WeeklySA_AdminEMBODIMENT: South Africa’s celebrated songbird humbled by recognition of her lifetime contribution to the local and international music industry…
By Priscilla Malinga
Ignite Her Soul X-perience, which honours women in the creative and corporate space, returned this year to celebrate the legendary Letta Mbulu, whose voice and spirit has inspired generations across the globe.
Mam Letta Mbulu is an impeccable icon whose singing career took on a journey to exile in the United States, where she excelled in the international music industry for decades, returning to South Africa during the advent of democracy.
She stands as an enduring South African cultural story and a perfect muse for this year’s celebration, embodying both the spirit of resilience and the joy of creative expression. This commemorative spin-off from the famed Joy of Jazz, staged in honour of Women’s Month, the event was hosted at the Thaba Eco Hotel in Johannesburg.
The do honoured the contribution of women across creative, corporate and advocacy spaces. Last year the inaugural Ignite Her Soul X-Perience brought together various music lovers who came to celebrate the incomparable talented singer/songwriter Lira. Through music, dance and storytelling, the day event celebrated women’s achievements, empowered voices, promoted gender equality, and intends to inspire future generations while continuing to build on the legacy of celebrated women.
The evening celebrated the life and work of a giant who has graced stages around the world, armed with her rich voice while blending traditional South African sounds with jazz, soul and gospel influences.
Known as the “roots lady”, Mbulu is renowned for collaborations with international artists such as Harry Belafonte, Cannonball Adderley and Quincy Jones, which positioned her as a cultural ambassador for South Africa during a time when the nation’s voices were often silenced. To celebrate her in 2025 is to give a nod to the strength, global recognition, and the timeless power of women’s creativity.
In April this year Letta Mbulu was honoured with an honorary Doctor of Music degree by Nelson Mandela University at the age of 82.
While the event paid homage to one of South Africa’s most beloved icons, it also opened space for dialogue and inspiration.
By highlighting Mbulu’s extraordinary career, alongside other female trailblazers, the gathering affirmed the profound contributions of women across fields, creating a platform where challenges and triumphs are shared openly.
Ignite Her Soul X-Perience underscored the importance of inclusivity and equality in the arts and beyond, while sparking ambition among young women who were in attendance. Students, emerging creatives, youth leaders and scholars were part of the attendees inspired by the event.
Guests enjoyed a natural harvest table experience, enhanced by an earthy, multi-coloured aesthetic featuring candles, crockery and floral décor, with a palette inspired by warm browns, soft greens, muted terracotta, beiges and deep neutrals.
This vibrant gathering, with no interludes, saw singers weaving together a storyline of a women’s perseverance, all delivered through the gift of music and performance. With powerful voices from the likes of Brenda Mtambo, Zawadi Ya Mungu, Judith Sephuma and Nokukhanya Dlamini, and narration and poetry courtesy of Thuto Gaasenwe – attendees were fully immersed in an afternoon of inspiration, backed by the powerhouse sounds assembled and curated by Titi Luzipo.
“Being recognised in this way at my age, after a lifetime of sharing our stories through music, is truly humbling,” said Mam Letta Mbulu. “From standing among those who have shaped our culture abroad to helping shape our own musical heritage here at home, I am reminded that anything is possible,” she added.
Mantwa Chinoamadi, the CEO of T-Musicman and producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival, shared that honouring Mbulu was about recognising her work through music which has shaped South Africa’s cultural landscape in profound ways.
“It is about honouring the lasting impact she has had on South Africa as a whole. Her creativity, dedaication, and ability to tell our stories through song have opened doors for artists and inspired communities across the country,” said Chinoamadi.
The show wrapped up Women’s Month in style, sending a reminder about the power and brilliance of women everywhere, imbuing every attendee inspired to carry that spirit forward in their own journeys.
