Two artistes that inspire

By Tony MI have always felt a spiritual connection with Brenda Fassie on two levels. First of all, I actually met and interviewed her about ten years ago when I was working for a small paper to supplement meagre monies in college.Brenda was staying at the swanky Stanley Hotel, and after the official press conference was over, I hang around her near the expensive bar on the mezzanine. Believe it, or believe it, Fassie called me over for a beer – and I got what we called a ‘scoop’.Three years later, on May 9, 2004, Fassie was dead of an alleged coke overdose. I remember that sad day because I was out for a birthday dinner in a restaurant, when the news came through on the tube.So today I was going to talk only about Fassie, but remembered this week was Bob Marley’s birthday anniversary. And he’s been gone 30 years. And if Fassie was brilliant, Bob was an artistic genius.So let us parallel their lives – and see what makes these two so worth thinking about this sunny Saturday. First of all, I like that both Fassie and Bob had their distinct hair look. Bob had his dreadlock look, and Brenda her bald hair.Strength and wildnessFor Marley, that hair was rather like being a ‘Lion of Judah,’ and represented his strength and wildness. For Fassie, she didn’t like the fuss that goes with fuzz, so she shaved it. Beside, it fit with her androgynous image.For me, I started keeping locks to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ‘Mau Mau’ hero, Dedan Kimathi, a few years ago. Now, that would be a good story for the ego! But I’m no hero. Heroes try to walk to work carrying rucksacks, and getting beaten up, their arms twisted and eyes sprayed with pepper and other condiments. And when they get flown to hospitals in neighbouring nations, their nemeses send them sarcastic "Get Well Soon" cards.I grew dreads to get white chicks when I’m on holiday to hit on me – then feign native naivety, as I’m seduced! Saves a man a lot of sweat in guts, lies and lines.Secondly, I really liked the Fassie and Bob attitude of humility, and openness, cheerfulness and friendliness. A smile to the whole world never hurts, however bloody marvellous one thinks they are. And a smile on a woman is ‘wow’.Future daughterThe music of Brenda Fassie, the lyrics of Bob Marley, the fiery passion of their performances, their sheer creativity – these are the intangible things that make folk immortal. In a country where heroes and heroines (but not heroin) are in short supply, we all could do with role models outside of politics and big business. And even in these two fields, the Obamas are in short supply but Osama-like drug dealers long in the line (yeah, the Taliban sells heroin to fund its terror activities). I want my future daughter to look up to someone, from this era. Of course, they both had their very serious flaws. Bob Marley smoked too much bhang, married too many women, and was too proud to cut off his toe to save his life – because it would stop him from dancing. Brenda Fassie slept with too many men (and women), and took coke. The way we drink Coke.But then again, isn’t most genius a flawed diamond, a streak of darkness for the grand gift one is given? And isn’t there something beautifully sad about the tragic fact that these two died before 40, that in our memory, they have never grown old?

Two artistes that inspire

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Two artistes that inspire

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