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Trending in Joe Shirimani’s World
Latest Album
Hambanini
Released Jul 8, 1998
Trending Globally
Story
Quick Facts
Born
1968
1968
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Joe Shirimani (Ntimbani Joseph William Shirimani) is a South African musician whose work is rooted in Xitsonga traditional music, folk expression, and popular songs. Born in 1968 in Pretoria and raised in Soshanguve, his early environment reflected a mix of languages and cultural influences, with music present in his home through his father’s guitar playing. He learned to play at a young age and began composing early ideas before entering performance spaces in his teens.
In 1987, he formed Kimayos, performing at weddings, school functions, and community events. This period built his foundation as a working musician within local circuits. His first solo release arrived in 1992 with "Black Is Beautiful", marking his entry into the Xitsonga-language recording space.
A major turning point came in 1994 when he produced Penny Penny’s album "Shaka Bundu". The release achieved significant commercial reach and helped bring Xitsonga disco into broader national attention, positioning him as both a performer and an important behind-the-scenes figure in production.
Between 1998 and 2003, he released projects through Renaissance and Paradise, including "Best Of", "Hambanini", and "Marabastad". These works reflect a sustained presence during a period when Xitsonga music was gaining wider structure within the South African industry.
Across his career, he has released numerous albums and is often associated with the development of a modern Xitsonga sound referred to as “Dzumba”, a style shaped through his interpretation of traditional forms and contemporary rhythm structures.
His contributions have been recognised through awards, including Album of the Year at the Xitsonga Music Awards and Best Xitsonga Album at SATMA. Beyond recording, he has worked as a producer and mentor, supporting younger artists and contributing to the preservation and continuation of Xitsonga musical identity.
