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Concern over Brenda Fassie's waning legacy

Brenda Fassie had talent that is timeless but her self-esteem had been beaten to a pulp by being referred to as ugly, says the writer Clement Lekanyane
Brenda Fassie had talent that is timeless but her self-esteem had been beaten to a pulp by being referred to as ugly, says the writer Clement Lekanyane

In the week marking 13 years since the death of Brenda Fassie, her brother Temba Fassie bemoans the family's disappointment at the lack of support and will to maintain the superstar's legacy.

Fassie charges that everyone who wanted a piece of his famous sister at the height of her career seemed to have forgotten her worth.

"A few years after Brenda's passing we were promised so many things in her honour as the family. And we received a lot of support; but now when we call the same people to discuss contributions towards my sister's legacy, no one is willing to even say anything to us," Fassie says.

WATCH: 3 Brenda Fassie moments we will never forgetToday marks 13 years since Afro pop music icon Brenda Fassie died but one can’t deny that we are still jamming to all of her songs come our weekend lituations. 

"Leading political parties were also very promising and we thought we could rely on them for support as they had promised. We are a bit uneasy at how we never hear anything from them anymore. It's just quiet and we get closed doors when we approach them."

He says that as a family, they did not have any commemoration events to mark the anniversary of Brenda's death on May 9.

"We try as individuals whenever we can to remind ourselves who Brenda was. We are a singing family, so when we are together we don't miss an opportunity to play her music, sing along and celebrate the way she would have sung with us," he says.

Fassie says the family, including Brenda's only son Bongani, is doing well.

"My family is very strong and we are well supported by the fans and friends of Brenda. They console the family so much and we are very appreciative of their emotional support," says Fassie.

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