Gemma Fassie honours Brenda Fassie's legacy at tribute event, proving her vocal talent

Singer Gemma Fassie's striking resemblance to her late aunt, the iconic Brenda Fassie, resonated deeply with fans, stirring their emotions.

 Family and industry friends gathered in large numbers to celebrate Brenda's 61st birthday on November 3. The "Spotify GLOW" tribute event, held at the Market Theatre in Newtown, was hosted by media personality Nomuzi Mabena.

Gemma attended the event alongside Bongani Fassie and stunned in a recreated Brenda Fassie look. On TikTok, she shared clips of herself at the celebration, paying tribute to her aunt and enjoying the night with loved ones.

She later posed next to the famous Brenda Fassie statue that is situated in Newtown across the Bassline building.

According to reports, the event featured a photo exhibition curated by Maria McCloy, showcasing rare images, footage, and personal archives of Brenda through the years. 

The exhibition captured her evolution from her rebellious spirit to her glamorous and bold stage presence, which she was known and loved for. 

The celebration also included two panel discussions that explored Brenda’s influence on South African music, identity and culture.

The first panel, “The Enduring Legacy of Brenda Fassie: Why Mabrr Lives”, reflected on Brenda’s fearless nature and the power she held both on and off stage. 

The second panel, “Brenda Fassie Remembered”, reunited close friends and collaborators, including Blondie Makhene, Chicco Twala, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and songwriter Melvyn Matthews.

Additionally, Spotify released a short documentary titled “The Impact of Brenda Fassie” on its YouTube channel as part of the tribute. 

The film features artists such as Langa Mavuso, Zoë Modiga, Muneyi and Nanette, who reflect on the “Weekend Special” hitmaker’s influence and her unapologetic presence in music.

As the tribute honoured Brenda’s legacy, Gemma reminded everyone that the Fassie family’s musical gift continues to live on.

The Cape Town-born singer-songwriter is making her own mark in R&B, having released singles and EPs. Earlier this year, she released a new body of work, “Island 22”, a project she describes as a moment of self-discovery of clarity after heartbreak. 

In an interview with "IOL", Gemma shared that she drew from her experiences in relationships and her quest to create a sanctuary for herself.

She described herself as a “breath of fresh air” in the music scene, mixing Afro influences with R&B to create a sound that mirrors her personality. “My music is whatever I want it to be or whatever you want it to be in your world where you exist,” she said.

Gemma’s love for music began early. She started writing songs at 13, studied music in high school, and performed at open mics across Cape Town before learning to produce and engineer her own tracks.

Her first single, “Best Life”, came out in 2020, followed by her three-track EP “After Hours”. In 2023, she also earned a nomination at the Basadi In Music Awards.

Her last name, she said, serves as a blueprint rather than a burden. “For me, that’s a reminder that as a little black, mixed-race girl, I can achieve anything,” she shared. 

Gemma’s sound blends both old and new R&B influences. Growing up, her mother played Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston, which helped shape her tone and range. Today, she draws inspiration from artists like H.E.R., Jhené Aiko, Kehlani and Victoria Monét.