Vulindlela

In this episode, we meet Brenda Fassie, a 16-year-old girl with a dream and a voice that would soon capture the heart of a nation. Her journey begins in Langa, Cape Town, where she first took to the stage at the age of four, performing with a children’s group called Tiny Tots. Family members recall that by the time she turned six, she was already performing for mayors and community audiences, a child who seemed certain she was born to be a star. Discovered by Koloi Lebona, Brenda’s star began to rise with the recording of Weekend Special, a song that catapulted her to fame despite early rejection. Blondie Makhene recalls how a record label initially refused to record her.

As Brenda’s talent became undeniable, she began a powerful creative partnership with Chicco Twala. Together, they discovered a rhythm that would shape the sound of South African pop. Their first major success came with Too Late for Mama, released during a time of social and political change. The song struck a deep emotional chord, showcasing Brenda’s raw storytelling and Chicco’s instinct for timeless melodies. It was the beginning of something extraordinary. A few years later, Vulindlela arrived — a celebration of freedom, joy, and resilience. The track became an anthem, confirming the creative magic between Brenda and Chicco and securing both their places in South African music history.

Brenda Fassie’s story takes a darker turn as those closest to her reflect on her complicated relationship with money. Family and friends recall how success brought unimaginable wealth, but also a restless urge to give and spend without limit. She could blow a million rand in weeks, showering those around her with gifts and generosity that few could match. But behind the glamour, substance abuse and alcohol began to take hold. Missed performances and tabloid headlines soon followed, painting a chaotic picture of a star losing control. Journalists, colleagues, and loved ones describe how the nation’s beloved Brenda became known as the bad girl of South African music, a label that eventually led her to seek help in rehab