One of SA's late iconic artists, Brenda Fassie but fondly known as MaBrrr or The Black Madonna by her fans, was notorious for her bold, and at times, outrageous personality.
She danced with vigor and sang her pulses out on stage. In public, her larger-than-life persona created a rock star appeal and awe that was and continues to be, rare in SA celebrity culture.
It was reported on Wednesday 11 May that Brenda’s long-time music producer, Chicco Twala, will be at the forefront of an upcoming Netflix documentary that will honor the singer.
Twala was at the peak of Twitter’s trending list on Thursday 12 May following the news, with many tweeps expressing that they would not be tuning into the documentary because he is involved. One tweep claimed the producer was “malevolent” to the Vuli Ndlela singer and her family.
TV: Brenda Fassie coming to Netflix
A new doccie-film about the life of iconic South African artist is said to be coming to the streamer soon.
The project is helmed by her long time producer Chicco Twala. #KgopoloReports pic.twitter.com/FWaiLlV1qE
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) May 11, 2022
After Mphela announced the news, several tweeps explained that they were not pleased about Chicco Twala leading Brenda’s upcoming Netflix documentary. “Netflix is conducting business with people who have openly exploited artists and their families. That guy has done so much damage,” wrote transgender activist, Yaya Mavundla.
"A reminder that consuming Brenda Fassie’s iconic work makes Chicco Twala more rich and not Bongani Fassie".
— Sgaxa Journalist (@NendSudes__) May 11, 2022
In 2019, IOL reported on how Bongani had won a lengthy court battle against Twala for the rights to produce the biopic of his mother’s life.
At the time, Twala had approached the courts to permanently stop the making of the big screen biopic on Fassie.
It's unclear if Bongani will be involved in the doccie-film and Netflix is yet to release an official announcement.
