Mali is the eighteenth studio album by South African singer Brenda Fassie, Released on June 7, 2003, by CCP Records. Brenda Fassie produced the album alongside Sello "Chicco" Twala. Additional artists who contributed vocals to the album include Freddie Gwala.

Mali
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 7, 2003
GenreAfropop Kwaito
Length44:46
Label
ProducerBrenda Fassie
Brenda Fassie chronology
Myekeleni
(2002)
Mali
(2003)
Gimme Some Volume
(2004)

Primarily a Kwaito album, Mali encompasses a variety of genres, including Afropop, RNB, gospel.[1][2][3]

Critical reception edit

Mali was met with generally favorable reviews from critics. An article of The IOL stated ".....'Brenda Fassie returns with yet another album of tipsy, feelgood weekend grooves, and though it's far from bad, Mali feels a little half-hearted in places.That impression might also have something to do with the rather spartan and uninspiring album packaging.The five tracks written and produced by Brenda herself are solid dance-pop but, with the possible exception of the infectious Ntsware-Ndibambe, they lack the sparkle to become classics.The best tracks on the album are those produced by long-term collaborator and friend, Chico Twala. Opener Ponci Ponci (which is also remixed twice) is a very enjoyable jive, but the real gem here is Mali, a beautiful spiritual lament which will bring a tear to the eye of any homesick African abroad. Even when Brenda is below par, she kicks most of her competitors into touch."[4]

Track listing edit

Credits adapted from Allmusic.[5]

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Ponci Ponci (Pontjie Pontjie)"
5:21
2."Mali"
  • Twala
  • Fassie
5:06
3."Ntsware-Ndibambe"
5:55
4."Ngwanona"
  • Twala
  • Fassie
5:00
5."Undikolota Malini"Fassie4:45
6."Siyobanana"Fassie4:44
7."My Baby"Fassie6:14
8."Ngizilahlela Kuwe"Fassie5:29
9."Ponci Ponci"
  • Fassie
  • Twala
5:01
10."Ngwanona (Dub Mix)"
  • Fassie
  • Twala
  • Kamela
4:31
11."Ponci Ponci Pinda (Club Mix)"
  • Twala
  • Fassie
5:20

Personnel edit

  • Brenda Fassie – lead vocals
  • T. P. Kamela – featured artist (track 10)
  • F Gwala – additional vocals (track 8)

References edit

  1. ^ "Brenda* - Mali". Discogs.com.
  2. ^ "Brenda, Township Madonna". Brandsouthafrica.com. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Zimbabwe: Brenda's Album Mali On Top". Allafrica.com. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  4. ^ "Brenda Fassie - Mali | IOL Entertainment". Iol.co.za.
  5. ^ "Mali - Brenda, Brenda Fassie | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic.