Nelson Mandela visits Brenda Fassie at her family home in Langa, Cape Town

Often referred to as the ‘Madonna of the Townships’, controversial singer Brenda Fassie spends time in her Langa, Cape Town home with ANC stalwart and anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela. Both Fassie and Mandela held widespread influence over their admirers and, despite clear differences, enjoyed an amicable relationship. Fassie was known for her controversial actions off the stage as much as for her singing talent. In May 2004 at the age of 40, she suffered a severe asthma attack that triggered a fatal cardiac arrest.