Brenda Fassie-Qula

Brenda Fassie (November 3, 1964 -- May 9, 2004[1]), was a legendary South African pop singer widely considered a voice for disenfranchised blacks during apartheid. She was affectionately known as the Queen of African Pop and her nickname amongst fans was Mabrr. Brenda was born in Langa, Cape Town[2] as the youngest of 9 children. She was named after Brenda Lee, an American country singer.[2] Her father died when she was 2, and with the help of her mother, a pianist,[citation needed] she started earning money by singing for tourists.[2]
In 1981, at the age of 16, she left Cape Town for Soweto, Johannesburg to seek her fortune as a singer. Brenda first joined the group Joy and later became the lead singer for the township pop group Brenda And The Big Dudes. She had a son, Bongani, in 1985 by a fellow Big Dudes musician. Brenda married ex-convict Nhlanhla Mbambo in 1989 but later in 1991 got divorced. It was around this time that she became addicted to cocaine and her career suffered.
With very outspoken views and frequent visits to the poorer townships of Johannesburg, as well as songs about life in the townships, she enjoyed tremendous popularity. Known best for her songs "Weekend Special" and "Too Late for Mama", she was called by Time Magazine in 2001 "The Madonna of the Townships".
In 1995 she was discovered in a hotel with the body of her lover, Poppie Sihlahla, who had died of an apparent overdose.[2] Fassie underwent rehabilitation and got her career back on track.[2] However, she still had drug problems and returned to drug rehabilitation clinics[2] about 30 times in her life.
Since 1996 she released several solo albums like "Now Is The Time", "Memeza" (1997, the best selling album in South Africa in 1998[2]) or "Nomakanjani?". Most of her albums became multi-platinum sellers in South Africa.
On the morning of 26 April 2004, Brenda collapsed at her home in Buccleuch and was admitted into the Sunninghill hospital in Johannesburg. The press were told that she had suffered cardiac arrest but later reported that she had slipped into a coma brought on by an asthma attack. The post-mortem report revealed that she had taken an overdose of cocaine in the night of her collapse, and this was the cause of her coma. She stopped breathing and suffered brain damage from lack of oxygen. Fassie was visited in the hospital by Nelson Mandela, Winnie Mandela, and Thabo Mbeki, and her condition was front-page news in South African papers.[3][2] Brenda died at age 39 on 9 May 2004 in hospital without returning to consciousness after her life support machines were turned off. According to the South African Sunday Times and the managers of her music company, the post-mortem report also showed that she was HIV-positive. Her manager, Peter Snyman, denied this aspect of the report.
She was voted 17th in the Top 100 Great South Africans. Please comment and Rate!!!

[@lallaolifant2369]

August 2019, it's 11:16 pm i'm in tears missing my late grandmother. She sang this song to me while telling me stories of how it was like back in the day when she ran a shebeen and how her Xhosa customers would sing and dance to this song. She'd even imitate their dance moves athi babexhensa so. RIP MaNgcobo, RIP Brenda Fassie.

[@mihlalirennie9485]

Brenda was very brave & controversial for singing this song, but she made it a hit.🤣🔥🔥👏👏

[@euginekulavi1695]

RIP South African gem,.. 12th July 2023,, we still love you legend

[@norrawilbor9056]

12yrs ago My Dad would always play this song in his car while taking me to school. I would sing along but had no idea of the right lyrics. This song stayed in my head and i hoped i would someday get the right name of the song.. Fast forward to 1hr ago, i finally found the gem of a song thank you brenda.. Your voice was golden Continue to rest on You're in my heart forever❤ So much love from Nigeria

[@johninjabuliso4356]

Xawuyikwekwe uzawushona entabeni Xawungumzulu uzawushona eRank mawulishangane uzafamba moyeni mawungumlungu uzawushona edurban mawuli China uzawushaya ikarate mawulikwerekwere angazi uzawushonaphi na qula kwedina ×2 awuzenazo×2 qula kwedina×2 awuzenazo❤❤🔥🔥👌👌💪💪🇿🇦🇿🇦 Brenda Fassie was the powerhouse

[@vamonyembe9020]

Nope, you got it wrong! xa unguMzulu uzaw'shona eLenge (that's a place where Zulus used to perform their cultural activities) ma ungumlungu uzaw'shona esbhedlela! thank me later!

