There was a time when South African music carried a sound so bold and electrifying it could fill dance floors, taxi radios, and township streets with pure joy. It was the era when the unmistakable voice of Brenda Fassie dominated the airwaves and the legendary Brenda and the Big Dudes delivered hit after hit that would go on to define a generation. Songs like Weekend Special became more than chart-toppers — they became part of South Africa’s cultural memory. Now, decades later, that legacy is being celebrated once again as the Roodepoort Theatre in partnership with Music Mind Productions prepares to host Legends Live On, a special tribute concert taking place on 26 March 2026, honouring the life and musical journey of bassist Bab’ David Mabaso — the last surviving member of The Big Dudes. More than just a concert, the evening aims to celebrate and preserve the legacy of musicians whose work helped shape South Africa’s pop sound in the late 70s and 80s — an era when music had the power to bring people together across divides. In this nostalgic exclusive interview with Africa Jamz FM News, Bab’ David Mabaso speaks to us about the legacy of Brenda and the Big Dudes, the memories behind their timeless music, and what it means to see those songs continue to live on decades later. At their height in the 1980s, Brenda and the Big Dudes had six main members in the group. Bab’ David Mabaso is now the last surviving member of the band. Picture: Supplied Bab’ David reflects on the band’s chemistry Many South Africans still feel the electric energy that Brenda and the Big Dudes brought to the music scene. As our chat with the legendary Bab’ David got underway, he took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recalling those incredible years on stage and sharing some of the moments that stood out most while performing alongside the unforgettable Brenda Fassie. “We had great chemistry and camaraderie as a band, and Brenda was always around and helpful even when we were not performing or rehearsing together,” said Bab’ David. The story behind the creation of Weekend Special The song Weekend Special remains one of the most iconic songs in South African music history, and many people are still dancing to it decades later. Bab’ David shared what he remembers about the moment the song was created, and whether he ever imagined that the hit would become such a timeless classic. “We started working on the song Weekend Special when we were commissioned to be the backing band for the American disco singer Sharon Redd when she came to South Africa. One of her songs was the inspiration for Weekend Special, as it has a similar progression. We only had one verse for a long time until Melvin Matthews helped write the second verse. We spent a lot of time creating music together, so creating Weekend Special was just another day at the office,” said Bab’ David. The band that defined a generation and set the dance floors on fire — Brenda and the Big Dudes. Picture: Supplied Keeping the legacy of The Big Dudes alive Bab’ David is now the last surviving member of The Big Dudes, which means he carries an important piece of South African music history with him. He opened up about what it means to him personally to keep that legacy alive and to continue sharing those memories with new generations. “My heart is really full that Jacky Carpede has remembered The Big Dudes and has created this production to honour myself and all the members of The Big Dudes and, of course, the iconic Brenda Fassie. When the next generation still remembers the generations before them, then the legacy will live on,” said Bab’ David. The sound and spirit that united a generation Music during that time had the power to bring people together from different backgrounds and communities. Bab’ David shared his thoughts on what it was about the sound and spirit of that era that made it so special and unforgettable. “I believe it’s because we actually spent many hours and nights writing together and jamming together. We loved the process of workshopping songs together. This meant that we created a sound that was uniquely ours,” said Bab’ David. Even though the music scene has evolved and new genres continue to emerge, the songs of Brenda and the Big Dudes are still timeless and remain relevant to this day. Picture: Supplied What to expect at the Legends Live On Concert The upcoming Legends Live On concert will celebrate Bab’ David’s incredible journey and his contribution to South African music. He spoke about what audiences can expect from this special night, and what it means to him to be honoured in this way while he is still able to share his story. “I’m happy that I am here and able to tell the story of The Big Dudes. I’m humbled to see the next generation enjoy the music we created over 40 years ago and have it inspire them in their own musical journeys. The audience can expect a nostalgic experience; they can expect to sing along to their all-time favourite Brenda and the Big Dudes songs,” said Bab’ David. The legendary Bab’ David Mabaso is one of the few iconic musicians in South African history to be honoured while he is still alive. Picture: Supplied A legacy that made its mark globally As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Bab’ David: Looking back at the journey—the music, the memories and the legacy you helped create—what would you like younger generations of South Africans to remember most about that era and the story of The Big Dudes? And this is how he responded: “We had a wonderful run. We enjoyed our careers, including the good and bad times. The younger generation should remember that South African music has always been able to compete and make a mark globally,” said Bab’ David. Tickets to the Legends Live On concert are already on sale for R250 on Webtickets, and the concert starts at 19:00. HAVE YOU READ THIS ONE?: EXCLUSIVE: ProVerb Opens Up About Earning His MBA and Surprising Us Again Post navigation ULTRA South Africa’s Groove Room Puts African Dance Music on the World Stage
