From international stages to academic accolades, South African music legend Letta Mbulu, 82, has been honoured by Nelson Mandela University with an honorary doctorate of music.
This was conferred on her in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the arts, her advocacy for freedom through music and her enduring influence on global musical heritage.
She received the honour on Wednesday during the NMU 2025 Autumn Graduation and described the moment as serendipitous as she receive the accolade in the same city where she fell in love with jazz.
In her acceptance speech, read by her niece Nthabiseng Tshabalala due to Mbulu not being well, she said she was humbled by the acknowledgment.
“Receiving this honorary doctorate from Nelson Mandela University is a moment of deep reflection and immense gratitude,” Tshabalala read.
“This institution represents the very essence of transformative education, one that not only equips individuals with knowledge but also empowers them to use it in service of others.
“This honour is a reminder that the work of building inclusive, sustainable communities is far from over.
“It is a call to action to continue using every platform we have to uplift others.
“To create opportunities, and to ensure that progress reaches every corner of society. I accept this award with a renewed commitment to these ideas.”
NMU executive dean of the faculty of humanities, Prof Pamela Maseko, said Mbulu was a distinguished jazz singer whose career, powerful voice and emotive delivery earned her recognition within SA’s vibrant music scene.
“She gained prominence as a cast member of the musical, King Kong, which toured both SA and Europe, providing her with a platform to showcase her talent to international audiences.
“In 1964, at the age of 21, Mbulu made the difficult decision to leave SA due to the oppressive apartheid regime.
“Seeking refuge in the US, she joined a community of SA exiles including Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Jonas Gwangwa.
“These collaborations deeply enriched her musical style, blending traditional African sounds with jazz, soul and R&B influences,” Maseko said.
Mbulu’s discography features several acclaimed albums, including Letta Mbulu Sings (1967), Free Soul (1968) and There’s Music in the Air (1976).
Her music was often infused with themes of freedom, resilience and hope, capturing the ongoing fight.
After more than 25 years in exile, Mbulu returned to SA in 1991, marking a significant moment in both her personal journey and the nation’s history.
Her homecoming was celebrated with performances at the Unity Festival Against Apartheid, embodying the transition from oppression to democracy.
Beyond her musical achievements, Mbulu has been a mentor and inspiration to younger generations of artists who aimed to preserve and promote African musical heritage.
She has earned numerous accolades during her career that spanned more than six decades.
In an interview after being honoured by NMU, Mbulu said that in 1964, just before she left for exile, she first fell in love with jazz in Gqeberha.
She had worked with local artists such as New Brighton’s jazz legend Vuyelwa Qwesha-Luzipho, from the Jazz Queens, and she paid her respects to other musicians from the region who contributed to development of the genre.
“They contributed so much to my musicality, it is just great to know that they are here spiritually.
“This is how I learnt about jazz, I learnt it here in Gqeberha, in 1964 from utata (father) Skutshwa.
“He was a jazz fanatic, he actually gave me an album from America, he said ‘listen to this’, because he said he could tell I was going places.
“I am still listening to that album even now,” Mbulu said.
“The standard of jazz artists from Gqeberha at the time was very good, we were all beginners, we were trying things out, then I left, but African music has taken leaps and bounds in this country now.
“Music is cultural, we must keep on pushing, it is us who run this country, culturally and artistically.”
Mbulu was inspired to speak out against apartheid through the arts, because she realised that her gift was not her’s alone.
“I had to obey, because every night when I would go to sleep, the voice would say ‘What are you waiting for, say it and we will protect you,’ and I knew those were my ancestors.
“I went with the flow knowing that God was still keeping me [safe].”
The Herald
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