Our Team
Emile
Creative Director and International Hip-Hop Pioneer
Internationally acclaimed educator and South African hip-hop pioneer Emile Jansen, also known as Emile YX? has cemented his legacy as an artist, activist, author, and philanthropist. As the founder of the legendary hip-hop group Black Noise and the transformative Heal the Hood Project, Emile’s influence transcends music. He’s been celebrated with numerous accolades, including an induction into the South African Hip-Hop Museums Hall Of Fame and awards for his enduring commitment to hip-hop culture and community empowerment. Emile’s multifaceted journey, from dancer to activist, is a testament to his dedication to upliftment, education, and the transformative power of hip-hop.
THurlo
Golf Coordinator and Community Mentor
From the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, Thurlo Jansen, a retired firefighter, channels his passion for golf into creating brighter futures for inner-city youth. Dedicating his time and resources, he selflessly offers programs introducing the intricate world of golf to those from economically challenged backgrounds. Thurlo doesn’t just teach the sport; he imparts life’s valuable lessons through the game. Over the years, he has been a beacon for thousands of juniors, many of whom have transformed from novices to club professionals and even budding tour aspirants.
With a mission rooted in the ethos of the Heal the Hood Project, Thurlo believes in leveraging golf as more than just a game. It’s a tool to introduce scholars from underserved areas to the sport and life’s more significant lessons.
“For a better tomorrow and future… Changing Minds leads to Changed Actions, Which in turn Changes Lives. By creating opportunities, we’re Uplifting Lives.”
TANSWELL
Manager and Visual Story Teller
Tanswell is the driving force behind Heal the Hood Project, where passion meets purpose. With a dynamic background in Graphic Design, Desktop Publishing, Film, and Editing, he has harnessed the power of visual storytelling to catapult the organization onto the global stage.
Tanswell dons multiple hats, quite literally! In August 2022 he adopted the role of Art Facilitator to keep the Arts Programme running. His dedication and enthusiasm he has transformed him into an art mentor, shaping young minds and talents into future visionaries.
Behind the camera lens, he brings Heal the Hood’s vision to life. As the videographer and editor of our school learners’ music videos, he has woven magic, capturing the essence of youth, music, and creativity. The organization’s work transcends borders, resonating with learners, educators, and communities from South Africa to the farthest corners of the globe.
With an unwavering commitment to Heal the Hood Project’s mission, Tanswell crafts a vibrant canvas that illustrates our journey. His dedication to empowering youth through the arts is not just evident in his work; it’s etched in every frame of our success story.
shaq
Coordinator and Event Manager
Shaquile Southgate started off his involvement in Hip Hop as an artist, freestyle dancer and MC in Namibia. Born in Cape Town in 1976 and raised in Namibia he would often learn alot from his cousins who were Breakdancers and Graffiti Artists when visiting Cape Town for the holidays during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Upon moving back to Cape Town permanently in 1992 he joined a hip hop crew called “Base Immortal” and did community events with Black Noise in their “Do for Self” Hip Hop Concerts.
He joined Heal the Hood Project on a permanent basis in 2010 after a career in the contact centre industry and is a Project Manager and Events Manager. He has worked on key activation’s and collaborative projects with British Council South Africa, Peninsula Beverages, Sony Xperia, Artscape Theatre, Kotex, African Hip Hop Indaba, Battle of the Year South Africa, Battle of the Year International, UK BBOY Championships, Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Open Book Festival, Muizenberg Festival, Pro Helvitia and others. He has secured sponsorships for events from brands such as Sprite, Dakine, Element, DC Shoes USA, Butan Wear, Nixon, Von Zipper, Ster Kinekor, Playstation, Aerial 7, Skull Candy, Musica, Samson, Allen & Heath, Audiosure, Gemini, Denon, AKG, Sony. His current projects include the financial, coordination and administrative management for Heal the Hood Projects with the Olof Palme International Centre & ABF (Sweden), Wings of Support – Heal the Hood Youth Arts Centre Development (Netherlands), Indian Ocean Youth Development Project (France, Reunion Island, Commore Islands, Mayotte & Madagascar).
He has also ventured into the podcasting realm since 2019 and forms part of The Babbling Heads Podcast under the Cape Conscious Media Network.
CHArly
Rapping and Beat Production Facilitator
Charlton Eftha is currently a Rapping and Beat Production Facilitator at Heal The Hood Project.
A proud graduate of Heal The Hood Practical HIP HOP School. He was inspired to pursue a career in Rapping and Beat Production after his mentor and the founder of Heal The Hood Project (Emile YX?) taught him about the HIP HOP Elements through free workshops on a weekly basis in Cafda. Charlton joined the program at the age of 12 and has mastered the Hip Hop elements of BBoying and Rapping.
DAVID
Rapping and Beat Production Facilitator
David Kabeya aka Kabeyah is a Congolese born singer, songwriter and currently a Content creator at Heal The Hood Project. From an early age, Kabeyah embraced music as a beacon of stability and joy in a world that was rapidly changing around him.
Growing up in a children’s home in Salt River, Kabeyah was fortunate enough to cross paths with Heal the Hood Project who made it possible to record his first single Vibe andf 2 other songs with his fellow youth at the Childrens Home through their free dance, art and music workshops. After completing his schooling he reconnected with Heal The Hood as part of an internship and now he currently holds a position as a social media content creator for the organization.
TYLER
Dance Facilitator
Tyler Botha is currently a Dance Facilitator at Heal The Hood project . A proud student of Heal The Hood project.
He was inspired to pursue dancing after attending a Heal the Hood Project event back in 2009 for the first time ever called African Hip Hop Indaba. He would then go on to participate in various events hosted by Heal the Hood throughout the years and is currently 3x AHHI National popping champ.