Can you do it like Brenda?

30 July 2014 - 02:00 By Andile Ndlovu
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Nobody could match Brenda Fassie's attitude but a little over a decade since her death, an Idols-style competition, Can You Sing Like Mabrrr, hopes to unearth decent enough young 'uns.

It was announced yesterday that auditions for the show will take place on Saturday at the Bassline in Newtown, Johannesburg, in front of judges Vusi Nova, Brad Holmes and Fassie's son, Bongani.

Fassie died of a drug overdose in 2004, but it was testament to her popularity that in the days before her death her visitors included Thabo Mbeki, Nelson Mandela and producer Chicco Twala.

Organisers want both male and female hopefuls older than 18 to perform a song from the icon's extensive catalogue, which includes Too Late for Mama and Weekend Special.

Lance Stehr of Muthaland Entertainment said: "The idea is not to do a cover of a Brenda Fassie song as such but to come up with an interpretation of the song."

The winner will get to record his or her version of the song, which organisers have promised to submit to radio stations.

The winner will perform the song at the Jazz on the Lake concert at the end of August.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now