Praise-singer Jessica Mbangeni has put her international travelling plans on hold to attend the South African Music Awards (Sama).
The Ngqamakhwe-born singer received her first nomination this year in the best African adult album category.
“It feels good being celebrated at home and I could not miss an opportunity to attend the awards.
“I will walk on that red carpet with pride, knowing that I am finally being recognised for my talent,” she said.
She has been nominated alongside Dizu Plaatjies and Friends, Kabomo, Thiwe and L’wei Netshivhale.
Mbangeni said she was scheduled to go to France later this month on a tour but had put that on hold to attend the awards, which take place early next month.
Mbangeni started off performing in musicals and got her major break in 2002 when she auditioned for a place in the Soweto Gospel Choir.
She performed with the choir in Australia and New Zealand and was soon one of the Grammy Award-winning choir’s lead singers and poets, performing in 37 North American cities.
Although Mbangeni has performed and travelled the world over, it was in 2104 that she first released her first solo project titled Igoli.
“In 2014 I thought my album would be nominated for a Sama because I had worked with the likes of Victor Ntoni among many well-known musicians, but I didn’t make the cut to the top five,” she said.
While the Samas failed to recognise her work in 2014, Mbangeni’s album received seven nominations at the South African Traditional Music Awards, of which she won two.
On her latest album titled Busisiwe Tribute, Mbangeni said she poured out her soul again but was not doing that for a nomination.
“As much as I didn’t work with the same people on this album I feel it is so much more to offer. It has a unique story-line and I feel I was ready for this and the album has more meaning to me,” she said.
Mbangeni said the nomination on its own was enough for her.
“A lot of people focus on the winning of the award but, for me, it is all about the nomination. It feels great to be honoured and celebrated at home,” she said.
The 22nd edition of the South African Music Awards take place at the Durban International Convention Centre on June 4 and will be broadcast live on SABC1.
Mbangeni fills up with joy at Sama nomination
The Ngqamakhwe-born singer received her first nomination this year in the best African adult album category.
“It feels good being celebrated at home and I could not miss an opportunity to attend the awards.
“I will walk on that red carpet with pride, knowing that I am finally being recognised for my talent,” she said.
She has been nominated alongside Dizu Plaatjies and Friends, Kabomo, Thiwe and L’wei Netshivhale.
Mbangeni said she was scheduled to go to France later this month on a tour but had put that on hold to attend the awards, which take place early next month.
Mbangeni started off performing in musicals and got her major break in 2002 when she auditioned for a place in the Soweto Gospel Choir.
She performed with the choir in Australia and New Zealand and was soon one of the Grammy Award-winning choir’s lead singers and poets, performing in 37 North American cities.
Although Mbangeni has performed and travelled the world over, it was in 2104 that she first released her first solo project titled Igoli.
“In 2014 I thought my album would be nominated for a Sama because I had worked with the likes of Victor Ntoni among many well-known musicians, but I didn’t make the cut to the top five,” she said.
While the Samas failed to recognise her work in 2014, Mbangeni’s album received seven nominations at the South African Traditional Music Awards, of which she won two.
On her latest album titled Busisiwe Tribute, Mbangeni said she poured out her soul again but was not doing that for a nomination.
“As much as I didn’t work with the same people on this album I feel it is so much more to offer. It has a unique story-line and I feel I was ready for this and the album has more meaning to me,” she said.
Mbangeni said the nomination on its own was enough for her.
“A lot of people focus on the winning of the award but, for me, it is all about the nomination. It feels great to be honoured and celebrated at home,” she said.
The 22nd edition of the South African Music Awards take place at the Durban International Convention Centre on June 4 and will be broadcast live on SABC1.
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