Meet the Team

Chantal i s an accomplished bassist, educator, and advocate for cultural preservation through music. Her passion for jazz and commitment to fostering youth talent fuels her leadership at TAJE.

Chantal Willie-Petersen

Program Manager & Music Director (SA)

Mark brings decades of experience as an award winning composer and multi-instrumentalist, jazz educator, mentor and performer, creating innovative programs that highlight the richness of South African jazz traditions.

Mark Fransman

Music Director (SA)

Nasia is a trailblazing corporate executive with experience working in both USA and Africa. Her passion for the arts combined with corporate expertise supports execution of the vision and mission of TAJE.

Nasia Seria

Co-Founder, Executive Director (SA,USA)

Based in New York, Ron is an accomplished jazz writer and cultural curator. He bridges the jazz traditions of the United States and South Africa, creating opportunities for artists to collaborate across continents.

Ron Scott

Co-Founder, VP & Cultural Liaison (USA)

Rene is a globally recognized multi-instrumentalist and scholar whose work explores the evolution of African and African American music, bringing a deeper understanding of jazz, a music of the spirit and its cultural roots to TAJE.

Rene McLean

Advisor & Ethnomusicologist (USA)

Tara-a nne ensures that every TAJE event runs seamlessly, connecting schools, sponsors, and communities to our programs.