Jessica Mbangeni
Backgroundperson
Birth date22 August 1977
Birth placeNqamakwe, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Death date31 August 2024 (aged 47)
OriginJohannesburg
OccupationsActress · poet · singer
InstrumentVocals
Years active2002–2024
LabelKwantu Entertainment
Past member ofSoweto Gospel Choir

Dr. Bishop Jessica Thembela 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.

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

Jessica 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

Shortly 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

From 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

Mbangeni established her agency KwaNtu Entertainment and Designs Agency in 2006.[8][9]

Discography

  • Igoli (2014)
  • Busiswe Tribute to African Heroines (2015)
  • I Am an African (A Cappella) (2022)
  • I Am an African (2022)
  • World Peace (2024)

Singles

List of singles, showing year released and album name
TitleYearAlbum
"In Love with a Rasta Man"
(Omar Morrison, Jessica Mbangeni)		2018rowspan="3"
"Africa" (Andreas Horvat remixes)2021
"The Sage In Me (Riddim)"2022
"Dawning of the Dawn"
(featuring Dr Kaden Lebray)		2023World Peace
"Ibuyile"

Awards

OrganizationYearCategoryNominated workResultRef.
South African Music Awards2017Best Praise PoetHerself[10]
2018Best Traditional AlbumiGoli Live at the Lyric Theatre[11]
Basadi in Music Awards2024Traditional Artist of the Year"Lashonilanga"[12]

References

  1. ^ "Jessica Mbangeni biography". elegant. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
  2. ^ Kgomotso Moganedi (2024-08-31). "Renowned poet Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni has died". TimesLIVE. Arena Holdings. Retrieved 2024-09-01.
  3. ^ Sibiya, Gugu (2011-07-01). "Mbangeni: mistress of her own destiny". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
  4. ^ "Jessica Mbangeni". afternoonexpress. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
  5. ^ "Jessica Mbangeni to launch her latest album at Gold Reef City's Lyric Theatre". mediaupdate. 2014-08-27. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  6. ^ "'Asphelelanga' honours those who are gone, but not forgotten". South Africa: eNCA. 2018-11-24. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  7. ^ "Jessica Mbangeni biography". hdsentertaiment. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  8. ^ "Jess urges women to think bigger and bolder". South Africa: News24. 2017-11-16. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  9. ^ Che King, Tracey (September 19, 2018). "Woman you need to know: Jessica Mbangeni (Part 1)". Glamour
  10. ^ "Here are all the 2017 Sama winners". South Africa: News24. 2017-05-27. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  11. ^ "Samas 2018: All the winners". South Africa: News24. 2018-06-02. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  12. ^ Shumba, Ano (2024-06-27). "Basadi in Music Awards 2024: All the nominees". Music in Africa. Retrieved 2024-08-07.