Titled MA-BRRR: The Musical, the first abridged taster of this stage production runs from 8 to 10 July and gives fans and visitors to the country the chance to experience the life; the music; and the times of the late South African pop star. “In the spirit of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, we want to give visitors especially a taste of Brenda’s remarkable story and gifts,” says Director, Jerry Mofokeng, who brings his reputation as one of South Africa’s best creative talents to MA-BRRR: The Musical.

Mofokeng is joined by Music Director, Victor Masondo (bassist; Freshlyground producer) and a cast of highly accomplished live musicians.

The role of Brenda will be taken by Lesego Motsepe (Lettie in Isidingo). “Those who think they know Lesego’s talents will be in for an amazing surprise when they see her on the stage,” enthuses Mofokeng.

Matli Mohapeloa (Nomzamo in Rhythm City) and Muzi Clive (Class Act) co-star in this worldclass production. There are also contributions by consultant, writer, Bongani Madondo, and Brenda’s son, Bongani, who will appear on 8 July. Funding for this brilliant new project comes from the Department of Arts and Culture.

Says Mofokeng, “Brenda Fassie is deservedly a South African icon, whose influences stretched throughout the country and across the continent. We are really thrilled to be able to present her music and life on the stage for the very first time and have assembled a top-notch team to deliver a show that lives up to Ma-Brrr’s peerless musical legacy.”

Mofokeng says he hopes audiences will come away having experienced the fullness of Brenda’s life and talents. “I have definitely picked up new appreciation of the talent of Brenda through working on this musical – and a deeper understanding of the road her life took. I sincerely hope when people leave the theatre they will understand that she was not just a bubblegum pop star, but also a mother. She was not just living up to her bad girl reputation, but was also a good woman.”

In outlining her department’s support for the musical, Minister of Arts and Culture, Lulu Xingwana said, "Different eras in Brenda’s story and major milestones are reflected by the particular music; the costumes; and the dance. Narration is also an intrinsic element of this journey and a live band on stage also adds to the storytelling."

The upcoming shows in Vereeniging will be supported by a workshop run by the production team as part of the skills transfer mandate of the Sedibeng and Emfuleni districts.

After its July staging, the fully-fledged musical will then move to the State Theatre in September for a run from 3 to 26 September. All proceeds will go to the Brenda Fassie Foundation.

Over a career of 20-plus remarkable years, Brenda Fassie – or Ma Brrr, as she was affectionately known by her legion of fans – enjoyed a music career that has not been matched since her premature death on 9 May 2004, just months before she turned 40.

Her legacy includes massive – and enduring - hit songs like Too Late For Mama; Weekend Special; Vulindlela; Nomakanjani; and Black President. She also set records: at the eighth South African Music Awards she won the SAMA for Best Selling Release, for the album, Mina Nawe. This made it four-in-a-row for her: Brenda’s previous albums, Memeza; Amadlozi; and Nomakanjani, were also top-sellers.

- Tickets for the Vereeniging abridged MA-BRRR: The Musical shows cost R30/ R50.
- Booking for the full State Theatre production will open soon at Computicket.