From bubblegum to kwaito While white rockers expressed their angst to largely white audiences during the 1980s, the black townships were held in thrall by what came to be called "bubblegum" - bright, light dance pop influenced by American disco as much as by the heritage of mbaqanga. Forebears of this style were groups such as The Soul Brothers, who had massive hits with their soulful pop, while artists such as Brenda Fassie, Chicco Twala and Yvonne Chaka Chaka drew huge audiences for their brand of township dance music. Brenda Fassie Fassie is perhaps the most controversial and the best-known figure in township pop, having had a huge hit in 1985 with "Weekend Special" before embarking on a decade of high living that would have put the Rolling Stones to shame. Ever outspoken, she admitted to drug addiction, marriage problems and more, yet her keen following never quite deserted her, and in 1997 made a significant comeback with her album "Memeza" (meaning "Shout"), which spawned the huge hit "Vulindlela" ("Clear the path" or "Make way"). Fassie has continued to stir controversy with diva behaviour and a turbulent private life, and remains a central figure in the development of township pop as her music - made in conjunction with a variety of leading producers - has moved from the "bubblegum" of the 1980s to the edges of the dominant kwaito style of the late 1990s. She has duetted with Congolese superstar Papa Wemba and recorded a CD in Swahili; her recent album "Nomakanjani?" sold in huge amounts, and she toured the African continent. If nothing else, Fassie is a consummate survivor, and the outrageous template for musical superstardom township-style.