Letta Mbulu Urges Support for Emerging Artists at Joy of Jazz Women’s Day Event
At the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Ignite Her Soul X-Perience held at Thaba Eco Hotel on Sunday, 24 August, legendary singer Mam’ Letta used the platform to highlight the neglect faced by emerging talent in the music industry.
Affectionately known as Mam’ Letta, the 83-year-old icon has been celebrated for her soulful blend of African rhythms, jazz, and blues. She gained international recognition through her albums, performances, and acting roles in films such as Roots and The Color Purple. Throughout her career, she has used music as a tool for political resistance and community advocacy, earning her the title of the voice of freedom during the apartheid era.
Mantwa Chinoamadi, producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival, expressed pride in honouring Mam’ Letta. She shared a personal moment with the singer, saying, “I felt the warmth of a mum. She made me reflect on whether we are doing enough for the pioneers and emerging talent. Her legacy is a testimony to women in the arts. Seeing women like her inspires us to push forward despite challenges.”
Mam’ Letta thanked the organisers and acknowledged the recognition with gratitude. “Let me thank my Creator and ancestors for bringing me this far in my life. Please, allow me to sing their praises,” she said.
She urged the industry to invest in young talent. “Our Creator is watching, wondering when we will do the right thing by these young and gifted artists. We ignore them, we ignore the future. I hope one day we can open an academy for artists so they can learn to play instruments properly and sing with their voices so that they don’t burn like ours.”
Mam’ Letta and her husband, Caiphus Semenya, have long advocated for artist welfare. She concluded, “Please, let’s make it happen for them, let’s make them fly because they can.”
The event highlighted the importance of mentorship and support for the next generation of musicians, reinforcing Mam’ Letta’s enduring influence on South African music and culture.
