As we've mentioned in the
TVSA News Shorts, SABC1 debuts new docco series Vulindlela this Saturday 15 November at 20h00 that covers the life, times and music of icon and activist Brenda Fassie.
It includes her music, interviews and dramatic re-enactments by Brenda Ngxoli and Sphamandla Dhludhlu who portray Brenda and Chicco Twala.
Here's a close-up on the perspectives of each episode:
The Rise of Brenda Fassie
Saturday 15 November 2025
Episode 1
In this episode, we meet Brenda Fassie, a 16-year-old girl with a dream and a voice that would soon capture the heart of a nation.
Her journey begins in Langa, Cape Town, where she first took to the stage at the age of four, performing with a children’s group called Tiny Tots.
Family members recall that by the time she turned six, she was already performing for mayors and community audiences - a child who seemed certain she was born to be a star.
Discovered by Koloi Lebona, Brenda’s star began to rise with the recording of Weekend Special, a song that catapulted her to fame despite early rejection.
Blondie Makhene recalls how a record label initially refused to record her.
Brenda and Chicco - the magical duo
Saturday 22 November 2025
Episode 2
As Brenda’s talent became undeniable, she began a powerful creative partnership with Chicco Twala. Together, they discovered a rhythm that would shape the sound of South African pop.
Their first major success came with Too Late for Mama, released during a time of social and political change.
The song struck a deep emotional chord, showcasing Brenda’s raw storytelling and Chicco’s instinct for timeless melodies. It was the beginning of something extraordinary.
A few years later, Vulindlela arrived - a celebration of freedom, joy, and resilience. The track became an anthem, confirming the creative magic between Brenda and Chicco and securing both their places in South African music history.
The Price of Excess
Saturday 29 November 2025
Episode 3
In this episode, Brenda Fassie’s story takes a darker turn as those closest to her reflect on her complicated relationship with money.
Family and friends recall how success brought unimaginable wealth, but also a restless urge to give and spend without limit.
She could blow a million rand in weeks, showering those around her with gifts and generosity that few could match.
But behind the glamour, substance abuse and alcohol began to take hold.
Missed performances and tabloid headlines soon followed, painting a chaotic picture of a star losing control.
Journalists, colleagues, and loved ones describe how the nation’s beloved Brenda became known as the bad girl of South African music, a label that eventually led her to seek help in rehab.
National Loss and the Legacy
Saturday 6 December 2025
Episode 4
The final episode explores the last chapter of Brenda Fassie’s life, a time that became as much a national story as it was her own.
Contributors reflect on how, even in her final days, Brenda’s presence commanded the nation’s attention.
When news of her hospitalisation broke, South Africans from all walks of life gathered in prayer, holding
vigils outside hospitals and in their homes. The country waited, hoped, and mourned together.
Family, friends, and colleagues recall how those final moments revealed just how deeply Brenda was loved.
Her passing at the age of 39 sent shockwaves through the nation, uniting fans in grief and remembrance.
This episode captures that collective heartbreak and celebrates the enduring legacy of South Africa’s most unforgettable icon.
Premiere episodes of Vulindlela air on SABC1 on Saturdays at 20h00.