Celeb Savant

Tilly Fenton - an Australian indie-pop singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Tilly explains how, as a child, she was taught classical piano, which she originally hated… but once she realised she could play her favourite songs, she started to enjoy it. We also hear how studying music and learning to play the guitar gave her the confidence to sing in front of others, about her creative process and more. Website - www.tillyfenton.com Instagram - @tilly.fenton TikTok - @tillyfent0n YouTube - @tillyfenton

Toby Gad, a German-born and American-based 3 x Grammy, Diamond, and NAACP Award-winning producer and songwriter, joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Toby talks about his award-winning career, which includes his first big break writing songs with his brother for the Milli Vanilli album, and how he creates songs - including massive hits for Fergie, Beyonce, John Legend and many more. We also hear about his latest project Piano Diaries, where Toby reimagines some of his biggest hits. Website - www.tobygad.com Instagram - @tobygadmusic Facebook - @toby.gad.7 Twitter - @tobygad TikTok - @tobygad YouTube - @tobygad

Thapelo Esau - a South African singer, songwriter, and producer - joins us live in studio for this episode of Celeb Savant. Thapelo takes us on her journey, honing her craft at school, becoming a top 9 finalist on SA Idols, losing her singing voice after having surgery on her vocal chords, and how she rebuilt her confidence and regained her singing voice to ultimately release her latest EP - Ms. Esau. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts in Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @thapelooesau Facebook - @IdolsSAThapeloEsau TikTok - @thapelooesau YouTube - @ThapeloEsau

Dimitris Nezis - a Greek independent singer, songwriter, and producer - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We dive into Dimitris’ award-winning career, which includes studying vocals and music theory, and releasing Greek music for over a decade before creating music in English. We also discuss the current music landscape and more! Website - www.dimitrisnezis.com Instagram - @dimitrisnezisofficial Facebook - @dimitrisnezisofficial Twitter - @dimitrisnezis TikTok - @dimitrisnezis YouTube - @dimitrisnezisofficial

Nadia Sheikh - a half British, half Spanish singer and songwriter - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We dive into Nadia's music world, which includes seeing Avril Lavigne live on stage at the age of 12, which inspired her to follow a path in music. She also explains what a 'vomit demo' is, and the approach to writing songs in English and translating them into Spanish. Website - www.nadiasheikh.com Instagram - @nadiasheikhmusic Facebook - @nadiasheikhmusic Twitter - @NadiaSheikh_ TikTok - @nadiasheikhmusic YouTube - @nadiasheikhmusic

Randall Abrahams - a South African media and entertainment executive and television personality - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Randall takes us on his multi-decade journey in the industry, touching on his time in radio (Good Hope FM, YFM), being MD at Universal Music Africa, his experience being a judge on Idols SA, and about his latest collaboration with eNCA... the podcast - Both Sides. Website - www.enca.com Instagram - @randall.tv Facebook - @eNCAnews Twitter - @tv_randall YouTube - @encanews

Lavinia, an Italian-born and German-based rising dance music singer and songwriter, joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Lavinia tells us that it was her dream to go to the Olympics as an artistic gymnast, how she nearly ended up in a wheelchair from falling from the parallel bars, and how a year after the accident she found creating music was also a passion, which she pursued to chart-topping success. Instagram - @laviniahope TikTok - @lavinia_music YouTube - @laviniahope

Thuso Mbedu - a South African Emmy and Critics Choice Awards nominated actress - joins us from Los Angeles on this episode of Celeb Savant. Thuso explains the intention behind her performance is to bring healing through her craft, what she loves about portraying different characters, and how she researches for creating a character. We also hear all about her latest project, which is currently airing on Showmax - Task. Instagram - @thuso.mbedu Facebook - @tsonokwanda Twitter - @ThusoMbedu TikTok - @thuso.mbedu

Gemma Marinus - creative arts educational leader - joins us live in studio on this episode of Celeb Savant. She tells us about her journey in the industry, which includes performing on stage in productions such as Mamma Mia, and how her passion for teaching allowed her to transition into that space. We also hear about Stageworx, the performing arts school that she opened, and more about 'Born to Perform' 2025. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Website - www.stageworx.co.za www.montecasino.co.za Instagram - @stageworx_ @howard_audio Facebook - @stageworxperformingarts @HowardMusicSA @gemmalouisedonnelly @montecasino Twitter - @montecasinoza YouTube - @howardmusic1 LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-marinus-227900231

Jai McDowall - a Scottish singer, songwriter, and Britain’s Got Talent winner - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how Jai auditioned three times for X Factor UK, and as a last resort auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent, how winning BGT in 2011 has allowed him to have a career in the industry, and more about what he is currently doing, which includes just having finished collaborating with G4. Website - www.jaimcdowallofficial.com Instagram - @jai_mcdowall Facebook - @JaiMcDowallMusic Twitter - @jai_mcdowall YouTube - @jaimcdowallmusic

