Spotify’s GLOW celebrates Brenda Fassie with a documentary, exhibition, and global tribute honouring her legacy as the Queen of African Pop.
Spotify’s global LGBTQIA+ initiative GLOW has turned the spotlight on one of South Africa’s most iconic voices, Brenda Fassie. Known for her fearlessness, charisma, and cultural influence, the “Queen of African Pop” continues to shape conversations about identity and creativity more than two decades after her passing.
To mark her lasting impact, Spotify GLOW lit up New York City’s Times Square with a striking out-of-home banner featuring Fassie. The tribute serves as a powerful reminder of her status as both a South African legend and a global cultural force.
At the centre of the celebration is a short documentary titled The Impact of Brenda Fassie, which premiered on Spotify’s YouTube channel this week. The 10-minute film gathers reflections from artists inspired by her bold sound and presence, including Langa Mavuso, Zoë Modiga, Muneyi, and Nanette, who trace how Fassie’s music continues to move new generations.
In Johannesburg, Spotify brought her story home through a one-month exhibition and event series at The Market Theatre in Newtown. The opening, held on 4 November 2025, invited fans to experience Fassie’s world through rare photographs, archival footage, personal memorabilia and performance highlights.
Curated by Maria McCloy, the showcase features a dynamic lineup of voices who lived and studied her journey, from longtime collaborators Chicco Twala, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Blondie Makhene, and David Mabaso of The Big Dudes, to Dr Mbali Mazibuko and journalist Charl Blignaut, in conversation about Brenda’s influence on music, identity and African pop culture.
“It was an honour to curate this event and involve so many key musicians, producers, DJs, journalists, photographers, friends and family in memorialising her,” said McCloy. “She gave us so much, not only an album nearly every year from 1983 till 2004 and countless hits, but she inspired Black people, women and queer people with her immense talent and beautiful boldness.” – Phiona Okumu
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, added,
“Brenda Fassie was more than a performer. She was a revolution. Through her voice and truth, she shattered boundaries with her remarkable authenticity. With GLOW, we honour her for who and what she was.”
The Spotify GLOW x Brenda Fassie exhibition runs until 4 December 2025 at The Market Theatre, Newtown.
