Brenda Fassie Honoured with Times Square Billboard as Son Bongani Reflects on Her Legacy

The late Brenda Fassie, one of South Africa’s most iconic pop stars, is being celebrated on a global stage. Spotify has erected a giant billboard in Times Square, New York, honouring the singer whose music defined the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for her ability to make people dance and feel joy during some of the country’s toughest times, Fassie’s legacy continues to resonate more than 19 years after her passing in May 2004.

Her son, Bongani Fassie, shared with Drum the pride he feels seeing his mother’s contribution recognised internationally. “This milestone means so much to me, because it not only celebrates my mother’s legacy, but it helps keep it alive in ways I can’t even imagine,” he said. He also revealed plans for a documentary, ‘Brenda Fassie Through Bongani’s Eyes,’ which will explore their relationship and aspects of her life previously unknown to fans.

Bongani grew up in the public eye, a reality that left him with little childhood and exposed him to judgment and misunderstanding. The loss of his mother at a young age continues to impact him. “I have constantly been judged for the way I handled the grief I was going through. Losing a mother is not easy for anybody, but because I grew up in the spotlight, I have been subjected to ridicule and constant bashing,” he explained.

He also opened up about the abuse he endured, including emotional and financial exploitation by people he trusted. Bongani connects some of his past struggles, including drug use, to the trauma of growing up under public scrutiny. “All of the things that I’ve gone through have contributed to some of the things that I’ve done in my life. It was never my intention to use drugs, I was dealing with a lot of things at the time, but people judged me and did not look at the bigger picture,” he said.

Now a father himself, Bongani is determined to protect his children from similar experiences. “I won’t let them experience the same traumas of growing up in the spotlight, and I will continue to celebrate my mother’s legacy the best way I know how,” he said.

The Times Square billboard not only honours Brenda Fassie’s musical achievements but also underscores the enduring impact of her artistry worldwide. Bongani’s reflections reveal the personal struggles behind the fame and serve as a testament to the strength required to preserve and celebrate her legacy.

Brenda Fassie’s music and influence remain timeless, inspiring generations of fans across the globe, while Bongani continues to share her story and ensure her memory lives on.