PACE Team

The PACE Team is truly multi-national from across Africa and the world! Led by Nike Jonah and Erwin Maas the team is passionate about creating networks across the world to grow and develop creative industries in and around the continent of Africa.

NIke Jonah

PACE Co-Executive Director

Nike is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Pan-African Creative Exchange (PACE) and the Director of Connecting Dots, an arts consultancy supporting clients across the creative industries. A keen advocate for diversity and equity in the arts, she has worked as a consultant across Australia, South Africa, Senegal, the Netherlands, Denmark, the UK, Canada, the USA, Ireland, Nigeria, and South Korea. From 2017 to 2020, Nike was a Visiting Research Fellow at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, leading to her current research on Pan-African Performance Networks. In 2024–2025, she co-led a research pilot with DAS Graduate School in Amsterdam, exploring the decolonisation of producer training as part of the Global Research and Exchange Network for Creative Producers. From 2004 to 2012, Nike led Arts Council England’s Decibel Programme, supporting African, Asian, and Caribbean artists. The last two editions (2009 and 2011) were expanded to include intersectional diversity, particularly focusing on marginalized and minoritized communities. She also produced four editions of the Decibel Performing Arts Showcase, the Arts Council’s flagship diversity initiative. Nike has led numerous discussions and workshops worldwide, spanning North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. She serves as a trustee of the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and the Royal Africa Society and advises the RIGHTABOUTNOW Festival (Netherlands) and the Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre (Canada).

Erwin Maas

PACE Co-Executive Director

Erwin Maas is a New York based theatermaker, curator, educator, and international arts advocate from the Netherlands with extensive international experience across a variety of creative and community contexts. As a curious traveler, he prioritises a collaborative spirit and embraces contemporary and interdisciplinary approaches driven by a vision that centres culture and the arts at the core of society. The integration of holistic practice, diversity, equity, and inclusion stands as a fundamental principle in his work. In New York, his directions both Off Broadway and site specific, have received multiple NYTimes Critic’s Picks, and his 2024 production of ’Tuesdays With Morrie’ (starring Len Cariou) received the Off Broadway Alliance Award for Best Play Revival. He is especially passionate about developing new or existing works with local artists and/or communities, and has done so all around the world. His directing work ranges from plays by contemporary playwrights to devised, interdisciplinary immersive projects, opera, music theatre and dance with performances for all ages. Maas is the Co-Executive Director of the Pan-African Creative Exchange (PACE) and teaches at CUNY Brooklyn College's MFA Performance & Interactive Media Arts Program (PIMA). As former Artistic Director of the International Society for Performing Arts (ISPA), Director of the Fellowship Program for the International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY), and Director of Performing Arts for the Cultural Department of the Royal Netherlands Embassy and Consulates in the USA, Maas offers an extensive knowledge and network in the international cultural field with a focus on international cultural relations and policy. Erwin is a core-member of Theater Without Borders, a member of Georgetown University's Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics, Salzburg Global Advisory Council on Culture and Arts, and of the Netherland-America Foundation Cultural Committee. He also serves on the Artistic Advisory Board of the ISSUE Project Room in Brooklyn, the First Nation Spiderwoman Theater, and DecadesOut - an organization at the intersection of Arts, Science & Policy – https://erwinmaas.com

