Jessica Mbangeni is one of South Africa’s most profound female “Imbongis” (Praise poets), who moves you when she speaks . Jessica is one of a few female poets in a cultural terrain that is mostly dominated by men. Mbangeni’s desire to plant a seed of change by using her voice through music and poetry is definitely paying off. Not only is she nationally known, but her name is making major waves internationally with her recent performance in Australia and North America.

Whether performing with the Soweto Gospel Choir or doing her solo acts Jessica’s slate of live performances is varied and impressive winning over audiences’ hearts. She’s been on screen, acting on tv dramas, and has performed in conferences, festivals, and banquets. This 29 year old performs her poetry in Xhosa, her mother tongue which she says is her way of embracing her culture and the land that birthed her. This is the language of her ancestors, and a piece of her that she wants to share, and educate the world about.

Jessica’s translated version of her poem, Africa:

They hyprocritically came as ambassadors

She fought back and defied

Traitors tried but you stood up for the cause

They tossed you to and fro

Kicked you and called you names

Dark soil, land of my ancestors

Green fields fortified by African pride

I hail you Africans for standing up for the truth,

Persistently keeping peace in Africa

For this land and its riches (Gold and Silver)

Even its glitter would not defy when seized and pounced by hawks.

Forward! you lad

Forward! you ladies

Obey the Lord God of your forfathers:

Hintsa,Phalo,Khawuta, Rharhabe,Ngqika

For the plan of the devil has failed

This was seen by prophet Ntsikana at first that you’ll be enslaved.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

We salute your heavenly eye

You, carring the ash from the feet of afore-grey hair:

Mxenge, Steve Biko, Robert Sobukwe, Oliver Tambo and heroines like Lilian Ngoyi , Helen Joseph

You have upheld the dignity and the stature of the African child in the entire universe

Keep on keeping on!

Keep on digging deep the hive of prestigious knowledge

Uprooting the deadly spray-poison of ignorance, evil influence and lack of knowledge

Which leads to personal distruction, breaking relationships, confusion and disorderly living.