[@kykdaar]

Brenda will always remain an inspiration to the impoverished of South Africa - who had that indelible fire in their soul. Don't worry Sis Mabrr - we will never forget you ... Lala Kahle ... 'mshengu'

[@raymondmaditsi612]

I'm here it's 2023 missing my grandma so much she used to jam this once at home for me and my older sister, mind you my older sister was named after her by my mom.

[@goodgodfather5177]

2020 who is here ❤❤🇨🇲🇿🇦💯

[@rirhandzumeshackmaluleke1186]

This beat is still killing❤

[@Kusanagi7618]

Day ninety something of the cori and I'm here listening to Mabrrrr from my own device ever. Always used to hear her song on the radio or spaza shop buying amacadburry as a child.

[@afleyao8545]

I remember listening to Brenda Fassie music when I was a kid. This particular song Qula is one of my favorites. She still one of Africa diamond in terms of history.

[@ugochukwuugonabo8562]

RIP Brenda. Love from Nigeria

[@MrLisaFischer]

One of her background singers stayed in our building in Berea, Johannesburg. She would come around every once in a while and sing in the street and pack a crowd. Lol everyone in the building would scream Brenda is singing outside and we all came out to listen!!

[@felanimashiane8268]

Just heard it now on this other car passing,.. this was real music and still is.... 2022

[@sukurella]

Bongani Fassie once said that if he had something to say to his late mom he'd say "Qula mama, Qula".

[@mbodarodrigue7490]

Cette chanson me fait un effet bizarre. Elle etait allee chercher cette melodie tres loin, la ou seuls Dieu et les artistes savent. Merci pour cette belle melopee. Merci d'avoir vecu. Reposes en paix.

[@celinebarrois6140]

Even if I don't understand her lyrics , I feel like flying with her voice and the music ... wish your soul is in peace , Brenda . Thank you for having been in this world , for a too short time...

[@fassiendongo6205]

🥺🥺🥺🥺😭

[@tonyijege5221]

I don't understand the language but I respect her golden voice, this track especially remind me then back in the day when man was a boy, I wish I could met her one on one, am happy for Africa as a whole to have an amazing wamon like you, may your soul rest in peace Brenda too much love from Nigeria

[@monicaashery1]

You are not got little sister! You are legacy makes you immortal. Rest in peace.

[@Pamutsetse]

Way ahead of her time 🖤

[@mtura__amagwijo8361]

The was a time where we were all UNITED with no Xenophobia neither TRIBALISM here in SA….. This song proves that as well.

[@mabizelasushi9537]

This song always heals me my wounds"

[@Hons]

i love this with the last drop of my blood.... oh it makes me think of my sorrows and hope for a better days ahead

[@darkchildike8973]

+Ndepeh ismaila this track hits deep i know i does make u think of all ur sorrows and everything deep iside ur little heart

[@Hons]

darkchild ike yes ... it makes me fell cool and gives me hope. ... how are you my dear?

[@phumlangubo5890]

The year 2020 still the song its on fire #Qula kwedini

[@Hons]

@@phumlangubo5890 Yes! 2020 haven't been an easy year. We thank God for everything.

[@afleyao8545]

Today 6th December 2021; the beat and rythm resonating in my mind. ❤️🔥

[@enockmakhubele9602]

Way back🤞🤞

[@xihungasinkwinika6783]

When I just a lil girl...innocence, can someone please take me back.

[@preciousncube6018]

l always remember you through your music, you had all it takes to be a musician

[@darnit44]

i wish i could get more of her music.. she was one artist that had talent. shame she is gone....

