Jessica Mbangeni (22 August 1977 – 31 August 2024) was a South African praise poet and singer. Born and raised in Nqamakwe, Eastern Cape, she rose to prominence after participating on Soweto Gospel Choir in 2002.
Jessica Mbangeni | |
|---|---|
| Born | 22 August 1977 Nqamakwe, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Origin | Johannesburg |
| Died | 31 August 2024 (aged 47) |
| Occupations |
|
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2002–2024 |
| Labels | Kwantu Entertainment |
| Formerly of | Soweto Gospel Choir |
Mbangeni had also pursued an acting career. In 2013, Mbangeni made her on-screen feature debut in Zabalaza, and appeared as a guest on the television series Skeem Saam. Other television series Mbangeni appeared in included eKasi: Our Stories (2015), The Coconuts, and Dube on 2.
Background
editJessica Mbangeni was born in Nqamakwe, Eastern Cape on 22 August 1977.[1] Mbangeni attended Eastern Cape Technikon, but dropped out to pursue her career in music.[1]
Mbangeni died on 31 August 2024, at the age of 47.[2]
Career
editShortly after Mbangeni left tertiary, she relocated to Johannesburg to search for job.[1]
In 2002, she joined Soweto Gospel Choir[3] and toured around the globe.[4]
Two years later in 2005, Mbangeni pursued her career as a poet.[3]
Towards the end of the August 2014, Mbangeni announced released date of her live album IGoli which was performed live at Lyric Theatre.[5] The album was released on 26 September 2014.
Her studio album Busiswe Tribute to African Heroines was released in 2015.
Mbangeni was featured on "As'phelelanga" a single by South African singer Vusi Nova released on 17 August 2018.[6]
Television
editFrom 2004 to 2006, Mbangeni made on screen debut on Dube on 2 comedy television series.[7]
In 2015, she portrayed a role of Nambasa on eKasi: Our Stories drama series.
Other ventures
editMbangeni established her agency KwaNtu Entertainment and Designs Agency in 2006.[8][9]
Discography
edit- Igoli (2014)
- Busiswe Tribute to African Heroines (2015)
- I Am an African (A Cappella) (2022)
- I Am An African (2022)
- World Peace (2024)
Singles
editAs lead artist
edit| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZA | |||||||
| "In Love with a Rasta Man" (Omar Morrison, Jessica Mbangeni) | 2018 | — | |||||
| "Africa (Andreas Horvat Remixes)" | 2021 | — | |||||
| "The Sage In Me (Riddim)" | 2022 | — | |||||
| "Dawning of the Dawn" (featuring Dr Kaden Lebray) | 2023 | — | World Peace | ||||
| "Ibuyile" | — | ||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||
Awards
edit| Organization | Year | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South African Music Awards | 2017 | Best Praise Poet | Herself | Won | [10] |
| 2018 | Best Traditional Album | iGoli Live at the Lyric Theatre | Won | [11] | |
| Basadi in Music Awards | 2024 | Traditional Artist of the Year | "Lashonilanga" | Pending | [12] |
References
edit- ^ a b c "Jessica Mbangeni biography". elegant. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
- ^ Kgomotso Moganedi (31 August 2024). "Renowned poet Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni has died". TimesLIVE. Arena Holdings. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ a b Sibiya, Gugu (1 July 2011). "Mbangeni: mistress of her own destiny". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
- ^ "Jessica Mbangeni". afternoonexpress. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
- ^ "Jessica Mbangeni to launch her latest album at Gold Reef City's Lyric Theatre". mediaupdate. 27 August 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
- ^ "'Asphelelanga' honours those who are gone, but not forgotten". South Africa: eNCA. 24 November 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
- ^ "Jessica Mbangeni biography". hdsentertaiment. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
- ^ "Jess urges women to think bigger and bolder". South Africa: News24. 16 November 2017. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
- ^ Che King, Tracey (19 September 2018). "Woman you need to know: Jessica Mbangeni (Part 1)". Glamour.
- ^ "Here are all the 2017 Sama winners". South Africa: News24. 27 May 2017. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
- ^ "Samas 2018: All the winners". South Africa: News24. 2 June 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (27 June 2024). "Basadi in Music Awards 2024: All the nominees". Music in Africa. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
External links
edit- Jessica Mbangeni at TVSA
- Jessica Mbangeni discography at Discogs