What the critics say
“…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.
“ Passionate tribute …Excellent compositions…Sensitive & accomplished pianist” – The Star (Johannesburg)
“Powerful voice that touches the heartstrings…” – Business Day (Johannesburg)
“Top class performer …oodles of talent …Soulful sensitive voice” – Citizen (Johannesburg)
“She has established herself as one of our most proficient singers” – Beeld (Johannesburg)
“One of the best cabarets to see the light this year, she has mastered Brel …made it her own” – Noord-Transvaler Metro (Pretoria)
“Sparkling originality, songwriting talent” – Pretoria News
“Hettema is multi-textured and resonant, a voice that aches yet soothes” -Weekly Mail and Guardian (Johannesburg)
“Her music is impressive, mostly because of her remarkably deep and resonant voice – the songs touch on a wide range of topics, such as love, peace, the environment, violence and the future ” – Weekend Argus (Cape Town)
“Hettema impresses with Jasmine Lament (2 nd CD of 11) which can be regarded as one of the most original local CDs available at present” – Beeld (Johannesburg)
“Her interpretations of the music of Piaf and Brel are almost legendary. She is one of South Africa's glossy by-products of the cabaret circuit” – Rooi Rose
Hettema spins a mystic web of lost love, longing and raw emotion around her audience” Volksblad (Bloemfontein)
“Superb piano accompaniment, emotive, sensitive yet authoritative, magnificent powerful voice, captivating stage presence. Audience in raptures. Botswana”
“Her renditions are full of fire and passion …deep, soulful and expressive style. She has star quality …the presence, vocal power and interpretive skills to spellbind her audience…also a competent composer and lyricist of note” – Audio-Video (review countrywide distribution)
“Her renditions are passionate and theatrical…with her beautiful voice and interpretative skills we will hear more of this talented singer”; -Air Tales (Comair inflight magazine).
“Helena is deep, light-hearted, witty and intuitive in her songwriting. Hers is a sensitive and soulful performance. The Star and South African Times International (London).”
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