Michelle Horn

PACE Technical Manager

Born in 1987 in Hartswater, Michelle Horn grew up in Jan Kempdorp, before moving to Bloemfontein in 2006. She completed her Honors Degree in Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of the Free State, focusing on Directing and Stage Management. Since beginning her professional career in 2009, Michelle has developed a diverse and extensive portfolio, taking on roles as an actor, director, writer, producer, and stage & production manager for numerous productions. Notably, as a director, she won the Best Local Production award at the 2019 Vrystaat Arts Festival. Michelle's technical career began in 2010 when she joined the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS) as a Stage Manager. Her dedication and expertise led to her role as Technical Assistant for the Vrystaat Arts Festival in 2013, which evolved into Technical Coordinator in 2014, and ultimately to Technical Manager in 2021. As Technical Manager, Michelle oversees the logistics and management of technical equipment, staff, and scheduling for up to 14 venues annually at the prestigious Vrystaat Arts Festival, a prominent national event in Bloemfontein that celebrates South African art and culture. In addition to her work with the Vrystaat Arts Festival, Michelle currently serves as the Technical Manager and Coordinator for the Pan African Creative Exchange (PACE), where she handles administrative and logistical tasks. She is also the Stage Services Manager at PACOFS, where she manages five theatres, including the renowned Sand du Plessis and Andre Huguenet Theatres. The Sand du Plessis Theatre is one of the largest venues in South Africa, further underscoring the significance of Michelle's role within the organisation. With her impressive technical expertise, leadership skills, and passion for the performing arts, Michelle continues to contribute significantly to the development and execution of large-scale theatre productions and festivals.

Isobel Hawson

PACE Director

Isobel has worked in political, young peoples’ theatre and regional producing theatres, radio and television since the early ’70’s. She lived and worked in Australia where, at the South Australian State Theatre Company, she was part of a team making new work for young people and touring across the country and internationally. Returning to England, she led Theatre Centre, Britain’s longest established national touring young people’s theatre company. As a senior officer and Head of Theatre at Arts Council England, she led on theatre policy developments: cultural diversity - Black Regional Initiative in Theatre, aiming at an equitable black and Asian theatre; Eclipse, strategies to combat institutional racism in theatre and, Sustained Theatre, a diverse artist led initiative to transform theatre. In addition, she led on children and young people’s theatre; audience development and, a 3 year initiative to raise the profile of and develop young people’s participatory theatre. She worked across Sweden, Denmark and Norway, sharing strategic developments in diversity and theatre. For the last decade and more, as a freelance theatre producer, consultant and Director of On Tour Ltd, Isobel teaches at Central School on the Creative Producer’s Course, is an Associate with PACE and works with freelance artists and theatre companies, including: 20 Stories High, fingersmiths, Kali Theatre, Phizzical Productions , Vital Xposure, Brolly Productions, Little Fish Theatre, and with Hassan Mahamdallie at Dervish, where currently Spirits of the Black Meridian is in production and Punk Days is in development.

Charles Human

PACE First Nations Ambassador

Charles Human, who also goes by Edward Charles Human is a proud Griqua and Khoi-San heritage advocate, deeply committed to community empowerment, cultural preservation, and creative expression. Based in Bloemfontein in the Free State Province, Edward is widely recognized both nationally and internationally for his leadership and activism across cultural, heritage, and artistic sectors. As a dedicated Community Liaison Officer, Edward has worked extensively with diverse communities, fostering collaboration and understanding across ethnic and cultural lines. His passion for storytelling through photography, videography, and editing began in 2000 and continues to grow through his creative and professional pursuits.

Michael Garbett

Vrystaat Arts Festival Director

Role Michael is a theatre academic, educator, and award-winning artist and designer. He is passionate about the possibilities for arts and education to empower individuality, establish and strengthen cross-cultural bonds, and promote social cohesion and justice. He has proven experience in scholarly research and teaching, as well as administration at a tertiary level, producing, directing and acting in professional and amateur theatre, and local and international experience producing, marketing and managing professional theatre work. Michael has established himself as a successful producer and Director for the Vrystaat Arts Festival.

