Dimpho Dorothy Mahoko, known as Black Heidi, is a South African singer-songwriter whose music transcends genres, capturing the hearts of audiences with her unique blend of rock-adjacent, pop-grunge, and soft indie-punk sounds. Born and raised in Mafikeng, North West Province, Black Heidi moved to Pretoria in 2015 to pursue a degree in Computer Science at the University of Pretoria. While excelling in her studies, she also nurtured her passion for music, leading her to start performing in 2020 after mastering the ukulele.
She has graced the stages of iconic South African music festivals, including Park Acoustics, Splashy Fen, and Fete de la Musique. She made her international debut at the Strab Festival in Mozambique in 2023.
In this exclusive interview, Black Heidi shares insights into her creative process, the inspirations behind her performances, and what fans can expect from her at the upcoming Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival.
1. Crafting Your Performance For The Luju Festival
Could you give us a glimpse into the creative process behind crafting your performance for the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival? Are there any particular inspirations or themes you’re drawing upon?
Black Heidi: My band and I have been preparing for the show for the past few weeks, exploring changes in the setlist and refining it because the Luju Festival strikes me as a stylish event with a lot of elegance. I want to put on a show that blends my music with the artsy, stylish, and fashion-forward vibe that Luju invokes in me.
2. Tailoring Your Performance For A Diverse Audience
The Luju festival is renowned for its vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. How do you plan to tailor your performance to resonate with the festival’s diverse audience and create an unforgettable experience?
Black Heidi: I have often been described as uncategorizable, so I find it comforting that there is this eclectic culture of unity through diversity at Luju. This encourages me to tap into the boundless creative processes I engage in with my band without reservation, to put together a show unlike any we’ve played before.
3. Goals For Your Luju Festival Performance
As an artist, what do you hope to achieve through your performance at the Luju festival this year? Are there any specific emotions or reactions you aim to evoke from the audience?
Black Heidi: I want everyone to have fun, enjoy themselves, and really listen to the music and lyrics. Oftentimes I am told that my lyrics are relatable, which means a lot to me. More than anything, I want the audience to feel seen and included in the music.
4. Unique Elements And Surprises in Your Luju Showcase
Can you share any unique elements or surprises we can expect during your Luju showcase? Whether it’s new arrangements, special guests, or interactive moments, we’d love to hear more about what sets your performance apart.
Black Heidi: The Luju festival has inspired me to finish writing a song in my mother tongue, which we will perform for the first time there. In terms of the show, be prepared to be taken on a journey that starts at the top of a simple but powerful stream. As this stream flows, it becomes bigger and stronger, making you hold on to your raft. Trust me, you will make it. As our journey continues, you’ll notice that the end of the stream is a waterfall. You might want to hold back, but you won’t be able to. Let yourself go past the edge, down with the waterfall, and enjoy the ride.
This interview offers a deep dive into Black Heidi’s artistic vision and her preparations for the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival. Stay tuned for a performance that promises to be a memorable musical journey, reflecting the eclectic and vibrant spirit of the festival.
Featured Image(s) Source: Supplied
Leave a Reply