Jessica Mbangeni (born 22 August 1977) is a South African praise poet, singer, and businessperson. The popular Imbongi is widely known for holding performances at high-profile events.
Among the notable performances, she held in the 46664 concerts in Cape Town. She also performed at the inauguration of Thabo Mbeki as the president of the Republic of South Africa. She has also been in various roles like the television show Dube on 2 appearing in the first and second seasons.
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| Background Information | |
| Full Name: | Jessica Mbangenia |
| Born: | 22 August 1977 (age 44 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Nqamakwe, Eastern Cape, South African |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Ethnicity: | Black |
| Roots: | Xhoza |
| Education: | Eastern Cape Technikon |
| Husband • Spouse: | N/A |
| Award: | 2017 SATMA for Best Traditional album |
| Brand: | KwaNtu Afrocentric Designs |
| Occupation: | Praise poet • Singer • Businessperson • Actress |
Early Life
The Imbongi was born Jessica Mbangeni on 22 August 1977 in the countryside locality of Nqamakwe in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. When she was seventeen, she got a job as a domestic worker.
At that time, she got admitted into the higher institution. Although, she did not finish her studies and dropped out of the tertiary institution. Jessica had to relocate to the city of Johannesburg to seek her fortune.
She hails from a family of creative entrepreneurs. Her grandmother was a spaza shop owner, a clothing designer, a reader, and a storyteller. Her dad does design and tailoring as a profession. He studied fashion design. In her words, her family is very self-sufficient.
Education
Jessica studied in a primary and secondary school in South Africa. After laying her foundations in academic institutions, she furthered her pursuit at the tertiary level.
She studied part-time at the Eastern Cape Technikon after enrolling at the age of 17. Although, she was unable to complete her academic pursuit at the tertiary level.
Career
Jessica is an Imbongi (praise poet), businessperson, and singer. To perform, she graced several high-profile events. Among others, she appeared at a 46664 concert in Cape Town.
She also graced the inauguration of Thabo Mbeki as South African president to hold performance. In 2002, Jessica made her mark as a praise singer after joining the Soweto Gospel Choir.
She went on tour in countries outside the shores of Africa. Jessica toured Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, and the North American States.
Jessica has also appeared on television series including the SABC2 comedy series Dube on 2. She has also made many guest appearances on television. She was cast in the sixth season of eKasi: Our Stories as Nambasa.
She played the Guest in season one of iNkaba. Jessica also appeared in the ninth season of Skeem Saam as the Praise Poet. In the second season of The Coconuts, she played the role of Twin Maid 1.
She was a performer at the twenty-fourth season of the South African Music Awards (SAMA). Jessica Mbangeni played the guest in the television show Unpacked with Relebogile Mabotja (season 2). She was also cast in season 2 of Zabalaba (2013) as Nina K.
She was the recipient of the 2017 SATMA for Best Traditional Album. Mbangeni has also dropped a song with Vusi Nova titled As’phelelanga.
Agency
KwaNtu Entertainment and Designs agency was founded in 2006 by Jessica. The agency’s primary objective is to use her connection in the cultural and entertainment industries to get talented South Africans exposed.
It achieves this through international TV shows, local and international TV adverts, international theatre, craft exportation, corporate shows and fashion exhibitions, and craft exhibitions.
The agency has worked with many casting directors. Among others, it has worked with Moonyeen Lee, Amanda Wilson, Christa Schamber, and Bonnie Lee Bouman. It has also gained an excellent global reputation. Also, the National Department of Arts and Culture recognizes the agency.
Social Media
Jessica Mbangeni has social media accounts where she showcases her work. Although there is an account with her name “Jessica Mbangeni”, she is more active in her business profile on Instagram. On the account “KwaNtu Afrocentric Designs”, she often models for her work.
She has gained over seven thousand, eight hundred followers and has dropped over one thousand, five hundred posts. She promotes the beauty of African culture through the pictures she shares. She also showcases the beautiful works she has done too.
Personal Life
She is a custodian of the heritage of Africa and originates from the amaXhosa tribe. She was born Xhosa living among the amaXhosa tribe. She was privileged to experience the rich culture and authentic traditions while she grew up.
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
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