PACE Associates

Funmi Adewole Elliott

PACE Associate

Funmi Adewole Elliott is the founder of FAE Studios, which serves as a platform for her work in arts consultancy, dramaturgy, and performance practice. With over 30 years of professional experience, her career spans journalism and TV production in Lagos, a decade as a touring performer in London, and eight years as a lecturer at De Montfort University, Leicester. She has also contributed to arts management and sector development. Academically, she holds an MA in Postcolonial Studies, a PhD in Dance Studies, and a Professional Certificate in Education. As a dramaturge, she is particularly drawn to artists who blend genres, explore diverse dance and movement vocabularies, or create work that interrogates political and cultural discourses. Her international experience includes work across Europe, Africa, and Canada. In 2017, she led a dramaturgical lab for Dance Immersion, Canada, and later co-designed and co-facilitated labs for the Pan-African Creative Exchange (PACE)—first an in-person lab in South Africa for West and South African artists, and in 2021, an online Africa and Diaspora Lab with Erwin Maas. She has worked as an outside eye for various artists, including Alesandra Seutin and Vicki Igbokwe, and regularly guest teaches at conservatoires and arts organisations such as Siobhan Davies Studios, E15, The Place, PARTS, Laban, L’École des Sables, and The Guild of Nigeria Dance Practitioners, among others. Her work continues to shape contemporary performance by amplifying diverse artistic voices. She also owns a Community Interest Company which promotes Creative Health.

Jenni-Lewin Turner

PACE Associate

Jenni Lewin-Turner is the founding director of socially-engaged arts agency Flo Creative (formerly Urbanflo Creative) and has maintained a long portfolio career as an international creative producer, cultural broker, consultant, researcher, curator and EDIA consultant. Jenni is a PhD candidate at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama researching cultural memory and the psychological impact of media representation. Her qualifications include an MA in Cultural Leadership and an MA in Media Practice for Development and Social Change. Jenni’s international cultural initiatives include collaborations with partners based across the Caribbean, USA, Africa and the UK. Her local projects include curating exhibitions and cultural programmes for Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe. Additionally, in partnership with local cultural agencies and Pan-African Creative Exchange (PACE) she also devised and produced ‘Culture ConneX’, a groundbreaking multi-disciplinary series of performances (theatre, music, dance, comedy & spoken word), visual art exhibitions, film screenings, symposia and career development masterclasses. Culture ConneX has inclusive practice and intercultural dialogue at its core - providing a unique platform to raise the voice and visibility of marginalised communities. Amongst her governance commitments, Jenni serves on the boards of trustees for All England Dance, Brighton People’s Theatre, Creative Future and the Lovey Foundation (UK). She also previously served on the board of Brighton Fringe, England’s largest arts festival and she continues to produce an annual programme and provide bursaries and mentoring to enable more diverse artists to participate

Vian Roos

PACE Associate

Vian Roos is a multidisciplinary artist specialising in graphic design, photography, and made art. Inspired by the everyday stories of South Africa's people, his photography captures landscapes and the simple yet profound activities of individuals from underrepresented communities that create captivating stories to immerse viewers in seamless visual narratives. Hailing from Bethlehem and currently based in Pretoria, He holds an MA in Design and works as a visual communication lecturer at CTU Training Solutions, his work merges creative thinking and experience design to explore new possibilities in the field of design and visual communication.

Gacirah Diagne

PACE Associate

A cultural promoter of Senegalese-Somali origin, Gacirah Diagne received extensive training in classical, jazz, modern, and African dance in Dakar, Paris, and New York (Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Center, BFA-City College of New York). As a dancer-performer and choreographer, she has taught dance classes in several American schools and universities and toured internationally. She began her choreography career in 1999. Her creations have been presented in the United States, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, and Senegal. In 2010, she participated in the organization of the 3rd World Festival of Black Arts as a Dance Commissioner. In 2011, she founded Kaddu, the first hip-hop dance company in Senegal. She has also gained extensive experience in cultural administration, having worked for renowned cultural organizations in the United States and Senegal (Danspace at St. Mark's Church, Arts International, 651 Arts, French Cultural Center of Dakar, Ecole des Sables). She was a founding member of the Maison des Cultures Urbaines in Dakar in 2011 and served as Technical Advisor, in charge of urban cultures, at the Senegalese Ministry of Culture from 2012 to 2014. She has been a jury member for numerous competitions including the 2017 Grand Prix du Chef de l'Etat, the 2017 Francophonie Games, the 2017 & 2019 Performing Arts Market (MASA), One Discover, Battle FéNomène, Jakarlo ak Thiossane Festival, Diamono Feccis'cool, 6th Choreographic Meetings of Africa and the Indian Ocean (Culturesfrance), Urban Groove, National Festival of Arts and Culture (FESNAC), Nescafé African Revelations, WAPI (British Council), Sunu Music Awards. For the past twenty years, she has been the artistic director and organizer of numerous projects and events, including the Kaay Fecc Festival, the National Battle – Hip Hop Dance, and the Urbanation BBoy, organized by the Kaay Fecc Association, which she leads. In 2023, the Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee (Cojoj) - Dakar 2026 - entrusted her with the artistic direction of the opening ceremony of the Dakar en Jeux Festival, organized in preparation for the next YOG. Since 2022, she has been the president of the National Committee for the Promotion of Dance Sport, the step before the creation of the Senegalese Sport Dance Federation, involved in the organization of the 2026 YOG (Breaking discipline).

