Meet the HaveYouHeard team
Georgia Jones
Founder and director of Rhapsody Studios- A local South African Music company celebrates afro-centric informed artists. Rhapsody Studios aims to continue exploring, learning and creating within the African music ecosystem and aims to elevate the appreciation of our sonic landscapes globally.
Currently representing Bongo Mvuyana, Louis Mhlanga, Just 6, Lucas Senyatso, Francesca Biancoli and Mthuthu Ndebele. Working as Media & Bookings at Next Music Group South Africa.
BMus (UCT)
Director of Rhapsody Studios PTY Ltd (Music Management)
Media & Bookings: Next Music South Africa
Dr Clare Loveday
Clare Loveday is a South African contemporary classical music composer.She studied at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, and has worked as a professional pianist, a composer for the South African advertising industry, and co-ordinator for the National Research Foundation's Travelling Institute for Music Research. Loveday has also worked as a lecturer in music theory and composition at the University of the Witwatersrand. She was composer in residence at the 2014 Johannesburg International Mozart Festival.
DMus Composer & Collaborator
Coordiantor of The National Research Foundation Travelling Institute for Music Research
Maya Spector
Maya Spector is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, and Arts entrepreneur, celebrated for her versatility across diverse musical genres, including classical, jazz, and musical theater. Her artistry is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Jazz and Soul, which have shaped her distinctive sound and compelling storytelling.
Maya's musical journey began at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she earned a degree in Jazz Performance and Music Education in 2009. This strong foundation in music has led her to write and record two albums, solidifying her reputation as a powerful and evocative voice in the music industry.
In 2020, Maya furthered her professional development by earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Practice Management from Henley Business School Africa. Awarded a full scholarship for this prestigious program, she gained valuable insights into the business side of the creative industries, equipping her to lead with both creativity and strategic acumen.
In 2021, Maya launched The Papaya House PTY Ltd, an arts production company dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and collaboration. Through local and international partnerships, The Papaya House creates impactful opportunities for the creative community, advancing Maya’s vision of a vibrant, interconnected artistic world.
Maya Spector's commitment to her craft is unwavering. As she eloquently states, "I don't live for music, I live because of it," reflecting the deep passion that drives her work and resonates through her music.
Gwen Ansell (Business Day Live)
BMus (UKZN) PGDIP (Henley Business School)
Director of The Papaya House (Production House)
Dr Phuti Sepuru
Dr Sepuru is employed as a Lecturer in Classical Music and Jazz Studies at the University of Pretoria, and also serves as the jazz vocal accompanist. In 2015 she was selected as the pianist for the esteemed Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band, and she was invited to join the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society.
Sepuru has worked with the following artists: Abigail Kubeka, Dorothy Masuku, Mabongi and Deborah Fraser, as part of the Women in Song Legacy Tour; Tshepo Tshola, Judith Sephuma, Siphokazi, Zahara, Simphiwe Dana, Dr Tumi, Ringo Madlingozi and the Bala Brothers as part of the Winnie Mandela Tribute Concerts; Candy Tsamandebele and Simphiwe Dana. She has performed in Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Sweden, Denmark, Rwanda, Zambia, Egypt, New Zealand, Ghana and Seychelles.
DMus (UP), MMus (UP), BMUs (UP)Lecturer: Musicology
Vice-President (Southern Region): Pan-African Society for Musical Arts Education (PASMAE)
Chantal Willie-Petersen
Chantal Willie-Petersen is a South African Award- Winning Jazz performer, composer, curator, educator, scholar and activist for women's empowerment in the field of music study. Chantal was one of three black composures in the world to compose for the Carrilon Bell commission by Professor Tiffany NG. She completed two master's degrees in music in Belgium (Master in the Arts, cum laude) and curates masterclasses and clinics nationally and abroad. She is a multi- instrumentalist, curator, musical director, mentor, speaker and writer. She is featured on radio and television as a subject specialist regarding South African jazz, and around discussions on music, democracy, culture, society and performance.
CARNEGIE CO-OPERATION of NEW YORK DOCTORAL AWARD (2024)
Double Master in the Arts (MA in Voice & MA in D Bass) (BELG)
Lecturer: WITS University President of SAJE : 2022 - 2024.
President of SAJE (South African Association of Jazz Education): 2022 - 2024
Koninklijk Conservatorium Antwerpen (Belgium); Lemmens Instituut (Belgium); Master in the Arts (Cum laude MA Jazz Double Bass); Master in the Arts (Cum laude MA Jazz Voice); Oranje Beurs Scholarship Award (1999); SAMRO Merit Award and Best Performance of a South African Work Award (2009); ARA (Arts Research Africa) PhD Award (2021); Former ZAP MAMA member (Multi-award winning & Grammy nominated group)
Deidre Elam-Rye
Deidre Elam-Rye is an accomplished professional with a strong background in leadership, business strategy, and operations management. With a proven track record of driving organizational success, she is skilled in developing and executing strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency and growth. Deidre is recognized for her ability to build cohesive teams and foster collaboration across diverse departments. Her expertise spans various industries, where she consistently delivers innovative solutions to complex challenges. Passionate about mentorship and continuous learning, Deidre remains committed to professional development and inspiring others to reach their full potential. Founder and Managing Member of Lion Creations; Elamcreationsart; OSR and previously Co-Founder Open Sky Productions.
Tshegofatso Matabane
Tshegofatso Matabane is the Founder and Director of Lesedi La Rona Kreatives, a creative social enterprise rooted in her belief in the transformative power of art for healing and social change. In addition to her leadership role, Tshegofatso is also a DJ specializing in jazz and alternative music, drawing from her diverse musical background, which includes classical violin training.
She holds an Honours degree in Arts, Culture, and Heritage Management from Wits University (2020) and has completed programs in Social Entrepreneurship at GIBS and Digital Marketing through Digify Africa. Tshegofatso's expertise lies in blending her passion for the arts with her skills in business and digital strategy.
As a Project Manager and Events Manager for various initiatives under Lesedi La Rona Kreatives, Tshegofatso has curated impactful experiences such as the Sip and Paint event in Soweto, which fostered community healing, and the Basadi ba Mmino DJ Workshop, empowering young women in the music industry. Her work continues to focus on using creativity as a means to inspire and drive social change.