Brenda Fassie statue finds new home at the Market Theatre

Brenda Fassie’s iconic statue is set to find a new home at the public plaza outside the Market Theatre. The move was supported by public feedback, and has been welcomed by the Market Theatre and by the MMC for Community Development, Nonhlanhla Sifumba.

Previously located outside the Music Factory in Newtown, the statue was removed for repairs on 11 June, following concerns about its safe-keeping. Consultations then started with stakeholders, members of the creative community and the broader public, to find the most suitable spot for relocating the statue.

 “The consultative process produced an overwhelming response that the sculpture should remain in Newtown. When exploring options in Newtown, the most supported location proposed was outside The Market Theatre. We as the City support this solution as it reflects the desires of our residents and other important stakeholders. MaBrrr will always have a place in our hearts, and a home in our City,” Sifumba said.

The statue is one of the few public art pieces of real, historical women in Johannesburg. While Johannesburg has more statues of women than many other major world cities, the majority are anonymous figures representing an abstract concept, rather than real individuals.

Fassie’s new home is just down the walkway from the Kippies venue and similarly interactive Kippies Moeketsi Statue. Fassie had a relationship with the Kippies venue and performed there on occasion.

“With the statue of Kippies Moeketsi already in the Market Theatre Precinct, we wholeheartedly welcome the statue of Brenda Fassie being relocated for our custody in the precinct as well. These two legends speak to two different eras in South African musical history and to two different generations of music lovers, but these two statues in conversation with each other in the precinct will resonate with the dynamism of South African culture,” Ismail Mohamed, CEO of the Market Theatre Foundation said.

The artist who created the statue, Angus Taylor, said the sculpture was not designed to be a monument, but instead meant to be humble and at street level, so that the public could easily interact with it.

“She belongs to the people, thus public accessibility is key,” Taylor said.