Audio: The Madonna of the Townships

Audio: The Madonna of the Townships

[embed width="600"][/embed]


Happy Friday! Everybody knows, an African party is not a party unless the playlist includes Brenda Fassie — and the only song we could think of to properly celebrate the weekend is her irreplaceable "Vul’indela". The South African pop sensation — dubbed "the Madonna of the townships" — enjoyed an illustrious career that propelled her unforgettable voice across the entire continent.

Known as Mabrr amongst her fans and Queen of African Pop to the world, Fassie began her musical journey singing with her mother, a pianist, for tourists in Cape Town. She sang songs of struggle, songs of triumph, and always carried the spirit of the township through her music. Though she enjoyed incredible widespread achievement, Fassie was troubled by personal struggles which led to her untimely death in 2004 but her legacy remains. Nevermind"Waka Waka", Fassie's tunes still reign as Africa’s party anthems!

[embed width="600"][/embed]

​Photo illustration by Kaushik Kalidindi, Okayplayer.
Poetry

The 10 Best African Poems of All Time

These are the lines that have woken imaginations and stirred souls across the continent and beyond.

The iconic couple Amadou & Mariam in each other’s arms, over an orange-designed background
Latest

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best new African music this week featuring Amadou & Mariam, Victony, Kokoroko, Amaarae, and more.