Legendary Afro-pop musician Brenda Fassie tragically passed away on this day 14 years ago. The insanely talented singer rose to stardom in the early 80’s following the release of Weekend Special with the group Brenda and the Big Dudes. She later went solo and went on to garner multiple music awards and become one of South Africa’s most best-selling artists. Mabrrr met her untimely death at Sunninghill Hospital after spending two weeks in a coma. South Africans have taken to social media to remember Brenda and to mark the anniversary of her death.
Here’s a look at what they’ve had to say.
Watch: Today marks the 14th anniversary of the passing of legendary Afro-pop singer, Brenda Fassie. Well over a decade after the start of her career she was still on top winning SAMA’s bestselling artist award 4 times in a row. Time Magazine dubbed her the Queen of African Pop. pic.twitter.com/MWbfKTHNFD
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) May 9, 2018
“I don’t believe in dreams, I don’t dream, I’m not a day-dreamer, I’m not a night dreamer. I don’t dream of things, I think of things, I plan these things – Brenda Fassie.
RIP Sis Mabrr, gone but never forgotten. Never bak’confirme pic.twitter.com/0isBPm2vHd
— Phumzile Van Damme (@zilevandamme) May 9, 2018
Today in History 9th May 2004
Brenda Fassie passed on in her sleep at Sunninghill Hospital. The Queen of African Pop & one of the biggest selling artists in South Africa. Her music resonated with many & inspired many other musicians
Remember the Icon – Remember the Legend pic.twitter.com/ARy9aNcB0w
— #IAmWinnieMandela ?? (@KatlehoMK) May 9, 2018
SEE ALSO: The country remembers Brenda Fassie
Brenda Fassie has won five South African Music Awards
Best Female Artist
Song of the Year in 1999
Best-selling Release of the Decade
Best Song of the Decade in 2004
Lifetime Achievement Award pic.twitter.com/nCqPxfNIAZ— Long live the spirit of Brenda Fassie (@lulekotlhari) May 9, 2018
18 years ago today Brenda Fassie, South Africa’s undisputed queen of pop, township Madonna, “Mabrrr” died (aged only 39) in a sleep after spending 2 weeks in a coma. She was far ahead of her time, her music and spirit still lives. Rest In eternal Power MaBrrr
pic.twitter.com/XP5YZ5tnqY
— Sam (@SpokenSam) May 9, 2018
SEE ALSO: RIP Brenda Fassie
The concept of filling up stadiums in SA is not new. Brenda Fassie (Lucky Dube as well) was doing it effortlessly during her prime and she never bragged about it. She is forever our queen through her music that still lives. R.I.P MaBrrr pic.twitter.com/kk3QhuCYdc
— Sam (@SpokenSam) May 9, 2018
Brenda Fassie The Legendary Hitmaker:
Weekend Special
Too late for mama
Higher & Higher
Vuli’ndlela
Zola budd
Life is going on
Nomakanjani
Memeza
I straight le ndaba
Amagents
Thola Amdlozi
Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu
Wedding day
Tshwara mo kea orataOnly to mention but a few pic.twitter.com/4denI7n74G
— Ray Harvest?® (@Ray_Harvest) May 9, 2018
SEE ALSO: Happy birthday Brenda Fassie!
This Day 14 years ago, Brenda Fassie, dies in her sleep at Sunninghill Hospital. We miss you MaDlomo! #RIPBrendaFassie ? pic.twitter.com/WRz8f7ZnL6
— damsel-in-distress ? (@princekhanya_) May 9, 2018