Board of Directors
Nasia is a Cape Town native and Chartered Accountant dedicated to economic development accross Africa. With extensive experience in capital markets, Nasia has worked as a leading executive at large investment banks in New York City, providing critical insight into orginazational dynamics in volatile emerging markets.
She has also contributed to social enterprise work in post-hurricane and earthquake relief efforts in New Orleans and Indonesia, as well as development finance and advocacy work for international nonprofits. Nasia's goal is to utilize her skills to give back to the African Continent and build capacity in the corporate and arts management sectors, focusing on the jazz exchange
Ron Scott is a celebrated journalist and senior editor of "Forever Harlem" a pictorial history of Harlem and contributed to the book "Ain't but a few of us: Black Music Writers Tell Their Story" (Duke University Press 2022). He writes the weekly "Jazz Notes" column for the New York Amsterdam News and contributes to several publications including Hot House Jazz Guide , and the Positive Community. He's written for such publications as the New York Times, Vogue Magazine and Time Out New York.
He has lectured at prominent universities and served on music panels across the USA. Ron is a board member of The Jazz Gallery (NYC) and the African Amarican Research Library and Cultural Centre of West Palm Beach, FLA. He is a graduate of Florida A&M University and earned his MSW from New York University's Graduate School of Social Work.
Mark Fransman is a multi-instrumentalist and composer from South Africa, renowned for his work in both Jazz and Afrosoul. A two-time South African Music Awards (SAMA) winner, Mark has collaborated with iconic musicians such as Pharaoh Sanders, Manu Dibango and Johnny Clegg. His projects , including the 'Homage' quartet, pays tribute to South Africa's jazz legends through original compositions. As a producer , Mark has been awarded the Best Producer award for his work on Jimmy Dlu Dlu's 'Afrocentric' and Moreira Chonguica's 'The Journey'. His latest album , 'Introducing Sonik Citizen', continues to receive critical acclaim.
Rene McLean is an American jazz saxophonist , composer, and educator known for his innovative contributions to jazz. As a multi-instrumentalist, Rene has performed with legends like Jackie McLean, Hugh Masekela, and Miriam Makeba. He currently serves as a professor of African American Music at the Jackie McLean Institute University of Hartford and previously taught at the University of Cape Town, significantly influencing South African and American jazz.
Rene's involvement in the TransAtlantic Jazz Exchange brings his rich experience and visionary approach to the forefront, leading to profound collaborations and artistic growth between SA and USA jazz communities. He defines his music as "transcending socio-political and cultural boundaries - its a universal language."