Jessica Mbangeni is the daughter of the amaXhosa tribe and the pride of Africa.
Jessica Mbangeni (born 22 August 1977) is a multiple-award-winning South African praise poet, actress, businesswoman, and singer. She is best known for her poems. She participated in Soweto Gospel Choir in 2002.
As an actress, Jessica appeared first in the television series Zabalaza in 2013. She has landed more roles, including as a guest actress in the soap opera Skeem Saam.
Her television acting credits include appearing in eKasi: Our Stories in 2015. She appeared in The Coconuts and Dube on 2.
| Jessica Mbangeni | |
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| Short Profile | |
| Full name: | Jessica Mbangeni |
| Born: | 22 August 1977 (age 45 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Nqamakwe, Eastern Cape |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Eastern Cape Technikon |
| Occupation: | Actress, poet, singer |
| Years active: | 2002-date |
| Label: | Kwantu Entertainment |
| Instrument: | Vocals |
| Nominations: | South African Music Award for Best African Adult Contemporary Album |
| Clothing brand: | KwaNtu Afrocentric Designs |
Background
Jessica Mbangeni was born on 22 August 1977 in Nqamakwe, a town in Amatole District Municipality, Eastern Cape. She comes from a family of creative entrepreneurs. Her grandmother was a spaza shop owner, a clothing designer. Her father is a professional designer and a tailor who studied fashion design.
Jessica grew up in Nqamakwe, Eastern Cape and started her business at ten years old. She continued and got a small capital running her stall in the Market theatre. Many big clients and public figures identified her and supported her work.
Education
Mbangeni studied at Eastern Cape Technikon but left to focus on music. After leaving school, she moved to Johannesburg to search for a job.
Career
Jessica joined Soweto Gospel Choir in 2002. She has toured around the globe. She has performed at top ceremonies, events, and occasions.
Among her known performances is at the high-profiled 46664 concert in Cape Town. She also performed at the inauguration of Thabo Mbeki as South African president.
As a praise singer, Jessica made her mark after joining the Soweto Gospel Choir in 2002. She has toured locally and internationally with the group. She has gone to Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, and the North American States.
The singer founded the KwaNtu Entertainment and Designs Agency in 2006.
The organization uses her connections in the cultural and entertainment industries to get local talents. It has worked with many casting directors, such as Moonyeen Lee, Amanda Wilson, Christa Schamber, and Bonnie Lee Bouman.
The agency has maintained an excellent global reputation within the National Department of Arts and Culture.
Jessica played various roles in the SABC2 comedy series Dube on 2. She has made many other television guest appearances. The actress played Nambasa in eKasi: Our Stories drama series in 2015.
Mbangeni won South African Music Awards for Best Praise Poet in 2017 and Best Traditional Album in 2018. She also won a SATMA for Best Traditional album in 2017.
The singer collaborated with Vusi Nova on the song As’phelelanga, one of her most popular songs.
Social Media
Mbangeni showcases and promotes her works and achievements on social media. She created an account for her business on IG and also another to model her work.
Jessica has contributed to social media with thousands of followers and over a thousand posts. Most of her posts revolve around the beauty of the African culture. She promotes her work also to her audience.
Personal Life
Praise poet Jessica Mbangeni hasn’t revealed her husband is to any publication. She hails from the amaXhosa tribe and was born Xhosa living among the amaXhosa tribe. Jessica had the privilege of experiencing the rich culture and authentic traditions while she grew up.
The poet loves spending time with her family, visiting the zoo, laughing, and telling folk stories to her children. She enjoys shopping, dining in restaurants, and taking on new adventures with her family.
Discography
Songs
- Igoli
- Afrika: Tribute to Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela
- As’phelelanga Aah-Zwelonke
- Qula Kwedini
- Amagontsi
- In Love with a Rasta Man
- Winnie Madikizela Mandela
- Zozibini Has Done It
- Isiqhova
- Busisiwe Tribute to African Heroines
- The Click Song a.k.a Qongqothwane
- Bonyongo
- Asphelelanga
- I’m An African
- Indlala
- Ulele Na
- Mama Ekugqibeleni
- Molo Fish
- Vumani Ingoma
- Abafana Abadala
- Wandishiya Ndindodwa
- Seana Marena Ixakatho
- Amayeza’mi
- Beret Yam
- Bayethe Mhlekazi
- Mjong Emini
- Emgodini
- Basikele
- Zweli Nzima Ungowam’
- Umhleka Ntoni’
- Amayeza
- Bahambile
Albums
- Igoli (2014)
- Busiswe Tribute to African Heroines (2015)
Filmography
- Dube on 2 as Various Roles
- eKasi: Our Stories as Nambasa (Mother)
- iNkaba as Guest
- Skeem Saam as Praise Poet
- The Coconuts as Twin Maid 1
- The South African Music Awards as Performer
- Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja as Guest
- Zabalaza (2013) as Nina K