Helena Hettema

HELENA HETTEMA HOOKS ON MAGIC AT ‘HOOKED’

SAMA nominee, SABC Geraas Award winner and laureatus of her alma mater, the University of Pretoria, singer, songwriter and actress Helena Hettema sets the stage alight at ‘Hooked’ in Midstream on 27 September 2025.

This mesmerising artist, hailed as a ‘musical enigma’, celebrates an acclaimed career on stage evoking the nostalgia of bygone times with the music of the divine divas such as Marlene Diettrich, Shirley Bassey and Doris Day with “Lilly Marlene”, “Never, Never “ and “Que Sera.

As always Helena breathes new life into her renditions of the French chansons of renowned Edith Piaf, called ‘the little sparrow of Paris’, such as “La vie en rose”, “L’Accordeoniste” and the rousing “Non, je ne regrette rien” acclaimed throughout her career. A highlight was performing French chansons with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra (CTSO) under the baton of Gerard Korsten and Alan Stephenson.

The mood is further enhanced with songs from the magical long-running musicals such as “Les Miserables” and “Fiddler on the roof”. These songs are featured on Helena’s latest DVD- “Divine – a tribute to the Divine Divas and Magical Musicals” - shot during COVID -19.

Much- loved Afrikaans poets such as Toon van den Heever and Antjie Krog are remembered in her rendition of “In die Hoëveld” and “Mama” while Helena will accompany herself on her own song “ Die trein het jou kom haal”.

She dips into her own poetry anthology “Journeyman – a poet revealed” to be released later this year, with poems depicting the universal themes such as early days, spirituality, loss, love, death , the outcasts and other social commentary. The poems are illustrated with original art works of well-known South African artists such as the famous Dirk Meerkotter, Elsa Cornelissen. water colour by Bronwen Schalkwyk, Trevor Lloyd-Evans, Alastair Findlay and nuanced photography by Thys van der Merwe, Nico Degenaar and Neville Petersen.

She shares her stage with gifted young violinist, Reuben van Nieuwenhuizen a Grade 12 pupil at Pretoria Boys High who has been playing the violin since the age of five. He will accompany Helena on her Italian/English rendition of the Vivaldi Adagio as well as Piaf’s renowned Padam and plays Ennio Morricone’s theme from Cinema Paradiso.

Highlights of Reuben’s musical career include performing the Mendelsohn and Sibelius violin concertos, the latter recently with Simfonia Juventi. He has been part of the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival Orchestra since 2022 and recently as concert master.

Helena sings in English, Afrikaans, Flemish, Dutch and Italian and in this show highlights her Dutch roots with “ Gabriella’s Song” from the movie “As it is in heaven” and “La Mamma” made famous by the acclaimed singer Corry Brokken.

Be sure to book your spot to be part of this magical evening.

The venue will feature table seating to enhance the cabaret-style experience.

Cash Bar available

Platters available R150 pp

Kindly let us know if you have a group booking, for us to ensure you are seated together :)

[email protected]

The critics have said of Helena: www.helenahettema.com

“…and boy, can she sing… Hettema has a voice that ranges from crushed silk to wet gravel and she uses it with sensitivity and skill … great opportunity to see one of South Africa’s finest performers in action.” Peter van der Merwe - Pretoria News.

“ Sy sny dieper as die vel … - “ Martjie Roos - Beeld

“Helena Hettema is one of SA’s most accomplished cabaret artists … album can be commended for its superb quality of fine musicianship. Her Piaf playfully included a SA feel as the Soweto String Quartet adds a delightful Kwela twist.” Classic Feel

“Sy het haar eie stem gevind, ‘n klank en versameling wat reg aan haar vermoens laat geskied, tog is dit met haar eie musiek en lirieke wat sy die meeste beindruk.” Mariana Malan - Die Burger/ Beeld 2004 .

“Daar is baie sangeresse maar min vertolkers.” - CJtheDJ - Vrouekeur