Jessica Mbangeni Returns With New Album & Bags SAMA Nomination
In his most illustrious speech, "I am an African” delivered 8 May 1996 on the occasion of the passing of the new South African Constitution; President Thabo Mbeki avowed – “My mind and my knowledge of myself is formed by the victories that are the jewels in our African crown, the victories we earned from Isandhlwana to Khartoum, as Ethiopians and as the Ashanti of Ghana, as the Berbers of the desert. Being part of all these people, and in the knowledge that none dare contest that assertion, I shall claim that - I am an African.
And it is with such that Pan Africanist, singer and praise poet Jessica Mbangeni calls and announces the release of her new single video ‘In love with the Rastaman’; a collaboration with Jamaican artist RA Deal, a funky reggae influenced tune from her upcoming album ‘I Am An African’ set for release in September 2018.
Also a nominee for Best Traditional Music Album at the 24th edition of the 2018 SAMAs, the poet’s “Jessica Mbangeni Sings IGoli Live at Lyric Theatre” , a live recording she self produced and features an all star band line up composed of guitarist Bheki Khoza, pianist Mncedisi Kupa and saxophonist McCoy Mrubata with music direction by composer Khanya Ceza, following on the success of her first two studio albums iGoli and Busisiwe: A Tribute To African Heroines, the album is Mbangeni’s first live recording.
The upcoming album, I Am An African inspired by a recent sojourn which saw her spend months in Jamaica and the Caribbean Islands following performance engagements at the Marcus Garvey Festival (Tribute) speaks to address the verity of African people and nations whom Jessica, hopes in the future shall overcome all adversities and challenges confronting the continent to ultimately achieve cultural, economic, scientific and spiritual renewal.
Having performed all over the world and at President Thabo Mbeki and Nelson Mandela’s 46664 concerts, Mbangeni’s career began decisively after joining the Grammy award winning Soweto Gospel Choir - a troupe she later left to pursue a solo vocation as a praise poet that has led her to milestones such as a 2017 SATMA, theatre work and numerous TV appearances on programs such as SABC 1’s ‘Emzini Wezi Nsizwa’, drama Zabalaza, sitcom ‘The Coconuts’ and award-winning albums, solidifying her reputation as one of South Africa’s greatest living writers and live-performance poets, singers with a demand for her service still remaining high.
‘I am happy to be at such a stage of my career, eternally grateful to my supporters and hope that we will continue journing together towards my new work and ventures in the world” says Jessica.
Fans cannot vote for this category of the awards but can follow Jessica on social media and view new music video ‘In Love With A Rastaman’ on You Tube.
For media queries and interview requests please email media@jtcomms.co.za or contact 011 7887632.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Jessica Mbangeni
