Brenda's funeral was postponed for a week as government officials were visiting Zurich as part of the country's hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Today marks 20 years since South African icon Brenda Fassie passed away.
I remember being 13 years old and hearing about her death all over the media.
Before she died, there are some flashbacks to when former President Nelson Mandela visited her in hospital.
Brenda's funeral was eventually held in Cape Town's Langa district, but was postponed for a week to allow for government ministers to attend.
This was because both Mr Mandela and then-President Thabo Mbeki, along with other government officials, had visited Zurich as part of the country's bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Superstar Ma Bulu
Affectionately known as 'Ma Bull', her debut film was a huge hit with The Big Dudes. weekend special, It became a best-selling record in 1983.
Some of Brenda's classic songs that still blast the speakers include: Noma Kanjani, Vulli Ndlela and black president.
Her bravery was unparalleled. She often wonders how she would have used social media if she had a personality like hers.
Fassie reportedly received the loudest cheers when she sang at a concert marking the transfer of power from former President Mandela to Mr Mbeki.
The 39-year-old pop diva collapsed 13 days ago, on April 26, in her brother's arms at her home in Bukreux.
Her death came after two weeks of nationwide prayers and high-profile hospital visits from former politicians including Mr Mandela and Mr Mbeki.
A judicial inquiry into Ms Fassie's death was launched, and a post-mortem examination found that the cause of her death was the cocaine she had used that morning. This was revealed seven months later in Randburg Magistrates' Court.
The circumstances of her death offer a glimpse into what kind of life Fassie lived.
Former journalist Bongani Madondo’s book “ I'm not your weekend special Released in 2014, the film reveals exactly who this naughty superstar was.
The foreword was written by Hugh Masekela and the book includes contributions from those who knew Brenda both publicly and privately.
This collection includes reminiscences, critiques, elegies, essays, and praise by friends, ex-lovers, critics, poets, scholars, and musicians, reflecting Fassey's boundless legacy across boundaries.
Funny, crazy, moving, insightful, and tragic. I'm not your weekend special Follow the ups and downs of Brenda's life and celebrate the importance of this South African icon.
It wasn't until 2022 that Brenda's music became available on streaming platforms.
Albums available for streaming include: no! no!SenoreDuring the Brenda and the Big Dudes era, Noma Kanjani (1999), Ag Shame Lovely (1987), and memezaher 1998 pop album that included the classic “Vuli Ndlela”.
Brenda and the Big Dudes remained together until 1987, when Brenda left to pursue a solo career.
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mother
Brenda's son, Bongani Fassie, paid tribute to his mother on the 20th with an X post reflecting on his life.th the anniversary of her death.
Brenda's life is celebrated at the Tycoon nightclub in Bryanston.
“Not just my late mother, but a global icon in African pop music! Twenty years after her death, her music still resonates with millions of people around the world. Let's come together with our fellow artists to celebrate her accomplishments, her passion, and the joy she brought to so many lives,” Bongani wrote.
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