to White City, Soweto. Hit MakerKey to Brenda Fassie’s big break was Melvyn Matthews, who wrote Weekend Special, the song that made her the first local act ever to make it to Billboard’s Top 100. One TimeBrenda Fassie was a true original. There was nobody else like her. As producer Koloi Lebona says: "In terms of uniqueness of voice, that fresh approach to her songs, there was no one like Brenda." Brenda and the Big MoodsFlamboyant, emotional and generous to a fault, Brenda Fassie could also be cruel and imperious. Notoriously volatile and deeply sensitive, she wasn’t always in control of her complex personality. Caught in the GlareBrenda Fassie had a deeply ambiguous relationship with the media, sometimes brazenly wooing journalists and at other times beating them up or hurling abuse at them. Ways of DyingBrenda Fassie’s coma and death stirred up a frenzy of activity, with fans, friends and hangers-on singing hymns and prayers in an ongoing vigil of vain hope. Whose Name is it Anyway?Fans, friends and media hounds alike christened Brenda Fassie with a wealth of catchy nicknames. Jozi GirlBrenda Fassie liked to get around the city she lived in, inhabiting Joburg and its environs like a pair of tight-cut jeans. Barbs and SnipesBrenda Fassie may have had more fans than she had detractors, but her critics hit hard. African QueenAlthough her keenest fans occupied home turf, Brenda Fassie’s music also enjoyed overwhelming popularity across the rest of the African continent. Life Stories Once in a GenerationWhen Brenda Fassie’s record company called her a "once-in-a-generation artist, a true idol", they knew they had backed pure gold. Young Fassie Immortalised in BronzeThe Heritage Project’s bronze sculpture of the late singer, Brenda Fassie, sets a new trend for South African heritage. MaBrrr Lives Again as we Celebrate HistoryThe Sunday Times’s Gwen Gill attends the unveiling of the Brenda Fassie memorial and finds it joyous — despite the historical edge.
Queen of ExcessBabalwa Shota joins Fassie and her all-girl crew in a radio studio for a six-pack of ciders at the launch of 'Mina Nawe'. Life is Goin' OnBongani Madondo was so diva-stated when Fassie died that he swore never to write anything about her again — but not before this swan song. Making the Memorial Who is Angus Taylor?Nonewcomer to public art, Angus Taylor has completed several commissions for government, local councils, private companies and individuals. The Light Bulb Moment - The Artist's ConceptAfter spending days going through Fassie's dvds, photographs and famous quotes, Taylor knew exactly how to portray the late controversial songstress. |
