Originally scheduled for Sunday, it's been moved forward by a day so President Thabo Mbeki can attend.

He described her as, "a Pan-African griot, making souls rise in bliss wherever her voice reached."

South Africa's top pop diva, aged 39, died in Sunninghill Clinic in Sandton, Johannesburg on Sunday 9 May.

Thank you for your tributes to Brenda Fassie. Read a selection of your e-mails below.

Your tributes to Brenda Fassie:

Brenda Fassie was a hero for the music fraternity in Africa. Her performances were superb not to mention her distinguished performances at "Kora Award" concerts. I remember her for her team spirit with fellow musicians, cutting albums together. Making public performances to dignitaries of all walks of life including Nelson Mandela. She was indeed great musician.
Jeremiah Kang'ombe, Lilongwe, Malawi

Brenda you may be gone, but your music will still live on. We indeed loved you as you were. May your soul rest in peace.
Sibia Mjumira, Lilongwe

I remembered before I heard the legend's voice, my husband called me from Liberia asking me if I had heard Brenda's song "Toto ", as we Liberians called it and I said no, so he played it over the phone for me and from there on her voice was like magic to my heart. On my wedding day, her song was the only African song I requested for my grand march. Brenda, rest in peace and God wanted you with him for a reason. My heart goes out to the bereaved family, Hold on, it's only for a moment till we are all united.
Lydia, Fords, USA

I was Brenda's biggest fan and so I choose not to mourn her death but celebrate the years she spent with us. Rest in peace, you'll always be in my heart!
Mercy Bonnie Thebe, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

All Brenda's songs and music were inspirational; you have gone physically, but spiritually you are still alive. I never meet her face-to-face, but with her picture and her fantastic voice, I feel she is always with me. I love her physically and spiritually. I say a big resting of her soul in the bosom of our God Almighty. I also wish her son a very good growth, so that he can be a leader of tomorrow. I also pray God Almighty to give her family the strength to bear this irreparable loss of great sister, mother and true African pop. Once again, may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Ann Igwe, Lagos, Nigeria

No matter what they said, you were the best and will be missed greatly
Helena, Windhoek, Namibia

The whole of Africa has lost a gem in Brenda Felix Nwachuhwu Omoke, Nigeria

Who can replace Brenda Fassie? South Africa and indeed the whole of Africa has lost a gem in Brenda. It will take a long for the vacuum created by the sudden departure of this music wizard could be filled
Felix Nwachuhwu Omoke, Nigeria

Rest in peace. Namibia loves you Brenda Fassie: the voice of Africa is silent. A true African queen, always in our heart-
Gauaseb Frans, Cologne Germany

A true musical icon who rose above the best African music had to offer. Brenda,may your soul rest in peace and your music will always be an inspiration for Africans all over the world.
Munya, Vancouve, Canada

She was one of the voices of black South Africans during one of the darkest eras of that country's history. May her soul rest in peace.
White, USA

Mama Africa, we will miss you and that precious voice which brought happiness to most Africans. Our memories are with you and may your soul rest in peace and long live your fantastic music. We shall never forget!
Toriro Fidel, Harare Zimbabwe

I had the pleasure of meeting and sharing a stage with Brenda when she was in Nairobi a couple of years ago. She was a lively, sparkling character and a true entertainer. She may be gone but she left us a gift that will always last - her beautiful, excellent music. Maximum respect, Brenda. RIP.
Patricia Waiyaki, Cedar Falls IA, USA

Brenda was really a musical giant; she has really fascinated me with her breath-taking music. Africa has indeed lost a gem. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
Uche Okonkwo, Abuja

Brenda, all your songs and music were inspirational; you have gone but never to be forgotten. We love you but God loves you most. I pray that may your gentle soul rest in perfect bosom of the Lord. Adio Brenda!
Austine Adie, Kano, Nigeria

I've been a fan of Brenda for the last 20 years, everyone in Botswana loves her. Brenda, the message I have for you is the same one you had for your late mother - "Mama rest in peace, you'll always be in my heart". Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu.
Helga Mankebe, Coventry, UK

A true African queen Obinna, Lagos

Adieu, to a true African queen, welcome to heaven!
Obinna, Lagos, Nigeria

With your superb singing, your songs gave pleasure to millions and you will always be remembered. I pray for you and your family and close friends and offer God blessings. You were simply the best.
John Orfile, London, England

Brenda you have been a gift and a blessing to us in southern Africa and in the world. Nothing can take you from us. You shall live forever in our hearts and in our houses and in our memories as the joy of every minute, every moment, every party, every wedding, every journey and every prayer uttered to God.
Wenkosi Tafa, Claremont, USA

The voice of Africa is silent Margaret, Virginia

The voice of Africa is silent. What a voice. The heavenly angels have Brenda singing so sweetly and once again Africa loses. The Sierra Leoneans party till dawn to your music at the weekends. Rest in peace sister, rest in God's loving arms.
Margaret, Virginia, USA

Brenda was like a breath of fresh air in the African Music Industry. At long last, she provided us, African music fans, with the true transition from the old to the new. You'll be missed Brenda, may your soul rest in peace.
Alex Quermorllue, Milford, USA

Legends don't die but they part away from us, and still their words and actions remain with us. So Brenda fans don't worry she is with us and lets keep her music with us. Rest in peace Brenda.
Nellie Mahachi, Atlanta, USA