Omotara Oyefeso

PACE 2025 Intern

Omotara Oyefeso is a creative with a passion for filmmaking and creative writing. Currently studying Film and Literature in the UK at the University of Warwick, her work draws from a deep interest in storytelling across mediums. Previously, she has already worked im positions such as a writer and co-creator of the international online animation and comic studio ‘Nuve’, where she helped to craft storylines often exploring themes of identity, culture and youth. Through her creative practice, she seeks to connect with audiences by telling stories that are both personal and universally resonant.

PACE Producer in Residence

PACE Producers in Residence is a transformative shadowing and exchange programme for mid-career performing arts and event producers looking to expand their international networks and expertise.

Natasha Ama Eck

PACE Producer in Residence

Natasha Ama Eck is a British-born artist, educator, producer, and project manager by way of Ghana and Jamaica, with over 15 years of experience in arts, education, and cultural leadership. She is the founder of Ama PM, a project management consultancy focused on bridging the gap between artistic vision and infrastructure. Natasha is passionate about amplifying the voices of African and diasporic artists and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable global arts ecosystem. Trained in dance at Bird College (UK) and York University (Canada), and performed with COBA (Collective of Black Artists), and V’Works led by Vivine Scarlett, founder of dance Immersion. Natasha’s artistic practice is deeply influenced by mentorship from Dr. Yanique Hume (Cave Hill, UWI) and Diane Roberts, (Arrivals Legacy Project), with a focus on African knowledge systems, sacred arts practices, and embodied memory. These traditions fuel her current artistic practice—one that is grounded in respect, curiosity, and sovereignty. Holding a BFA and BEd from York University, Natasha has over a decade of experience in culturally responsive arts education across Canada. She also holds a Certificate in Programme Evaluation for Youth Wellbeing from YouthREX in addition to being a standing member of the Ontario Teachers’ College. Natasha’s arts management and producing experience includes working with renowned artists and organisations such as Nadia Myre, Vincent Mantsoe, Arrivals Legacy Project and Mafa Dance Village. She most recently started working with Jaberi Dance Theatre and Turn Out Radio. Her project management expertise extends to the marketing industry, where she has led international virtual teams and executed large-scale digital campaigns. Additionally, Natasha co-hosts the Arts Administration in Africa virtual series with Dr. Taiwo Afolabi through the Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre (C-SET), contributing to global conversations on sustainable arts leadership.

Thandeka Nheke

PACE Producer in Residence

Thandeka is a passionate arts administrator and project manager with over 15 years of experience in the creative industry. She is an alumna of Tshwane University of Technology, where she studied Musical Theatre, and also holds a Certificate in Project Management from the University of Johannesburg. Currently serving as a Project Officer at The Market Theatre Laboratory, Thandeka has played a key role in producing award-winning theatre productions such as Noord!, HANI: The Legacy, and The Little Prince. Her career has also allowed her to collaborate with esteemed organizations, including Diartskonageng, Tsammu, Creative Careers, and POPArt Studio. As the founder of BONONO Kreativez, she produces independent theatre and has had the privilege of working with renowned artists such as MoMo Matsunyane (2023 Standard Bank Young Artist winner for Theatre) and Monageng "Vice" Motshabi (Founder of Diartskonageng and 2016 Standard Bank Young Artist winner for Theatre). Driven by a deep commitment to artistic growth and innovation, Thandeka is dedicated to shaping the future of theatre by merging creative vision with strong organisational expertise. She continuously strives to create meaningful and impactful artistic experiences within the industry.

