Shannel Ebrahim
Vocal Teacher
Born in the heart of the Lesotho Kingdom and now thriving in the big city, Shannel Ebrahim is a powerhouse vocalist who has turned her passion for music into an inspiring career on stage and in the classroom.
Shannel has already achieved incredible milestones, including performing for King Charles and Queen Camilla (and locking eyes with royalty!) in 2007, winning the Cape Town Talent Search for Vocals in 2015, and taking her voice international as a performer and entertainer across the island of Ibiza, Spain in 2022.
She has trained at both The Waterfront Theatre School and in Live Performance at the Campus of Performing Arts (COPA), equipping her with the skill, stagecraft, and confidence she now pours into her students.
Today, a week in Shannel’s world includes teaching music by day at School of Rock Devonbosch, performing live on weekends, and, when creativity strikes, writing new songs or dancing her heart out. When she’s not making music, she’s in the kitchen cooking up something just as fiery.
“My motto in life is to simply never give up. No matter where you are in your journey, if it makes your fire burn, it’s meant for you!”
Lebohang Banda
Vocal Teacher
Lebo is a powerhouse vocalist and educator who lives where jazz meets endless musical possibility. She’s got the soul, the groove, the improvisation magic… but don’t box her in! Lebo’s voice goes wherever curiosity takes her — always honest, always playful, always full of heart.
In the classroom, Lebo is the ultimate confidence-builder. She creates a space where students at School of Rock Devonbosch feel safe to explore, experiment, make mistakes, and find their sound. Her lessons blend structure with freedom, helping singers grow into bold, expressive storytellers — one note at a time.
Whether she’s on stage delivering goosebumps or in the studio bringing out the best in young musicians, Lebo lights up every room she enters. Her joy is contagious, her passion is real, and her mission is simple: help every voice, big and small, shine.
Gilmore van Rooyen
Drum Teacher
Gilmore has performed on stages across South Africa and internationally, collaborating with recognised artists and bringing his signature groove to every show he touches. He’s also the founder and music director of the incredible Sound Legacy Band.
You may have even seen him online — Gilmore went viral as a “drummer sensation” on TikTok, capturing thousands of hearts with his energy, precision, and pure passion for rhythm.
Whether he’s behind the kit or shaping young musicians in the classroom, Gilmore brings world-class skill, creativity, and serious stage presence. We’re thrilled to have him join the School of Rock Devonbosch team!
Paul Daniels
Guitar Teacher
Paul is a dynamic session guitarist, composer, arranger, and music teacher whose musical journey blends skill, passion, and versatility. Trained in classical music and a bit of jazz at the University of Stellenbosch, Paul brings a unique combination of technical mastery and soulful expression to every stage and studio session.
A multi-instrumentalist at heart, Paul also plays bass guitar, keyboard, and drums, making him a valuable and adaptable force in any musical setting. His reputation for professionalism and musical sensitivity has led him to perform for a wide range of artists, including playing at the Jazz Festival After Party, Jazz on Rocks, Tietiesbaai, Jazzathon—experiences that sharpened his craft and broadened his musical influence.
As a composer and arranger, Paul creates music with emotional depth and artistic clarity. As a teacher at School of Rock Devonbosch, Paul is committed to growing confident, creative musicians. His lessons blend encouragement, structure, and the kind of musical insight only real-world experience can offer. Beyond music, Paul is a devoted husband and father, drawing strength and inspiration from his family. He’s also an avid football fan, proudly supporting Chelsea FC, and keeps active through jump rope and running, disciplines that mirror his rhythm, focus, and dedication in music.
Grounded, disciplined, and passionate, Paul Daniels continues to grow as an artist while touching lives through his music and mentorship.
Stephen Sampson
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Stephen's love for music began at a young age — shaped by family gatherings, church, and a home filled with sound. Starting out as a self-taught pianist, he grew quickly by playing alongside other musicians, soaking up every bit of inspiration and technique he could.
By the time he finished high school, Stephen had already performed countless gigs across Cape Town and beyond, working with a variety of bands and artists. His passion led him to study music at the University of Cape Town, where he spent five years deepening his craft and musical knowledge.
From there, Stephen launched Sampsound Music Productions, a company offering a full range of music services — from composition to production. His career continued to rise as he performed with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, backing incredible artists, including the iconic Vicky Sampson.
Today, Stephen composes and produces music for himself and others, including the full CD production and live DVD recording for artist Charlyn Davids, where he served as Music Director.
When he’s not behind the keys or at School of Rock Devonbosch, you’ll find him hiking, at the beach, watching Netflix, or spending time with the people he loves.
Charlton Kortje
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Charlton is a dynamic pianist and keyboardist whose playing spans soul, jazz, R&B, gospel, and so much more. Drawing inspiration from icons like Sonny Clark, Oscar Peterson, and Tommy Flanagan, Charlton brings a rich musical depth and versatility to his playing.
With a passion rooted in music and family, Charlton pours heart, groove, and creativity into everything he does, including teaching at School of Rock Devonbosch.
Ashwin Filander
Bass Guitar Teacher
Born in Bellville, Cape Town, Ashwin’s musical journey began in church, following in his father’s footsteps and laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for bass guitar.
Discovered at an open mic in 2011, he went on to spend over a decade with the renowned Cape Town gospel group Kunjalo, touring extensively across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and the USA. During this time, Ashwin shared stages with gospel legends including Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, James Fortune, and Tye Tribbett. In 2018, Ashwin relocated to Johannesburg, joining The Jesus Collective, a multi-award-winning gospel movement dedicated to community upliftment and mentoring emerging musicians. He has since performed and recorded with numerous leading South African artists and appears on multiple gospel albums.
Outside of School of Rock Devonbosch, he is endorsed by Marshall Music, Ashwin is also developing his career as a producer and songwriter under the Prosperity Ash brand.
Mbali Rose
Studio Coordinator
Mbali Rose is a Durban-born singer-songwriter, Nashville-certified vocal coach and research scientist. A classically trained pianist and former chorister, she stepped away from music to pursue a career in medical science, only to rediscover her artistic voice during a formative season working as a scientist in Nashville. There, she taught herself guitar, began writing original songs, and performed in the city’s iconic writers’ rounds.
Upon returning to Cape Town, Mbali was selected as one of six emerging musicians in a local development programme, where she received mentorship in songwriting, vocals and guitar, culminating in the release of her debut single “Gold Dust”. The song has since been featured on various local radio and TV stations.
When she isn’t at School of Rock Devonbosch, writing, or recording music, Mbali is thrifting, practising Pilates, or finding new food spots around the Mother City.