BIOGRAPHY

Bugsy Malone was directed by the much-respected ‘Farouk Valley Omar’, better known for his work in theatre production, as the ‘Blind Man’ in the original ‘District 6’ production, directed by the late ‘Taliep Peterson’ and ‘David Krama’. In 1994, Roeshdien featured, in the biblical film (The Visual Bible: Acts) ‘Out of Jerusalem’ delivering a few lines, engaging with famous American Golden Globes and Emmy Award winning actor, producer and director James Brolin (‘Aaron Spelling’s’ 1983 prime time soap opera, ‘Hotel’), whom received a star on the ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame’ on 10 August 2016. Roeshdien, also performed at the formerly known ‘Grahamstown National Arts Festival’ 1995 (Makhanda), in association with South African actress/singer, ‘Nazli George’ founder of the (Creative School of Speech & Drama) in Cape Town. 

In 2002, attended a ‘Music Industry Development Academy’ (PROmpt: Music Academy), Founded/Directed by ‘Rod Harrod’ (UK, born Record Exec/PR/Book Published Author: “Jimi Hendrix 50 Years on – The Truth”, the man whom gave the legendary “Hendrix” his first UK gig. www.rodharrod.com). 

Lecturers among the likes of ‘Grenville Williams’ (GODESSA/MoodPhase5ive/Jack Parow: Bassist), ‘Wayne Bosch’, ‘Denver Furness’, ‘Sophia Foster’, and classmates whom included, ‘Ferdy Ferd’ (‘The Rockets’ and ‘Urban Reign’ Debut Album 2009 SAMA nomination, “When it Pours”), and SAMA Award winning artist, ‘Claire Phillips’. Later that same year, Roeshdien started his own Hip hop/RNB band ‘Kwaai2’ and wrote and released a single, on ‘GOOD HOPE FM’ (Homebrew Show with ‘Eeshaam September’) called, ‘Get to know you’, produced by ‘Grenville Williams’ (Godessa/Jack Parow, Bassist).

In 2004, Roeshdien was approached to manage a multi-genre, urban fusion Cape Town band, ‘SupAdan’. “I have always been extremely passionate about the business of music and development of people, using ‘MUSIC’ as a medium for social change and transformation…” says the Multi-Talented Creative/Integral (EQ) Coach (The Integral Coaching Centre)/Leadership Development Specialist, and registered Practitioner Coach with ‘COMENSA’ (Coaches/Mentors Association of South Africa).

Committed to using every single skill, gift, talent and life experience that he has been blessed with, to add value to the lives of the people around him, be it through his music, the people/leadership development work he does in the corporate environment, his professional, independent ‘Virtual Coaching Practice’ (Fit 4 Purpose). Official ‘Brand Ambassador’ for the ‘Institute of Marketing Management, Graduate School of Marketing’ (IMM GSM), ‘Change-Makers Hub’ (Spice 4 Life) and ‘Music Exchange SA’ (NPC) respectively, celebrating their 10th year in 2020, since inception with (Founders/CEO: ‘Martin Myers/Trevor Jones’/Chairman: the legendary ‘Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse’). ‘Music Exchange SA’ was recognised and awarded by the ‘Western Cape Government Cultural Affairs and Sport’ 2018/2019 ‘Contribution to Performing Arts: Music’, at the ‘Artscape Theatre Centre’, Cape Town.

(Roeshdien also featured in the Cape Argus alongside, CEO/Founder: Martin Myers and Trevor Jones and Jason Curtis respectively, receiving their award).His very popular single ‘Inside ‘n Out’ is a catchy feel-good tune, one that was destined to become one of the Summer 2014 hits. Written and produced by legendary SA Songwriter, Clive Ridgway. The song made its way into both the SA Top 10, International Top 30 on Heart FM with ‘Paul Playdon’, as well as the International Top 10 on Smile FM radio, respectively.

“It’s a quirky, whimsical, happy love song, about that ONE fundamental ‘thing’ that magnifies the human experience. Being in ‘LOVE’. And how your entire world gets swung ‘upside down’ and ‘inside out”, said Roeshdien. ‘The sky is blue-er, roses are redder, ‘walking on air’, and simply can’t stop smiling. And the desire to want to share this overwhelming emotion is simply, irresistible.”

Clive Ridgway (Book Author: ‘Cracking the Songwriting Code’) and founder of the ‘Cape Town School of Songwriting’ (www.songwriters.co.za), whom has written music/produced for many of South Africa’s TOP artists including ‘Jonathan Butler’, ‘Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels’, ‘Kurt Darren’, ‘Juanita du Plessis’, ‘Black Byrd’, ‘Clive Bruce’, ‘Judith Sephuma’, ‘Selim Kagee’ and ‘Rocking Horse’, respectively. Thrilled with the end result of ‘Inside n Out’.

Ridgway said: “I loved working with this young man!

‘Inside ‘n Out’ is a simple, joyful love song. I thought it would be a great track for Roeshdien as it has a ‘groovy’ beat and melody to show off his unique vocal phrasing, and playful words to show off his sense of fun”, said Ridgway. “His musicality, mindfulness and generosity made this project a light and joyful one. Thank you, Roeshdien”.

