Helen Herimbi

On what would have been Jabulani Tsambo's 40th birthday, we remember how the beloved musician got his name.

Recalling a story the motswako giant once told music journalist, Helen Herimbi, she spoke to music industry veteran, Vusi Leeuw -- the man who gave him the name: Hip Hop Pantsula.

Happy birthday, Jabba.

Rest in power, #HipHopPantsula

As we gear up for a new season of i(m)bali, Helen Herimbi presents an i(m)bali Stem - a special audio-only episode highlighting important parts of the musical journey of key players in African music. In this stem, Jah Seed tells the music journalist his story.

They talk about his upbringing in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. They discuss leaving construction engineering studies for music, meeting Oskido, forming Bongo Maffin, his reaction when Thandiswa joined the group, the iconic Ragga Nights, dancehall queen culture and continuing to evolve more than 20 years after he started making music.

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You can also follow Helen at http://instagram.com/uHelenH

In this (un)interview, music journalist, Helen Herimbi catches up with Petite Noir. They discuss his new EP, Coeur World, the idea of home not being a place, the future of good music and the pressure to become a pop act.

South African music journalist, Helen Herimbi sits down with UK-based South African singer-songwriter, DemiMa at The Nest Space, Johannesburg.

They talk about self care, connecting to the earth, embracing being different, conscious frequencies in sound, liberation and love songs, singing in Zulu, growing up in Durban and being the granddaughter of creative maverick, Pinky Mseleku.

They also discuss stepping on stage with Bheki Mseleku, the pressure of legacy, the freedom women seek in a patriarchal world, collaborating with Kid X, friends who have become family, her EP, ALT.FRQNC and more.

Thank you to The Nest Space for hosting us.

Sound design: Kitso Moremi for #SNAPSbyKITSO

In the first episode of The Writers Season 2, South African music journalist, Helen Herimbi talks to dumama + kechou about their debut album, buffering juju.

They discuss how a Berlin visit turned into “an extension of [their] creationship” and inspiration from Credo Mutwa.

They also delve into how language gives different meaning to lyrics, having multiple versions of songs, the fear of being irrelevant, instruments as additional band members, generational baggage and they pay homage to the women who came before us.

Follow Helen at http://instagram.com/uhelenh

Helen Herimbi presents i(m)bali LIVE featuring Kabelo Mabalane.

One third of iconic kwaito group, TKZee, Kabelo Mabalane talks to the South African music journalist and an audience. They talk about Kabelo's parents' music collection shaping his taste, meeting Tokollo and Zwai, becoming pioneers, inheriting kwaito beefs, going solo, becoming a pastor, cancel culture, entrepreneurship and more.

Engineered and edited by Kitso Moremi.

Thumbnail image by Dudu Dube

Helen Herimbi presents: i(m)bali LIVE featuring Simphiwe Dana.

The multi-award-winning South African musician speaks to the music journalist in front of a live audience. They discuss singing from an early age, being labelled a diva, dreaming Zandisile, criticism for her social activism through music, self-care, vocal surgery, becoming an actress, the car accident that almost took her music career away and more.

Engineered and edited by Kitso Moremi.

Thumbnail image by Dudu Dube.

Helen Herimbi presents: i(m)bali LIVE featuring Nosisi Ngakane. The musician and creative entrepreneur speaks to the music journalist in front of a live audience.

They discuss moving a lot as a child, how hip hop influenced her writing, Black Sunday, SAY-TAB, Expressions and becoming a music businesswoman.

They also talked about the trials and triumphs of Kwani Experience, deciding to perform music again, collaborating on Spaza and why bands need therapy.

Apologies for the technical glitches.

Sound: Tshidiso Setshogwe

For more information on #imbaliLIVE or to find out how to attend, visit http://www.helenherimbi.co.za

Follow Helen at http://www.instagram.com/uHelenH

Helen Herimbi presents: i(m)bali LIVE featuring AKA. The Supa Mega speaks to the music journalist in front of a live audience.

They discuss AKA's childhood, working with Khuli Chana, PRO, how his relationship with DJ Zinhle influenced the making of Levels, friendship with Stogie T, beef with L-Tido, Sean Pages, Blaklez, iFani and Cassper Nyovest.

He also talks about learning from his shortcomings as an entrepreneur, collaborating with Reebok on the SneAKA, hashing things out with Burna Boy, women in hip hop and what it takes to be a superstar.

Engineered and edited by Kitso Moremi.

Thumbnail image by Dudu Dube.

Helen Herimbi presents: i(m)bali LIVE featuring Khuli Chana. The motswako giant speaks to the music journalist in front of a live audience.

They discuss Khuli's upbringing, challenging himself to rap in Setswana, the impact Hip Hop Pantsula had on his music and his life and co-founding Morafe.

He also opens up about going solo, being shot by members of the South African Police Service, finding his voice again, being caught between Cassper Nyovest and AKA's beef, his upcoming album (The Planet of the Have-Nots) and more.

Engineered and edited by Kitso Moremi.