This article relies largely or entirely on a single source .(January 2018) |
Brenda and the Big Dudes | |
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Background information | |
Also known as | The Big Dudes |
Origin | Johannesburg, South Africa |
Genres | Afropop |
Years active | 1983–1987 |
Labels |
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Past members |
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Brenda and the Big Dudes was a South African recording group formed in 1983. The group's classic line up included Brenda Fassie (Vocals), Desmond Malotana (Keyboards), Dumisane Ngobeni (Keyboards), Job "Fats" Mlangeni (Drums), David Mabaso (Bass) and Rufus Klaas (Guitar). [1] [2] The group rose to fame after the release of their debut maxi-single Weekend Special in 1983. The single became the best selling record in South Africa with sales of over 200,000 copies. The group was initially a backing band for another popular South African duo Blondie & Pappa until a young Brenda Fassie was brought in as a lead singer. The group would also gain international prominence after Weekend Special was remixed by Van Gibbs in 1986. This version entered the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart where it peaked at number 72 on April 12, 1986 and spent 8 weeks in the chart. [3]
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"Weekend Special" is the debut single by the South African recording group Brenda and the Big Dudes taken from their debut studio album Weekend Special (1983). It was written by Melvyn Matthews, as was the B-side "Life Is Going On". "Weekend Special" features production by Blondie Makhene and Matthews.
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Weekend Special is the debut studio album released by Brenda and the Big Dudes on the CCP Records label in 1983. It was produced by Mally Watson and Blondie Makhene. Weekend Special spawned two singles "Weekend Special" and "You Just Need Someone". The album sold over 200 000 copies in South Africa by the end of 1984.