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South Africa: Jessica Mbangeni is one of South Africa’s highly sort after female Imbongi (praise poet) – and is currently making waves with a slate of high-profile live performances that have cemented her global reputation as one of the country’s most gifted creative talents.That she stands alone in a cultural terrain dominated by men is something that spurs on this Eastern Cape-raised woman. “Young South Africans must go back to our roots and embrace our culture and traditions. We must take ownership of African pride and play a role in instilling positivity among people – and that goes for men and women,” she says.Mbangeni’s burning desire to use her voice – through music and poetry- to comment on South Africa’s leaders, our collective history and the issues facing the country has its roots in her early years growing up in Nqamakwe in the Eastern Cape. “As a child I would listen to my grandmother’s storytelling which was always fused with traditional Xhosa singing and it really sparked a fire in my soul,” Mbangeni confides.
But it took a while for Mbangeni to turn her passion into her career.

After matriculating at Ezizweni Senior Secondary School in 1996, she did a National Diploma in Secretarial Office Administration at the Eastern Cape Technikon (now the Walter Sisulu University) and it appeared as if her life was to take a more conventional route.“The fact is that I could not ignore the compulsion I felt to write and perform the words

that flowed into my mind, and so I moved into the creative direction that I find myself in now,” Mbangeni says of her move from secretarial work into singing and poetry.Whilst working as a secretary she got her break performing in musicals (including ‘Episodes of Africa’ which played the annual Grahamstown Festival) and taking the role of lead singer in the Gospel group Magic Sounds.Then, in 2002, Mbangeni got her first big opportunity. “I auditioned for and got a place in the Soweto Gospel Choir in 2002, and that really played a significant role in opening my eyes to the rest of the world, and what it means to be a professional singer.”

Mbangeni performed with the renowned choir in Australia and New Zealand first, and was soon one of the Grammy Award-winning Choir’s lead singers and poets, performing in 37 North American cities in 2005 alone. Her work with the choir also saw Mbangeni take part in several high-profile events including President Thabo Mbeki’s second inauguration, the first 46664 concert in Cape Town and the celebrations in 2004 to mark South Africa’s 10 years of democracy.Her musical experience expanded when Mbangeni joined the Creative Collective Choir and under the guidance of heavyweights Hugh Masekela and Sibongile Khumalo supported such music greats as Dorothy Masuka and Dolly Rathebe as well as the likes of Zwai Bala and others.
In recent years, Mbangeni has struck out on her own – taking the plunge into solo work (including acting in ‘Soul City’ and ‘Dube on 2’) and all the more inspired for it. “It is wonderful to be able to perform my own work; to breathe life into my own words and see the reaction of others when I do.”Her slate of live performances is varied and impressive: already this year Mbangeni has played the International Women’s Conference at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, performed with Victor Ntoni’s Jazz band Heritage at a State Banquet in Cape Town and was an integral part of the celebrations of US Black History at Museum Africa in Johannesburg.

Among her most important works was undertaking the role of programme director, singer, poet, dancer and narrator at OR Tambo’s Birthday in Umtata in 2007. “It took me back to my roots and incorporated everything that I love, including singing praises to one of South Africa’s greatest leaders,” she says. Mbangeni’s praise-singing to O.R. Tambo has also been heard at the commemoration to the ANC leader at the naming of the O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, and the Mzansi Sings Tribute to OR Tambo staged in London in 2007.
That her home language plays such a central role in Mbangeni’s creative life is no surprise: Whereas several of South Africa’s praise poets work in Zulu, Mbangeni was determined to use her native Xhosa to drive the praise singing that has always been an unstoppable force in her life. “I have always been inspired by Xhosa writers such as A.C.Jordan, S.E.K.Mqhayi, K.S.Bongela and T.K.Tamsanqa. This is the language of my ancestors and so it’s natural that I perform my praise poetry in Xhosa,” the 29-year-old says simply.
Over the past few years, Mbangeni has expanded her hand: in 2006 she founded the KwaNtu Entertainment & Designs agency that uses her significant connections in the cultural and entertainment industries to get local South African talent exposed through international television shows, local and international television adverts, international theatre and corporate shows. “It’s all fits into my philosophy of always breaking new ground,” Mbangeni explains. “My team and I work hard at discovering new talent and identifying artistic potential in other creative souls.” This multi-racial agency has already worked with several heavyweight casting directors including Moonyeen Lee, Amanda Wilson, Christa Schamber and many others and has an excellent global reputation.
“In the end, whether it is my creative endeavours or those of others, I am really living my dream in everything that I do,” Mbangeni says.

Upcoming Performances:
- National Women’s Day Celebrations in Union Building 9th August.
- Literature Festival in Berlin in September, Jessica featured by 6Mabone Marimba band.
- European tour promoting the upcoming album of 6Mabone collaborating with German Pop Academy which is an IDM Project.

Photo: Kwazulu Natal University

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