Robin S - an American singer, artist, and dance icon - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Robin tells us about her first professional gig performing with a band… which helped her hone her craft as an entertainer, and the reason behind her stage name. We also discuss what the audience's perception of artists are, and more on her upcoming tour to South Africa in September/October 2025. Website - www.iamrobins.com Instagram - @iamtherobins Facebook - @officialrobins Twitter - @iamtherobins

Run Remedy, an American-born, UK-based singer and songwriter, joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. She tells us how she chose her stage name, how she started out playing violin in orchestra tours until an injury forced her to change her path, and how her debut album, Xtian Skate Night, focused on her coming out story and the conflict that arose from that, forcing her to leave her church. Website - www.runremedy.com Instagram - @runremedy Facebook - @runremedy Twitter - @runremedy TikTok - @runremedy YouTube - @runremedy8450

Eric Roberson - an American singer, songwriter, producer, Grammy, and BET Award nominee - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how Eric deals with the hectiness of being on the road, how the failures and challenges have helped shape his success, and why he calls the current music business 'the attention business’. Website - www.ericrobersonmusic.com Instagram - @erro44 Facebook - @BlueErroSoul Twitter - @iamericroberson TikTok - @iamericroberson YouTube - @BlueErroSoul

Claire Johnston - lead vocalist of the South African band Mango Groove - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear about Claire's journey, how she met and joined the band, what challenges they faced being a multi-racial band during apartheid in South Africa, how she has navigated the ups and downs of the industry, and more about the upcoming 40th anniversary concert in Johannesburg. Website - www.mangogroove.co.za Instagram - @mangogrooveofficial @clairejohnstonofficial Facebook - @Mango.Groove @mango.groove1 YouTube - @MangoGrooveOfficial

David Starr - an American singer, songwriter, and master guitarist - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. David tells us about his multi-decade career in the music industry, which includes starting off being a singing drummer. He also explains how he turned to guitar, why he continues to make music, and more about his creative process. Website - www.davidstarrmusic.com Instagram - @davidstarrmusic Facebook - @DavidStarrMusic Twitter - @davidstarrmusic TikTok - @davidstarr_music YouTube - @DavidStarrMusic

Maya Amolo - Kenyan singer, songwriter, producer and 'one to watch' - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Maya tells us how her professional career started when a colleague of a producer heard her singing in the bathroom at the studio. We also discuss her creative process and her thoughts about social media. Instagram - @mayaamolo Twitter - @mayaamolo TikTok - @themayaamolo YouTube - @mayaamolo

Rouge - a South African rapper, songwriter, singer, actress, SAFTA, SAMA, and South African Hip Hop Awards winner - joins us live in studio for this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear how she chose her stage name, more about the ups and downs of her journey, her unusual creative process and why it's taken 7 years for her to release her sophomore album - Milk and Honey. This episode of Celeb Savant was recorded live in studio at Solid Gold Podcasts, Johannesburg, South Africa. Instagram - @rouge_rapper Facebook - @RougeRapper Twitter - @Rouge_Rapper TikTok - @rouge_rapper YouTube - @Rougerapper

Rachael Sage - an American singer, songwriter, and founder of Indie label MPress - joins us for a second time on this episode of Celeb Savant. We find out what Rachael has been up to since we last spoke, which includes her co-headlining tour with Kristen Ford. We also hear how she learned how not to worry about what other people think about her, and about her latest album - Canopy. Website - www.rachaelsage.com Instagram - @rachael_sage Facebook - @rachaelsagepage Twitter - @rachaelsage TikTok - @rachaelsage YouTube - @rachaelsage

The High Kings - an Irish platinum-selling folk group’s members Brian Dunphy and Paul O'Brien - join us on this episode of Celeb Savant. We hear about the origins of the band’s name, how the band was formed, how they play 15 instruments between the four members (along with Finbarr Clancy and Darren Holden)… and more about their upcoming tour of Australia. Website - www.thehighkings.com Instagram - @thehighkingsofficial Facebook - @thehighkings Twitter - @TheHighKings TikTok - @thehighkingsofficial YouTube - @TheHighKingsOfficial

Ned Evett - an American performer, songwriter, guitarist, and the glass-necked fretless guitar creator - joins us on this episode of Celeb Savant. Ned tells us how, as a teenager, he was mentored by adults who recognised his guitar-playing talent, and how he mastered stage fright at the beginning of his career. He also explains what a fretless guitar is, and talks about his upcoming tour to South Africa. Website - www.nedevett.com Instagram - @nedevett Facebook - @Nedevett TikTok - @nedevettofficial YouTube - @nedevett