Roeshdien performed at the official opening launch of one of South Africa’s Premier Music, Film & Entertainment Conference (Music Exchange 2014: 07-08 March), at the Historical ‘Cape Town City Hall’ in the presence of MAJOR ‘International industry heavy weights’ among the likes of ‘Dr Trevor Jones’ (World Renowned Film Music Composer: ‘Notting Hill’, ‘Last of The Mohicans’) and American Grammy Award Winning Hip Hop/Actor, ‘Yasiin Bey’ aka ‘MOS DEF’. Also featured on the ‘Artist panel’ at the conference along with the likes of Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, ‘RJ Benjamin’, ‘Jimmy Nevis’, ‘AKA’, ‘Franki M’, ‘Selim Kagee’, ‘Reburn’, ‘Auriol Hays’, ‘Vicky Sampson’, and ‘Sophia Foster’, moderated by ‘Benjy Mudie’. Roeshdien also featured in the official Music Exchange 2014 Commercial videos, with his popular hit single, ‘Inside n Out’ as part of the video promo soundtrack. 

The official release of the following new single, ‘Love is in the house’ took place 26 April 2014 to a full house sold out performance, at ‘The Nassau Centre’ (Palmyra Road, Newlands). The single made Number One on the SA Top 10 on Smile FM, and Number 4 on the International Top 20 charts, respectively. Both ‘Inside n Out’ and ‘Love is in the house’ and all latest singles, are all available on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Deezer an all other major digital platforms, respectively.

A sold-out Spring Concert on the 27 September 2015 called, ‘The Gratitude Café’, inspired by a Facebook Group pioneered by Roeshdien and friend Jo O Bosman. A space where ‘like-minded’ people can connect, share inspiration, stories and most importantly, take some time out to celebrate the ‘Gift of life’. 

His performance 28 November 2015, inspired by ‘16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM’ for Gender-Based violence against Women/Children, in association with the ‘IHATA’ Shelter for Abused Women & Children, called ‘BE A MAN’, with lyrics… “Time to take a stand or take the blame.” A show named after a power ballad written & produced by Clive Ridgway, was once again performed to a sold-out audience at ‘The Reeler Theatre’ (Rondebosch Boys High School) and covered by CTTV. 

Followed by special performances for the Rondebosch Oncology/Cancer Care, Annual ‘Cancer Survivor’ summit, in Kirstenbosch Gardens, in 2016.

Roeshdien was also invited to be a part of an emerging artist development “Mentee Programme” with ‘Dr Trevor Jones’, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, ‘RJ Benjamin’ and ‘Brandon Bakshir’ (BMI London) in 2015, facilitated by Music Exchange SA (Martin Myers), Founder/CEO. www.musicexchange.org.za

In 2016, Roeshdien was also selected as one of the TOP 20 finalists for the very first official ‘Cape Town International Jazz Festival’ (ESP Young Legends Competition 2016). And once again, made the TOP 20 finalist for ESPYL 2019, respectively. 

Subsequent singles, ‘Until I find you’ produced by (Gimme Moe Music Productions), a track which featured on the soundtrack in popular SA Soapie, ‘ISIDINGO’ (SABC 3). 2017 released an Afro Pop single, ‘THE CALLING’ (UBIZO) inspired by/tribute to the legendary late, ‘Johnny Clegg’ particularly his ability fusing both English and Indigenous languages), produced by ‘Charlie Hamilton’, whom has produced for the likes one of SA’s iconic Kwaito outfit, TK ZEE and debut album for Jody Williams (Idols Winner) to name a few. The single was officially released on 5 May 2017 at the ‘Cornerstone Institute’ for Higher Learning in Cape Town. 

In October 2017, Roeshdien released a follow up to his 2014 popular single ‘Inside n Out’ called ‘Down by the Waterfront’ “A tribute to the special place (V&A Waterfront), embracing incredible amounts of diversity, connecting us with the rest of the world”, said Roeshdien.

Followed up by, EDM collaboration with JHB based producer ‘A7trium’ (A7trium & Roeshdien Jaz), called ‘Through My Eyes’ (Available on all major digital platforms).

In 2019, RJ released a Tropical House/Dance/EDM/Club Banger ‘WANT WHAT YOU CAN’T HAVE’ (Samuzik Beats/Gimmoe Music Productions), on high radio/digital rotation.  

Other significant developments also include his special Valentine’s Day 2018 Music Video release for popular radio single ‘Inside n’ Out’, recorded at ‘Sound Cast Studios’. 