[@francisfruscalzo]

I love so much this song,this mix with african music and some européan notes that's wonderful and amazing!

[@veronicalizekamemani9682]

Lock down got me listening the African Queen... RIP daughter of the soil...you surely lived and left an unforgettable mark

[@bongingoma9218]

every brenda song reminds me of my aunt, may they both RIP

[@tshiukoele1243]

My favourite from the Memeza album

[@sizwetyhali961]

Qula kwedini ka bao!! 2017!!! Mas'hambeni madoda! Qula!!

[@idyouse]

Never heard of her before, but she is great. Thanks I enjoyed listening to her

[@mphoemily2626]

when listening to this track kills me my mother used to love this song and she died the same year and month may your souls rest in peace my Queen

[@vellyvelaphi7562]

2019 November, still hot... rest in peace mabrrrrr

[@yozareason1803]

I’m here 🎉05 November 2022

[@octaviasithole3621]

I love and respect MaBrrr 😍😍😍☝🏿

[@DenEColt]

Brenda was a real discovery for me - around 2006, I think. Such a shame to lose so talented an artist. I bought a best of collection and sought her out on KZbin. Huge thanks to you for these uploads... Brenda is still a marvelous star in a constellation of brilliant African stars. Shine on!

[@tiegokhoza6448]

South Africa 🇿🇦 we have lost a gem in our crown!

[@ronniestanley9717]

greatest of all times greatest love of all

[@cherishvundisa390]

Love this song it reminds me of my village Mkunyazo in Sterkspruit Eastern Cape.

[@MadameQueen79]

Miss You Ma B. So many happy memories when I listen to your songs. Thank you Ma B. Rest In Peace. xxx

[@xolanijztshabalala3728]

The guitarist 😂❤❤❤❤wooow

[@irenecbcn]

1 Love...1 Heart...1 GOD..R.I.P

[@cris8249]

What a tragic and unnecessary loss. She was a very talented woman. Reminds me of how Edith Piaf's sad life turned out..

[@nihonbunka]

Hi John, Strange that. Brenda makes me cry even though I don't understand a word she is saying. Open heart songery. I had been listening mainly to Vulindlela over and over again. Perhaps I'd like some more of the music you like. I see Vulindlela is in your "Music to Buy" playlist. I shall listen to the rest.

[@octaviasithole3621]

Aww ☺️ it’s not strange. Sometimes certain tunes resonate so deeply with our experiences that we become emotional 😭😉💯

[@nihonbunka]

@@octaviasithole3621 Thanks!

[@gdewyg]

Legends don't die. They only die if we forget them. Rest in peace Brenda Fassie

[@edgarolifant]

Djs should play this song. Its timeless.

[@Hons]

the year 2020, corona almost end the world.if you come across my comment. congratulations ...have a blessed future. 'qula' is a music of hope and strengthen

[@smithagbor5099]

oh my greatest music star i miss u very much dear i pray that some day u come back and sing me 4 me ...........

[@sibisiletlhogonolo6051]

this reminds me of my late grandfather, on his last Christmas, eish re bina gore kante re mmona la bofelo. may soul rest in piece

[@Mogotsi82]

Gotlaa siama 🙏

[@PhilippineJeann]

Thanks to luvmostmusic for sharing this name with me! Yes you are correct as she had it all! She sings so powerful and sounds so wonderful!

[@Seay1]

Wish i could whistle on here.... yes, yes ,yes Brenda...this is my track, get down with the get down :) thanks for posting

[@akinwumi100]

i jst cant stop listening to dis song it soo epic love u brenda

[@blackcentury]

How strange - I've been obsessed with Brenda's music lately and was just coming back to listen to this song, and here is my dear flickr friend Tim! Crazy, huh? Hope you and your family are well, and that you're still loving your "new" house :) John R / Gnosis

[@12barsoul]

i used to dance to her music all the time about 15 years ago. Thanks for the bio.

