Tribute to Jessica Mbangeni, the famous Xhosa praise singer
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
These pictures speak for her and that is that Jessica Mbangeni, the widely travelled poet, fashion designer and musician was a people’s person, well loved by many, actually any person who happened to cross her path.
The memorial service held at the Market Theatre on Friday, to honour her, recognise and celebrate her achievements and her presence in many people’s lives just proved how much she was lived. I have attended several memorial services for departed artists, some very famous at the Market Theatre and elsewhere over the years, but I have not seen what I witnessed on Saturday.
The place was so packed that others had to wait outside, waiting for their chance to get in once someone left their seats in the John Kani Theatre to take a breather outside.
Mbangeni who became the foremost Xhosa praise singer in the country, who performed at major national events, such as the opening of Parliament and Presidential inauguration truly had influence in the South African creative sector.
A well-travelled artist who first had enjoyed a high public i8ntrnational profile as a member of the Soweto Gospel Choir, she however in later years carved her4self a niche as an international performer who ever year got regular engagement around the world performing in countries such as Jamaica and Canada among others where she had a strong fan base, even stronger back home.
Mbangeni was also a smart business person, who combined her creative endeavours with business smartness. She owned a shop at the Oriental Plaza Shopping Centre in Johannesburg, where she sold her designs alongside those of other designers with an Afro-centric touch. Her company through which she traded is called KwaNtu Entertainment Designs, a record label and African traditional clothing.
And to honour her design and fashion taste those who attended the memorial services came donned in colourful and elegant Xhosa designs, turning the memorial service into a mini traditional African fashion show to an extent that if one were walking casually passing the Market Theatre on that Saturday, they would be excused to think that a fashion show was in progress instead of a memorial service for one of the country’s most beloved creative daughters. The memorial service was a proper send off for Jessica and that should have put a smile on her face on the Other Side of life.
Go well my friend.