African music icon Brenda Fassie was a polarising figure; some found her entertaining, while others thought she was a tad too much.
This split in opinion has trickled down to the question of who will portray Fassie in an upcoming four-part documentary series, Vulindlela, on SABC 1.
Actress Brenda Ngxoli was recently announced as the lead for the series, and her portrayal of Fassie has been polarising.
I wish it was @gemmafassie_ yazi. pic.twitter.com/QLq4OYwt4W
— Bhelekazi 💜 (@siphokazii__) November 12, 2025
While some people think Ngxoli might be a bit old for the role, or that singer-songwriter and Fassie’s niece, Gemma Fassie, might be the ideal person to take it up, others see Ngxoli as the perfect person to play the colourful late entertainer.
“Brenda is a brilliant actress, I’m just not too sure ngaye [about her] playing Brenda,” said one social media user on X.
“I’m afraid to say that, Miss Ngxoli is about to nail this role,” said another user with an opposing view.
Ngxoli too after hitting rock bottom, written off by the industry, will now have the Vulindlela doccie to thank for resurrecting her career, God works in mysterious ways but when you look carefully you can see his crafty work. u Brenda uvusa u Brenda pic.twitter.com/tY3hzmODIU
— Frequency is the language of the universe (@Bluttoboy) November 12, 2025
ALSO READ: Young artists reflect on Brenda Fassie’s legacy on what would have been her 61st birthday
The four-part series
The series is expected to debut this weekend on SABC 1.
“The story and legacy of Brenda Fassie can never be forgotten. Brenda Fassie is a prime example of chasing your dreams and challenging the status quo. Challenging adversity and crafting your own path to success,” said Channel Head: SABC1, Ofentse Thinane.
In Vulindlela, Brenda tells her story through unforgettable music and rare candid interviews that captured her unfiltered essence.
MEDIA RELEASE 🚨
PREMIERE: SABC1 HONOURS BRENDA FASSIE ON NEW DOCUMENTARY SERIES
Read More>>> https://t.co/ZT6EV8iQHY#MzansiFoSho #BrendaFassie #Vulindlela pic.twitter.com/AtScbdzR4E
— SABC 1 (@Official_SABC1) November 12, 2025
The series features those close to the trailblazer —family, friends, collaborators, and biographers —each offering an intimate, first-hand perspective.
Alongside Ngxoli, Sphamandla Dhludlu will portray music producer and Fassie’s long-time collaborator Chicco Thwala.
The series is named after Fassie’s 1998 hit song, Vuli Ndlela, which was part of her album Memeza.
ALSO READ: ‘I’ve outlived my mother’: Bongani Fassie reflects on Brenda Fassie’s life ahead of doccie launch
Brenda Fassie celebrated
Affectionately known as ‘Ma Brrr’, the entertainer died in May 2004 after a lengthy hospital stay that was triggered by her collapse at her home in Buccleuch, Johannesburg, on 26 April.
2024 marked 20 years since her passing, and the industry has paid homage to her in various ways.
Last week, on what would’ve been Fassie’s 61st birthday, Spotify, through its global LGBTQIA+ initiative, GLOW, celebrated her legacy with a short documentary featuring today’s young artists speaking about her influence.
“She owned it entirely. And I think it was actually at a time where as a people, we really needed an image and symbol of that because we had experienced so much systematically that was quite the opposite. So we needed a figure that would represent what that is. She was so one with us, she didn’t elevate herself,” said singer Zoë Modiga.
The other artists included in the conversation are singers Langa Mavuso, Nanette and Munyei.
NOW READ: Malcom Jiyane unknowingly pays tribute to MaBrrr in iconic year
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