[@ervien81]

i just love this song,its great!! RIP!!

[@Rufusco1]

I love her songs so much

[@nightmoves0809]

She was so cute. As strong as she was, one could almost pick her up with one hand. But like her talent she would fall out of your hand.

[@sqn315norte]

J'aime beaucoup la chanter.

[@nosakharejames8409]

lovly music i love it so much

[@eccentriclullaby1357]

Love this song 💯💯💯♥️♥️♥️ I like that the uploader also included her biography in the description. Respect for Brenda. RIP 🙏

[@siyabongagogwanamcetebhukr6956]

Yenye yengoma ezenza kube mnandi uba Yinkwenkwe Yomxhosa lena , uvele uzingce nje ngenkcubeko yakho.

[@lebotsamanamela779]

dont know the lyrics but this song just move me emotionally

[@dadoh10]

My point being that AFRICA is and always going to be the mother of EARTH .

[@dianawambui2465]

R IP DEAR.I LOVE YOUR MUSIC

[@julietmbwanda8362]

nice one

[@gopolanggause279]

reminds me of 'those times'

[@darnit44]

i miss her....

[@xxlee65xx]

i love you breda

[@lethaboseloana3318]

Eish those days!!!!!

[@CIRARIA]

nice song

[@Mwashelly]

RIP Brenda!

[@kereissaka9509]

What a voice! RIP my star! Can anybody translate it into english/french for me? Thanks in advance!

[@shefftim]

Fabulous.

[@lekatalekatakefuoe9469]

Qulaaa kwediniiii. Qula kwediniiii xawuyikwenkwe uzoshona e ntabeni. Kwaaaa

[@evanslawrence7764]

Lekata Lekata Kefuoe you are a smart person.give us the lyrics of the whole song. and its meaning "

[@tearsseeletsa6668]

Yooo what a song

[@snookieflash]

Ur welcome! I know she went too early but we will always love her.:)

[@morakacourtlas2599]

Ah ma brrrrr. nice one

[@similotyolo2298]

namanje i love this track jeez mabrrrrr wish you were still here because i wished to meet you @ some point

[@sbonileketelo4871]

classic

[@12345678920563]

mabrrrrrrrr

[@missmagz176]

Legend❤️

[@_8uzakile513]

Restinga in peace chicashani🇿🇲🇿🇦🔥🇿🇲🔥

[@MrMpiweful]

good song

[@sonkemazwi.khumalo]

2018😭❤️💃🏽🔥

[@MadameQueen79]

Qula Kwedini means " Defend, Defend boy of my father" Its a Xhosa war cry

[@julinmey]

Gran sentido musical , el continente africano es la meca de los grandes generos , qué han trascendido fronteras y culturas .

[@tiegomanson359]

You music its part of me

[@edrisajawara4535]

Cute!!!

[@kimrosh9443]

2019?

[@calvinsiphosibanda7530]

Wow RIP

[@dadoh10]

AMEN!!! to that ruthjoysanga. Viva Africa.

[@davidlansana1904]

Lovely y

[@blackcentury]

I'm not sure where this version comes from, but a really great, deep remix of it is the first song on a compilation CD from 2000 on Earthworks Records called "Kwaito - South African Hip Hop". I'd link but it's not allowed, but it's the second result on here for the search term "brenda fassie qula".

[@jaydee6178]

That's the version I'm trying to find. I even forgot how t sounded because of listening to this version lot. What I remember about it was it had some Kalawa Jazmee type of feel to it. Please help find it as it dosen't appear on the search results, it was probably removed

[@banelechristopher4149]

Reason I'm here is because of KABZA, TO BRENDA😤😤

[@maknoss]

Elle est bien la music :)

[@ezekielmashauri8280]

nipoa sana

[@NeluMbingu]

ezekiel mashauri Kweli :)

[@kopanounity5931]

2018...