Sghubu Se Zion is a song by the late South African singer Brenda Fassie, also known as the Queen of African Pop. The song was released in 2002 as part of her album Myekeleni, which was produced by Sello Twala. Sghubu Se Zion is a catchy and upbeat song that blends elements of pop, dance, and gospel music. But what does the title mean and what is the story behind the song?

The word sghubu (also spelled sgubhu or sgubu) is a Zulu term that means “beat” or “rhythm”. It is often used to refer to a style of house music that originated in South Africa in the 1990s and became popular across the continent and beyond. Zion, on the other hand, is a biblical name for Jerusalem, the holy city of Judaism and Christianity. It is also used by some African Christian movements, such as the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), to signify their spiritual home and identity.

So, Sghubu Se Zion literally means “the beat of Zion” or “the rhythm of Zion”. It is a song that celebrates the joy and freedom of worshiping God through music and dance. Brenda Fassie was known for her outspokenness and controversy, but she was also a devout Christian who often sang about her faith and praised God in her songs. Sghubu Se Zion is one of her most famous gospel songs, along with songs like Thola Amadlozi and Vulindlela.

The song begins with Brenda singing “Hallelujah” repeatedly, followed by a chorus of “Sgubu se Zion”. She then sings about how she loves God and how he has blessed her life. She also invites everyone to join her in praising God and dancing to the sghubu se Zion. The song has a simple but catchy melody and a lively beat that makes it hard to resist moving your feet. The song also features a saxophone solo that adds to the festive mood.

Sghubu Se Zion was a huge hit in South Africa and across Africa when it was released. It was nominated for several awards, including the South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Pop Album in 2003. The song also helped Brenda Fassie cement her legacy as one of the most influential and beloved African artists of all time. Sadly, she passed away in 2004 at the age of 39, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to inspire generations of fans and musicians.

If you want to listen to Sghubu Se Zion and other songs by Brenda Fassie, you can find them on YouTube , YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms. You can also find the lyrics for Sghubu Se Zion on Musixmatch and other websites. Enjoy the sghubu se Zion and remember Brenda Fassie’s legacy!

Brenda Fassie was more than just a singer. She was a cultural icon, a voice of the oppressed, a symbol of resilience, and a source of inspiration for millions of people. Her music transcended genres and boundaries, and touched the hearts and souls of many. Her life was full of highs and lows, joys and sorrows, successes and struggles. But through it all, she remained true to herself and her art. This is the story of Brenda Fassie, the Queen of African Pop.

Brenda Nokuzola Fassie was born on 3 November 1964 in Langa, a township near Cape Town. She was named after the American singer Brenda Lee. She was the youngest of nine children of a pianist father and a domestic worker mother. She showed an early talent for singing and started performing for tourists at the age of five with her first band, the Tiny Tots. When she was 16, she was discovered by producer Koloi Lebona, who invited her to join his vocal group Joy in Johannesburg. She left school and moved to Soweto with Lebona’s family to pursue her musical career.

After her stint with Joy, she formed her own band, Brenda and the Big Dudes, in 1983. They released their first single, “Weekend Special”, which became a huge hit in South Africa and abroad. It was the fastest-selling record at the time and reached the top 10 charts in Britain and Europe. The song also launched Brenda’s solo career as a pop star. She collaborated with producer Sello “Chicco” Twala and released several successful albums in the 1980s and 1990s, such as Too Late for Mama (1989), Memeza (1997), and Nomakanjani? (1999). She also sang about social issues such as apartheid, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and women’s rights. One of her most famous songs was “Black President”, a tribute to Nelson Mandela, who was then still in prison.

Brenda Fassie was not only known for her music, but also for her personality and lifestyle. She was outspoken, controversial, flamboyant, and rebellious. She was dubbed “The Madonna of the Townships” by Time magazine in 2001 for her bold stage antics and fashion sense. She was also openly bisexual and had several relationships with men and women. She married Nhlanhla Mbambo in 1989, but they divorced in 1991. She had a son, Bongani, in 1985 with a fellow Big Dudes musician.

Brenda Fassie also struggled with drug and alcohol addiction throughout her life. She started using cocaine in the late 1980s and became dependent on it. Her drug habit affected her health and career negatively. She overdosed several times and went to rehab about 30 times. In 1995, she was found in a hotel room with the body of her lover, Poppie Sihlahla, who had died of an apparent overdose. She managed to recover from this tragedy and made a comeback with her album Now is the Time (1996), which featured a duet with Congolese legend Papa Wemba.

Brenda Fassie continued to make music until her death in 2004. She died at the age of 39 from a cardiac arrest after suffering from respiratory failure caused by an asthma attack. She was in a coma for two weeks before she passed away on 9 May 2004 in Johannesburg. Her funeral was attended by thousands of fans and dignitaries, including Nelson Mandela, who called her “one of South Africa’s greatest stars”.

Brenda Fassie left behind