Reggae dancehall empress Angel Mbekeani, otherwise known as Sangie, has dropped two new singles Say something and Forward to celebrate her 12-year music journey.
Produced and mastered by Cuff B, the songs are a testament of her creativity and hard work which have come of age and got better like old wine.
Sangie’s melodic and soulful singing often explores the themes of love. She plays nostalgic reggae with perfection and a silky voice which brings about great vibes to the ear.
Her unique reggae feel transcends generational and geographical boundaries as she embraces originality in her delivery.
Her songs strike a memorable tune that is both exciting and new. She released I do it for love in 2013 and did not miss the jackpot from the word go.
Working as a youthful journalist then, in the era of CDs, I did not hesitate to have Sangie’s songs. CDs are no longer selling like before, but Sangie’s exceptional touch has not changed. She continues to be the face of reggae dance hall in Malawi.
In an interview, she said her musical journey, which span from as early as 2013, has been nothing but great voyage full of lessons and fruitful connections.
Said Sangie: “It’s amazing how my music journey has unfolded when I look back at the12-year journey.
“It was in 2013 when a friend invited Sangie to the late Ben’s studio (Mtanda Media then) and that was it. My music career started. And today I am grateful to all those who have played a role in my career. I owe it to them. My growth wouldn’t be possible without them.”
She started producing music with renowned producer Sispence in 2013. He produced her first song I do it all for love on a Don Foxy Riddim.
Next were more powerful singles which proclaimed her professional music career.
They included Ndangozizidwa, Mai Wangwiro, Busy, Onana Oi, Kokaina, Revelations, Undibwenzere, Zinthu Zake, Stones, Sticks, Confusion, Music, Kwathu and My Man.
In a separate interview, Sispence described Sangie as a rare female creative mind and sweet voice.
“When I met Sangie for the first time, I knew she was a gem. Her voice was unique and powerful. As a producer, I knew she was a great deal with a bright future and that is why I didn’t sleep on her, but started working together as artist and producer,” he said.
Technically, Sangie has two studio albums titled The best of Sangie (Mad plate + Painless) and two extended plays (EPs) Love arcade and Matrix.
Sangie has also won awards such as the European Union (EU) Communications Drcvo near Award, two Urban Music People (UMP) awards as Best Female Reggae Act and Best Actresss in the Nasfest.
In terms of endorsements, Sangie became the Face of Airtel Internet, Itel brand ambassador, champion for children (Unicef), Step ambassador (Unesco), Face of Bella Cosmetics and a champion for women in politics.
Sangie admitted, however, that it was not an easy feat to excel in a male dominated space. She has been creating music amongst the strongest of Malawian reggae brands such as Malinga Mafia, Chizmo Njuchi and Eli Njuchi among others.
She said: “You know, the Malawi music industry is dominated by male artists. It’s a man’s world which makes it hard for women to be recognised or supported adequately. I have faced significant challenges ranging from less deals and unnecessary competition from some male artists.”
Sangie, however, said the entertainment industry must address inequalities and sexual violence that some quarters perpetrate.
“Some people want to use their influence to abuse female artists and this must stop,” said Sangie.
One of Sangie’s close colleagues in the music industry, Piksy, said Sangie deserves more recognition that what she gets.
“She is very talented, disciplined and consistent. She just doesnt release music for the sake of it. As a female reggae artist, she has no match on the local scene,” he said.
On her part, Leslie, who recently collaborated with Sangie said is a source of strength for her fellow female artists.
“From the moment I begun my own musical journey, Sangie has been a light I looked up to. She is fearless in her messages, authentic in her sound and unapologetically true to herself. She made it ok for women like to dream big in a male-dominated industry,” she said.
Additional reporting by EDITH GONDWE