His feature in the new 2018 national ‘IMM GSM’ (Institute of Marketing Management, Graduate School of Marketing) Alumni Marketing/PR campaign, “CAN YOU FILL THEIR SHOES???”, as one of their selected national ‘Brand Ambassadors’, in association with ‘MTV BASE’ (AFRICA), and can be seen in all IMM GSM National print/social media marketing collateral. i.e. Video links, TV/Radio Ads, Posters, and Brochures across all campuses in SA. Roeshdien was also invited to be the ‘Guest Speaker’ at the ‘IMM GSM 2018 Graduation Ceremony’ at The Bay Hotel in Camps bay, Cape Town. Followed by undoubtedly the ‘HIGHLIGHT’ on his music journey, being invited to be one of the special featured acts, at the LEGENDARY ‘Sipho Hotstix Mabuse’ return to the iconic Baxter Theatre 30 years later, on the 26 October 2018, including legend, ‘Tony Cedras’ (Paul Simon), ‘Siphokazi Jonas’ (Poet), ‘The SA National Youth Choir’, ‘Billy Monama’, ‘Thembeka ‘Tabia Songbird’ Khumalo’ and ‘MMINO’ respectively, to a full house sold-out historical showcase, covered extensively by the ‘Cape Argus’ and other national media platforms.

Subsequently, also was invited to perform on the 17th of November 2018, at the sold-out ‘TEDxCapeTown’ event ‘PAUSE & EFFECT’, which took place at the ‘Avenue’ Conference Centre at the V&A Waterfront, live streamed in over 23 countries. (TED).

“Sing to me of Hope” is Roeshdien’s 2019, Reggae single (Featuring: ‘Overcomer’ & ‘Adelle Kock’), as a special tribute to ‘South African Youth Day’, 16 June (Honouring the courage and sacrifice of the Soweto youth uprising and celebrating all young people).

And ‘International Youth Day’, 12 August (Core 2019 focus/theme being, ‘Transforming education highlighting efforts to make education more inclusive and accessible for all youth, including efforts by youth themselves). The song, deeply inspired by Bob Marley. In association with the ‘Cape Town School of Song writing’, ‘Change-Makers Hub SA’.

‘Sing to me of Hope’, is an uplifting purpose driven socially conscious inspirational ‘War Cry’, to elevate awareness and call to action, around the continued challenges/adversities facing our precious seeds (The Youth). All the digital sales proceeds of the single available worldwide on all ‘Major Digital Platforms’, goes towards the ‘Christine Revell Children’s Home’ in his hometown Athlone, where he use to volunteer during school holidays in the 90’s, formerly known as ‘Die Nanniehuis’. 

Lyrics: “Every child need love, and protection. Hope, dignity and education.” #SingToMeOfHope #RoeshdienJaz #2019

The brand NEW 2020 (Remix) of ‘WANT WHAT YOU CAN’T HAVE’ (CLUB BANGER), featuring Cape Town born, ‘LEGENDARY’ Female Emcee, ‘EJ Von Lyrik’ (GODESSA) currently based in the Netherlands (Rated by legendary Emcee ‘CHUCK D’ from the iconic group ‘PUBLIC ENEMY’, as ONE of his ‘TOP 5 FEMALE EMCEES’, of all time), was be dropped on 31 July 2020 on all major digital platforms in association with Gallo Music SA. With the underpinning ‘core narrative’ (‘MUSIC WITH A PURPOSE’). All the digital download sales proceeds go towards a cause, very close to the hearts of both RJ/EJ, the (Ihata Shelter for Abused Women & Children) in Heideveld, Cape Town. And in the spirit of celebrating ‘Womens Month’, August 2020.

(Ihata Shelter) Mission/Vison: “To help all women/children, affected by domestic violence whom seek sanctuary by providing a caring, clean and safe shelter with accommodation up to 6 months. Creating a safe space and time to plan their lives forward through services geared towards empowerment, improved self-respect, independence and recovery, with successful community re-integration. For more info: www.ihatashelter.org.za.

In addition, Roeshdien was also invited to feature at the very (FIRST) official TEDx Cape Town virtual live stream event, Intersections of Change digital series, Conversation 3, titled Creativity inspires hope on the 24 July 2020, along with incredibly talented fellow conscious creatives, Zolani Mahola (Freshlyground), Mel Mwevi and Winslow Schalkwyk, respectively.

Replay of this event can be found on the registration page link below –https://bit.ly/TEDxCapeTown_IOC_Registration

Watch the space for his much anticipated, Debut Album ‘LEGENDS NEVER DIE’ (EVERY MOOD), 10 years in the making. “A special tribute to all those precious creative souls, whom came before, paving/playing the way forward, for generations to follow. I am because you are”, says Roeshdien. Set for official digital release in the SUMMER 2020!  i.e. Quite literally something for ‘Every mood’ (A universal fusion of Reggae, Jazz, Soul, Funk, Acoustic, Spoken Word, Afro Pop/Indigenous, House, EDM, Pop, Conscious Hip Hop/Trap, RnB, Dance and more…).

#RoeshdienJaz #DebutAlbum #2020 #LegendsNeverDie #EveryMood 

#ChangeMakersHub #LoveCapeTown #Quintessential #AfriqueDusud

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For more info/bookings:
078 399 2124 or 072 600 4353
steven@roeshdienjaz.com/info@roeshdienjaz.com