We begin the week with a look at the celebrated praise poet who has died, the Pakistani poet who has received a lifetime achievement award and the MP’s poetry tweet, which has caused uproar.

Jessica Mbangeni, Celebrated Praise Poet Has Died

Dr Bishop Jessica Mbangeni, a renowned praise poet and singer, died over the weekend.

The award-winning poet’s death from undisclosed causes was announced by her family. Mbangeni, a celebrated activist, was often called on to perform her poetry at events like funerals and presidential inaugurations.

Born in Nqamakwe, Eastern Cape, Mbangeni joined the Soweto Gospel Choir in 2002 before going on a world tour with them. On her return, she began her career as a poet.

In a statement issued by her family, she was described as a

In addition to her work as a poet and activist she was also a singer, releasing her first album in 2014.

In 2015 she released a studio album, and she featured on ‘’As’phelelanga’’ with Afropop star Vusi Nova. She was awarded a best traditional album award in 2017 for her first album and recently she was nominated for a Traditional Artist of the year award at the Basadi in Music awards.

When news of her death was released, there was an outpouring of tributes on social media celebrating both her life and her accomplishments. A memorial service is planned and will be held following her funeral.

Poet Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

The Pakistani- American Urdu poet and writer Raies Warsi has been given a lifetime achievement award by President Biden. Warsi has been engaged in the promotion of Urdu literature and language for the last 34 years on a global level.

During his lengthy career Warsi has been associated with the International Humanitarian Foundation, the Carter Foundation and Amnesty International. He was responsible for organising the first Urdu conference to take place in the United Nations which included Urdu as one of the official languages.

Together with his brother Naseer he was also responsible for the publishing of “Virsa” the first international literary journal. The journal issues editions in Indian and Pakistani separately and includes the work of prominent writers and experts in a range of fields.

Warsi was awarded a Pride of Pakistan award in 2017 and has received many awards from all over America for his work. His ghazals have been sung by famous singers from India and Pakistan. He also has several published poetry collections to his name.

MP’s Poetry Tweet Branded “Repugnant”

Following the government’s announcement that they will be looking to impose stricter rules for outdoor smoking in the UK, Ester McVey, a Conservative MP, has found herself in hot water.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), McVey posted a section of the poem “First They Came” by Martin Niemoller. The poem, written in 1946, is about the Holocaust. Its posting was promptly followed by calls from the Board of Deputies of British Jews, and several other politicians for McVey to remove the post and apologise for the “thoughtless comparison.” She has said she will not be “bullied” and intends to leave the post up.