Call for auditions: Brenda Fassie film

The film will be directed by Showbizzbee’s Edward W Shaw, who is also responsible for the script. Brenda Fassie’s son, Bongani Fassie, is the co-executive producer.

"My mother Brenda has been surrounded by controversy in her life and even after her death,” Fassie said. “It is with great excitement that we have partnered with Showbizzbee Film Productions to make the Brenda Fassie movie for box office release in 2018.

“I am particularly eager to participate in the production as co-executive producer so that the real story of my mum comes alive to the people of South Africa and the world.”

The script was based on a story by Bongani Fassie and the film will detail the Black Madonna’s rise to stardom. The movie will begin in the Langa township of Cape Town where Fassie was born and follow her journey to Johannesburg where she would become a household name.

Those who want to audition are required to:

• Record a 1-2 min video (does not have to be professional, use a cellphone) that explains why the candidate would be a good choice to play the role of Brenda Fassie.
• Upload the video to YouTube and set to private.
• Apply via the film’s official website after which the actors will be contacted by the casting directors.

The production of the movie comes 15 years after the songstress died from a cocaine overdose in Johannesburg. She is the highest-selling artist in South Africa. Her 1997 album Memeza has sold 500 000 copies, a record that has not been broken by any other South African artist.

Auditions close on 11 February 2018