Melvyn Matthews, 'Weekend Special' hitmaker, dies at 67
Melvyn Matthews, the mastermind behind Brenda Fassie's unforgettable 'Weekend Special,' leaves behind a rich musical legacy.
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Melvyn Matthews, the acclaimed songwriter behind Brenda Fassie's iconic hit "Weekend Special," passed away on Saturday at the age of 67. His contributions to South African music have left an indelible mark, with "Weekend Special" becoming a defining anthem of its era.
Matthews, of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, was a singer and songwriter who shared stages with Stevie Wonder, The Manhattans and Mbongeni Ngema before his songs made Fassie a household name.
Condolences have been pouring in on social media.
Victor Khojane, frontman of Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, said he performed alongside Matthews in 1985.
"I had the privilege of playing with Melvyn in my band, CC Beat, at Club Lipstick in Durban for almost a year," he said.
"Melvyn was a real character — always ready with a joke, a great singer and songwriter, and a true team player.
"I will miss him very much."
Radio presenter and family friend Kaycee Rossouw said: "A big tree has fallen.
"The last time we spoke you were fighting for royalties for Life Is Going On.
"Rest well now, Mr Matthews. Your legacy lives on through your music."
Media personality Buli G Ngomane said Matthews was born to entertain.
"I last performed with Melvyn in 2017 and as usual he stole the show," she said.
The two had performed together since 2002.
"He was unique and responded to the moment. I am at a loss for words."
Matthews met music producer Blondie Makhene in Johannesburg in the early 1980s.
The two collaborated on Weekend Special, released in February 1983 by Fassie and the Big Dudes.
Matthews also wrote Life Is Going On, the B-side to the same single, and composed songs for Steve Kekana.
Weekend Special was remixed by New York producer Van Gibbs in 1986 and spent eight weeks on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.
Its success took Fassie on tour to the United States, Europe, Australia and Brazil.
Matthews later claimed Fassie had paid him just R50 for Weekend Special and disputed royalties with her former record label EMI following her death in 2004.
Matthews was a performer and recording artist in his own right.
He released his own material, including the 1989 single Six Days a Week and Don't Give My Love Away in 1994