South African Praise Poet, Singer, and participant in IRIE FM’s annual tribute to Marcus Mosiah Garvey Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni has died.

According to South African media Jessica passed at the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg on Saturday, 31 August following a short illness.

In a statement, the family while confirming her death requested space to grieve. The statement read that Bishop Jessica was a beacon of light, a voice of wisdom and a source of inspiration to many.

During the Africa Forum on Sunday September 1 in remembering Dr Mbangeni host Kabu said she carried the pride of being an African globally.

Meanwhile Oli Matataal who was a guest on the programme remembered Jessica as a big personality who embodied the apartheid movement and sang it through her song.

Jessica performed at several of IRIE FM’s tribute to Marcus Garvey. She was also a guest on several programmes on the station.