I was reading a post by @kingsleyy this morning talking about a Nigerian musician called Mohbad, he got to know only just after his demise. I never heard about him either until that night when the news of his sudden death broke out all over social media, I listened to some of his songs and a cold shiver went down my spine.
How can he just be famous now that he's gone, even when all his songs sound like he was reaching out for help in the past but no one seems to care enough or be able to render to him the kind of help he needed?
I was thinking about such amazing talents that I only got to hear about when they were gone, and the memory of one of such came flashing back to me.
Her name was Brenda Fassie a South African singer, songwriter and activist.
It was the 9th of May 2004 when the news of her death spread so fast like wildfire out of control across the continent. Everyone around me was talking about how great she was and one of her particular songs Vulindela that means 'open the gate' was playing in almost every radio station and TV station you tuned into. Everyone with a mobile device seems to have her song on their playlist.
Like every curious mind, and a good music lover, I searched for her songs and I was blown away by that particular one, tears ran down my cheeks asking why such a beautiful talent had to leave so soon. But then death can come knocking at any time it pleases without any prior notice, whether we think we are ready or not.
I think it happens a lot of time that some people get to be extremely famous just when they leave this world and it is kind of sad that they never get to enjoy such fame. Well, she was already famous in her country music industry before her demise. But her death further put her On a lot more people's radar. At least for someone like me.
“The greatest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.” “Life is for the living. Death is for the dead. By Brainy quotes
So, here I am, being grateful for Brenda for telling African stories in such an incredible way.
With this
"We do not have to rely on memories to recapture the spirit of those we have loved and lost – they live within our souls in some perfect sanctuary which even death cannot destroy."
'Nan Witcomb'
It has been over a decade, and this beautiful artist whom I never even met in real life, her beautiful memory lives rent-free in my head, and until tomorrow she will forever remain in my heart.
"the life of the death is placed in the memory of the living" by Marcus Tullius Cicero"
and this quote as well summed up just exactly how I felt about her.
One funny thing about this song is that, like many of my African brothers and sisters, I do not understand the meaning of it, but its rhythm and beat appeal so much to my heart every time I listen I can't help but dance, and each time I feel goosebumps all over again.
And just like me, if you listen to it you might not understand the meaning but I can be sure you will enjoy her performance and that you will wish she was still here with us blessing us with her talent.
Did you know Brenda before or after her demise or is this the first time you have heard of her? Also, what do you think about her music? I would love to hear from you in the comment section.
These are part of my thoughts today!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for your support. I wish you a great time at your end.
@funshee🙏🥰😊❤