African Classics: Brenda Fassie

Her tragic death at the age of 39 cut short a career that was destined to last for decades more, but the Queen of South African Pop left a legacy of dozens of classic recordings. This collection, part of the AFRICAN CLASSICS series, gathers hits and album tracks, and is an excellent introduction for newcomers. It includes the 1990 hit "Too Late for Mama," a mournful R&B track that showcases Fassie's deeply soulful and expressive voice, "Black President," about Nelson Mandela, and "Vul'indlela" ("Open the Gates"), a stirring, upbeat number that became Fassie's signature tune.