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Brenda Fassie (November 3, 1964 – May 9, 2004) was a renowned South African anti-apartheid Afropop singer, known for her contributions to kwaito and mbaqanga music. Born in Langa, Cape Town, she began her career at the age of 16 after moving to Soweto, near Johannesburg. Her first major hit came in 1983 with "Weekend Special" as part of the band Brenda and the Big Dudes, which gained international recognition. During the 1980s, she achieved legendary status through her collaboration with Sello "Chicco" Twala, culminating in the multi-platinum album "Too Late For Mama" in 1989, which topped South African charts. She continued to produce several successful albums, showcasing her diverse talents. The 1998 release "Memeza," also in collaboration with Chicco, became South Africa's best-selling release of the year, selling 500,000 units and earning her multiple music awards. Known as "the girl with the golden voice" and "South Africa’s queen of pop," Brenda was affectionately called "MaBrrr" by her fans. Time Magazine referred to her as "The Madonna of the Townships." Brenda Fassie passed away from a cocaine overdose on May 9, 2004.