A voice so husky, a message so inspiring, memories of your music will be forever etched in the minds of Africans the world over! How I envy those who have gone ahead because they will be treated to great sounds by you. All the same, you remain in our hearts. May your soul rest in Peace!
Fiona, Berlin, Germany

Brenda - you are a true daughter of Africa. You are a rare gem and you will always be remembered for your timeless songs. I started hearing your music when I was a teenager and now I am a grown up lady and still enjoy your songs. Lala kuhle ntombi.
Mary Kavalo, Blantyre, Malawi

It's really a very trying time for all of us who loved Brenda Chris Kayongo, Kampala

It's really a very trying time for all of us who loved Brenda. She was what anyone who is truly African can call the top pop diva Africa could ever have. We shall always celebrate her legacy as she made many of us very proud of our home - Africa. Please send my condolences to the grieving family. Please let them know that the whole of Africa is standing behind them. May her soul rest in peace.
Chris Kayongo, Kampala, Uganda

As a man, l thought l was bold and strong, but when l heard the news this morning l felt my eyes swell with tears. I will miss you Brenda.
Lloyd Mushakwe, Harare, Zimbabwe

Brenda Fassie is one of the most memorable of our African musicians. Her songs always make us dance and smile. We will all miss her very much. I hope you have finally found peace.
Wairimu Kuria, Kenya/USA

Rest in peace Dibakazi, you will always be in our hearts. I loved you from an early age and I clearly remember when I was in primary school telling the whole class including my teacher that when I grow up I want to be Brenda. We have not lost anyone; we have good memories of when you were still with us which will live for ever in our hearts. Memeza Brenda - wherever you are.
Thandiwe Solwandle, Maseru, Lesotho

She was an inspiration to many and we should not let her death make us despair. She left a remarkable legacy, something we should all endeavour to do. The Ugandan community shall miss her but I am confident that her message through her songs shall continue to have an impact. May the Almighty bless and receive her soul.
Edmund Paul Kalekyezi, Kampala, Uganda

I am still dazed. I was actually surfing the net to get some information on her when I came across the sad news. She is a brilliant musician and my heartfelt condolences to her friends and family. I started listening to her about a year ago and can truly say she was one of the best the continent had to offer. You will be missed. Rest in peace Brenda.
Ade Ojo, Sheffield, UK

We have really lost a true daughter of the soil. Her music was so popular in my country Sierra Leone. People love her voice and the way she danced. I send my deepest condolences on behalf of all the Sierra Leonean people. She will remain in our memories forever. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
Benjamin Palmer, Germany

Brenda was one of the greatest musicians ever to emerge from the Mother continent. Year after year she produced one great song after another, and that is what most of us always expected from her. Her live shows were even more amazing; you just had to be there to really appreciate "Sister B" as she was sometimes affectionately known.
Nkosinathi Mbuya, Ithaca, USA/Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

We all loved her. Rest in peace Brenda.
Fidelis Kababi Kashaga Bishansha, Bulibata, Buhembe-Bukoba

I met Brenda at the lobby of the Nicon Hilton Hotel here in Abuja late last year prior to the opening of the All African Games when she came here to perform at the opening of the Abuja National Stadium. I was so surprised with her humility and go-go attitude towards all the people that came across her that day. I am happy I had the privilege to embrace and hug such a wonderful talent, the memory will live for ever. She is not only a legend in her chosen profession but a true ambassador to Mother Africa. She has always been my favourite female artist in Africa. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
Chris Kehinde Nwandu, Abuja, Nigeria

How fittingly that she should go to meet her Mama on Mother's Day! Zarou, Eritrea

Just yesterday (Sunday - Mother's Day) the local stations were repeatedly playing Brenda Fassie's "Mama" song, which is about her Mother who has passed away! How fittingly that she should go to meet her Mama on Mother's Day! Brenda, thank you for the music and may your soul rest in peace is all we can say!
Zarou, Eritrea

Brenda, you will ever be remembered for your humanity, Africanism, patriotism and love to the whole of Africa. You have left us, but your soul is with us forever. May God rest you in peace.
Damas Alexander, Mwanza, Tanzania

Brenda Fassie's "Mina Nawe" was the first South African album I purchased when I visited that incredible country last summer. The vibrancy and energy of her music sent shivers down my spine and spread a smile across my face. I'm shocked to hear she's gone.
Brendan Kearney, Baltimore, USA

What can I say about Brenda? I grew up with her music back in the 80s. She was and still is popular in Zimbabwe. Personally, my love for her will never diminish one bit. I live in the USA, now, but I brought your music with me. Your music was legendary. Your music inspired many people on the African continent. You never faded into oblivion, like many other artists. You remained resolute, competing with the younger generation. I will miss her. Hamba kahle Brenda. You did your part. You entertained us, you informed us, you inspired us through your music. You, Brenda, shall be part of my life forever.
Paul Kudinha

We are so sad to lose such a talented figure in the African music industry. Brenda Fassie was an inspiration to our club. Our theme song is Vulindlela and every time we dance to this song it will be a tribute to her. We love you and you will be greatly missed. For her family: we are sorry for your loss.
Hood College African Students Association, Frederick, US

Brenda, thank you for all the music you gave us, which we know will always live on. This is a loss not only to our continent but the whole world of music. R.I.P.
John Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya

We have sincerely lost a true star of the continent. A sister, and indeed a great performer, and artist! We send our deepest condolences on behalf of the Gambian people, and she would remain in our memories despite not having the chance to see her perform. May her soul rest in peace!
Usman Manga, Fajara, the Gambia