POET, businesswoman and social culturist Jessica Mbangeni made the audience roar as she walked down the red carpet at the Samas on Saturday.
The artist, who was nominated in the Record of the Year category with Afro soul singer Vusi Nova for their hit song Asiphelelanga, wore the skin of a lioness.
She told Daily Sun she wanted to bring awareness to what she stood for as an African, wildlife and culture.
Although she received backlash from a number of people, Jessica was unapologetic about her outfit.
“I sell various animal outfits through my company Kwantu Afrocentric Designs, both locally and internationally. I’m an African.
“I want my people to know that I’m liberated and here to teach those who care to listen. I’ve already provided costumes to various international productions such as Black Panther,” she said.
“I am a brand of my own culture as an African and Xhosa person. I do not just make statements with my music, poetry but also with my clothing.”
A life-sized lion skin similar to the one she wore at Sun City costs between R40 000 and R70 000.
Jessica is also in the process of getting the necessary knowledge and permits to be a professional hunter.
She said she knew there were people who did not agree with what she stood for.
