Ntimbani “Joe” Shirimani, born in 1968, is a prominent South African singer, record producer, and traditional healer, best known for his influential work in the Xitsonga disco and traditional music genres. He has been a driving force in uplifting Tsonga culture through his music, producing numerous award-winning and platinum-selling albums.
Early life and career beginnings
Musical family: Born in Pretoria and raised in Limpopo, Shirimani’s love for music began at age eight after his father, a guitar player, bought an instrument for the family.
First band: As a high school student in 1987, he formed a seven-piece band called Kimayos (Kind Masters of Youth Sound), which played at school concerts and weddings in his village.
Solo career and production: His solo career launched in 1992 with the release of his album Black is Beautiful. In 1994, he gained major recognition as a producer when he discovered and produced platinum-certified albums for fellow Xitsonga artists Esta M (Sakamela) and Penny Penny (Shaka Bundu).
Break from music and spiritual calling
Following his early success, Shirimani left the music industry for several years to answer an ancestral calling to become a traditional healer. He spent this time training and fulfilling his spiritual responsibilities before planning his musical comeback.
Musical comeback and later career
Return to music: After his spiritual training, Shirimani returned to music with a renewed focus on promoting Tsonga culture and language. He formed the group Bangoni Bandawu and also continued to release solo work.
Cultural pride: He championed the Tsonga language in his music, aiming to combat the inferiority complex felt by many Tsonga people in urban areas. This included creating the song “Sichangane Yishilungu” to celebrate the heritage of the Shangaan (Tsonga) people.
New sound: He has evolved his sound to a modernized version of Xitsonga traditional music, which he calls “Dzumba”.
Recent work: His later albums include Ka Tika (2013), Ni Heleketeni (2014), and Xingungumani (2018).
Awards and recognition
Multiple awards: Shirimani is a multi-award-winning artist. In 2014, his comeback album Ka Tika earned him the Best Xitsonga Album at the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA). He also won Dr. Thomas Chauke Artist of the Year at the Munghana Lonene FM awards in the same year.
Continued stability: As an enduring figure in the South African music scene, he has “stood the test of time,” maintaining a successful career while many of his contemporaries have faded away.
The “Dr.” title
Shirimani is often referred to as “Dr. Joe Shirimani,” a title that recognizes his status as a traditional healer and elder in his community, rather than a formal academic or medical degree.
