Happy birthday, Thebe
Even before I knew Thebe had relocated to my hometown, the Vaal, I always thought he deserved his flowers. The man is a music maverick. So, in 2018, I gave him his flowers, while he could smell them, my way. My interview with him became the very first i(m)bali episode. It opened the door for […]
Jah Seed’s Story: an i(m)bali stem
People tell me all the time how they’re waiting for another i(m)bali episode. I never make promises but I know i(m)bali is important to me so I have to gift it to you in a way that honours it. So… the new season of i(m)bali will premiere this month. Until then, I thought this special […]
Everything you’ve heard about Pheko is true
It’s common for people to wax lyrical about someone who has passed. You know, not speaking ill of the dead and whatnot. But, if everything you’ve heard or read about Pheko Kgengoe since we lost him to the coronavirus this week seems really good, you can trust it. It’s all true. You’d be hard pressed […]
The Writers S02E01: dumama + kechou
I started The Writers series back in April 2019 as my way of showing my love to some of the songwriters I respect in black music. From one writer to another kind of writer. What I hadn’t anticipated was how often the creating process in general and the lyrics in particular would be a reflection […]
A Year Later: 5 Things I’ve Learned Since Quitting My Job
It’s taken me five days to actually write this post. To be honest, I thought I’d be publishing this post somewhere far from South Africa’s borders, having just sat down for an amazing video interview with an artist I really enjoy. But I am definitely in South Africa. And I haven’t sat face to face […]
Pearl Thusi is Queen Sono
Pearl Thusi, the star of Queen Sono, talks to Helen Herimbi about directing and dealing with trauma Pearl Thusi places her right hand under her chin and regards me suspiciously. One of her fingers sports a gilded Minora blade ring but she doesn’t look like she’s about to cut me. She’s actually tickled that I remember […]
On: The #CottonFest2020 Bowling Invitational
“Nah,” Twiggy’s gloss shimmers on parts of her lips as she shakes her head. “I only want winners on my team.” A mischievous smile is drawn on the face that’s helped to bring attention to a variety of brands from K-Way to Corona. The content creator whose real name is Tshepang Mollison is sitting with […]
On: Solo’s The Dreamer’s ABCs
A square clock is suspended from the ceiling. The short hand is placed on the eight and the long one waves past two. Below the clock, and on the floor, a banner with the Soweto Theatre and Joburg Theatre logos stands tall behind a close-together band set-up including keys, MPC table and a mic stand. […]
#imbaliLIVE featuring Thandiswa
Our new season is finallyyyy almost upon us! The third season of i(m)bali LIVE kicks off on Saturday 7 September. Our awesome guest is Thandiswa. I’m super excited to talk to her about her journey but I’m also very excited to hear what questions you have for her. It’s always been a communal experience and […]
Goodbye, Michael, Hello…new fan?
Full disclosure: I’ve never cared about The Office. Not the British version. Not the American version. I don’t know if I care right now but I will say this: I’m blindsided. I never espededit. Rewind. My Dude loves The Office. The American version. On a whim a couple of weeks ago, he decided to watch […]