Following the remarkable success of its inaugural edition last year, the Ignite Her Soul X-Perience returned on Sunday, August 24, for a second chapter. This time dedicated to one of South Africa’s greatest musical icons, Mam’Letta Mbulu.
Hosted at the Thaba Eco Hotel in Johannesburg, the Women’s Month celebration went beyond music. It weaved together song, poetry, and storytelling to honour the contributions of women in creative, corporate, and advocacy spaces.
At the heart of the 2025 edition was Letta Mbulu, whose timeless voice and international career have shaped South Africa’s cultural story for more than six decades.
The Roots Lady
Known fondly as the “Roots lady”, Letta Mbulu has graced global stages alongside musical giants. These include Harry Belafonte, Cannonball Adderley, and Quincy Jones. She became a cultural ambassador during the years when South African voices were silenced under apartheid.
Her Roots Lady moniker comes from her role as one of the African musicians who were part of the legendary 1977 movie Roots, based on the book by American author Alex Haley. Letta Mbulu, a South African, was the featured vocalist in the project. She sang mostly in Se‐Shangane (Xitsonga), described back then as a South African language. Some of the other lyrics were in Xhosa, another South African language, and in Yoruba, which is West African.
Now 82, she continues to receive accolades. These include an honorary Doctor of Music degree awarded by Nelson Mandela University earlier this year.
Letta Mbulu reflected on the recognition.
“Being recognised in this way at my age, after a lifetime of sharing our stories through music, is truly humbling. 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. And I hope it reminds everyone of that too. This honour is also a call for all of us to continue using every stage and platform. To uplift, inspire, and share the joy that music brings,” she said.
Producer of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival and CEO of T-Musicman, Mantwa Chinoamadi, said the celebration was about more than nostalgia.
Her lasting impact
“It is about honouring the lasting impact Mam’Letta Mbulu has had on South Africa as a whole. Her creativity, dedication, and ability to tell our stories through song have opened doors for artists. It also inspired communities across the country,” she said.
The event unfolded with powerful performances from Brenda Mtambo, Zawadi Ya Mungu, Judith Sephuma and Nokukhanya Dlamini. These were accompanied by narration and poetry from Thuto Gaasenwe and a music ensemble curated by Titi Luzipo.
Without interludes, the show stitched together a storyline of women’s resilience and perseverance. It left the audience immersed in a moving celebration of empowerment.
Guests were treated to a harvest table dining experience in a warm, earthy setting. Where muted tones of terracotta, beige, and green mirrored the afternoon’s grounded yet vibrant spirit.
