Brenda Fassie

Brenda Fassie (1964–2004) was a South African singer born in Langa, near Cape Town. After moving to Soweto and performing with Joy, she fronted Brenda and the Big Dudes. Their 1983 single Weekend Special brought her national recognition and an international audience.

She subsequently developed a solo career, working with producer Sello ‘Chicco’ Twala from the late 1980s. Their album Too Late for Mama achieved platinum status in 1989. Her concerts and recordings made her a prominent figure in South African popular music and across the continent.