Brenda Fassie – Brenda 60

Brenda Fassie – Brenda 60: Brenda Fassie (1964–2004) was a renowned South African singer, songwriter, dancer, and activist, affectionately known as “MaBrrr” and often referred to as the “Queen of African Pop” or the “Madonna of the Townships.” Born in Langa, Cape Town, she began her musical journey at a young age, performing for tourists and at church events.

Her career took off in the 1980s when she became the lead singer for the group Brenda and the Big Dudes, producing hits like “Weekend Special.” Fassie’s music, characterized by its Afro-pop and township pop styles, resonated deeply with audiences, addressing both personal and political themes. She passed away in 2004, leaving behind a significant legacy in African music.

In celebration of what would have been her 60th birthday, a compilation album titled “Brenda 60” was released in 2024. This album features 27 tracks, including classics like “Weekend Special (USA Remix),” “Bongani (USA Remix),” and “Let’s Stick Together (1984 Version).” The album is available for streaming on platforms such as Spotify.

For listeners interested in songs similar to Brenda Fassie’s style, exploring tracks from other prominent South African artists in the Afro-pop and kwaito genres is recommended. Artists like Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Miriam Makeba, and Mandoza offer music that captures similar rhythms and themes.

Here is a table listing 15 of Brenda Fassie’s top hit songs:

Song Title	Release Year	Album
Weekend Special	1983	Weekend Special
Vul’indlela	1997	Memeza
Too Late for Mama	1989	Too Late for Mama
Nomakanjani	1999	Nomakanjani
Black President	1990	Black President
Memeza	1997	Memeza
Ag Shame Lovey	1987	Ag Shame Lovey
No! No! Señor	1986	No! No! Señor
Amalahle	1986	No! No! Señor
Higher and Higher	1985	Higher and Higher
Touch Somebody	1985	Touch Somebody (EP)
It’s Nice to Be with People	1984	Let’s Stick Together
Let’s Stick Together	1984	Let’s Stick Together
Bongani	1984	Let’s Stick Together
Mama I’m Sorry	1993	Mama

These tracks highlight the versatility and depth of Brenda Fassie’s musical career, showcasing her ability to blend personal storytelling with broader social commentary.

For a curated selection of her music, you might enjoy the following compilation: