Listening to Zahara and Brenda Fassie, brought back fond memories of my 2007 journey to South Africa and hearing an infectious song by an interracial group named Freshlyground
This interracial group seemed to me to be what the future South Africa would be all about ... a rainbow nation fusing black and white together into a new nation of racial harmony. I was especially enchanted by their earworm hit "Doo Be Doo"
This experiment seemed to reach its peak with the 2010 theme song for the World Cup that was held in South Africa. Teaming up with Shakira the "Waka Waka" song was heard around the world and brought new prominence to Freshlyground
Sadly, the promise of the 2007 South Africa has not been fulfilled,
but the memories of what might have been and what could be, are still fondly held.
Peace,
Everett "Skip" Jenkins
Fairfield, California
December 23, 2023
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: skipjen2865@aol.com <skipjen2865@aol.com>
To:
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 at 07:46:01 AM PST
Subject: Zahara, R. I. P.
I recently became acquainted with a young South African singer by the name of Zahara.
Zahara recently passed away
Not since the great Brenda Fassie has there been a South African with such a voice and impact on the people. Please listen to Umfazi
and Nyamezela
and Izolo
and Phendula
to hear the artistry of this musical icon.
Unfortunately, like the great Brenda "MaBrrr" Fassie, Zahara has also left too soon
But for millions, she will always live in our hearts
Peace,
Everett "Skip" Jenkins
P.S. Both Zahara and Brenda Fassie were favorites of Nelson Mandela. But Brenda was a powerful voice during the early days of the Democratic Republic of South Africa
and her signature Vulindlela still resonates
just as it did for Nelson Mandela in 2001
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