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Trending in Helena Hettema’s World
Latest Album
French Legends
Released Jul 10, 2015
Trending Globally
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Story
Quick Facts
Born
1962
1962
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Helena Hettema is a celebrated figure in South African entertainment, an accomplished singer-songwriter, actress, and decorated cabaret artist. Originally from Pretoria, she is the daughter of the late Jan Hettema, a respected athlete. Her educational background includes a BA in Dramatic Arts from the University of Pretoria, which she leveraged into stage and television roles with the PACT Drama Company before prioritizing her musical path.
Hettema is renowned for her vocal prowess and multilingual capabilities, presenting music in Afrikaans, English, French, Italian, and Dutch. Legends like Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel are particularly acclaimed for their powerful renditions of French chansons her, performing these works alongside the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra and on international stages across Europe and beyond.
The University of Pretoria awarded her a Laureate Award and the SABC 2 Geraas Award for Best Female Artist formally recognized her contributions to the arts. Hettema’s original music explores substantial universal themes. Her notable works include writing and performing the theme song for the TV series "Sonkring" and the popular track "Tolbos in die Wind". She maintains a vital presence within the South African cultural landscape, offering authentic and compelling performances.