Cheng Qian

PACE Production Assistant

Cheng is a theatre producer and interpreter based in London and Beijing. She has expertise in international theatre, community works and cross-cultural communication practices. Cheng is passionate about new work and innovative, contemporary approaches to theatre, and is currently pursuing an MA in Creative Producing at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

PACE Technical

Renier Horn

PACE Technical Coordinator

Renier Horn is a highly experienced event production specialist with over 15 years in the live events and entertainment industry. Based in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Renier has built a solid reputation for excellence in lighting, video, and production management through his companies Blazing Black and Linu Systems, both of which he owns and operates. Renier holds a B.Com in Information Technology from the University of the Free State (2008), and has continually expanded his expertise through specialised training. His credentials include Avolites Titan Lighting Console training, Prolyte Group rigging certification (with a remarkable 104% exam result), and Working at Height certification from High Speed Training in the UK. His career features a wide array of prestigious projects, including long-term work as an LED/Video Technician for Creative Technology Asia Pacific on the Australian Open (2010–2019, 2023), as well as the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics. He has also served as a freelance technician in Qatar, working on major events like the WISH Conference and the Qatar Sport Excellence Awards in 2018. Renier's production credits include roles as Production Manager, HOD Lighting, and Stage Manager for events such as the Grey College Music Festival, Lady Grey Passion Play, and Shoprite Top Stars Semi-Finals Roadshow. Since 2022, he has taken on the role of Technical Coordinator for the Vrystaat Arts Festival. Renier is fluent in both English and Afrikaans and is known for his strong leadership, technical problem-solving skills, and ability to perform under pressure. With extensive knowledge in lighting systems, video and broadcast technology, and network infrastructure, Renier continues to push the boundaries of event production in Southern Africa and beyond.

Oladotun Osafile

PACE+ Technical Production Manager in residence

Oladotun Osafile is a highly experienced Events Project and Production Professional based in Lagos, Nigeria, with a remarkable 14-year career in the industry. Her extensive expertise spans venue management, event production planning, and comprehensive event management. Dotun is passionate about curating unforgettable experiences across a variety of formats, including live music performances, theatre productions, conferences, festivals, and concerts. In addition to her production work, she is a dedicated live event production educator, committed to sharing her knowledge and elevating industry standards. Over the course of her career, Dotun has contributed significantly to the success of several major projects. From 2010 to 2015, she directed and managed production at the prestigious Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, ensuring top-tier event execution at one of Lagos’s leading venues. Between 2013 and 2019, she led the planning and execution of the Youth Music Fiesta, a major annual event that attracted significant youth engagement and media attention. Her role in Gidifest from 2015 to 2019 was pivotal to the festival’s growing reputation as a vibrant celebration of music and culture. More recently, from 2020 to 2024, Dotun played an instrumental role in producing the Fuji Opera, a unique concert series blending traditional and contemporary musical expressions to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Fuji music in Nigeria. Her versatility in the arts is further demonstrated through her involvement in numerous theatre productions and festivals, including the Lagos Fringe Festival (2018–2024), the Lagos Theatre Festival (2017–2018), Heartbeat the Musical, and the HearWord: Five City Tour in 2022. Across all these projects, Dotun has consistently shown her deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and the arts. Beyond event production, Dotun is passionate about mentorship and education within the industry. She is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of event practitioners, constantly seeking opportunities to share her vast knowledge and insight. Her advocacy for higher standards and professional development has established her as both a leader and a mentor in the field. Driven by a relentless passion for excellence and a commitment to positively impacting her community, Osafile Oladotun continues to dedicate herself to creating world-class events and enriching the broader events industry in Nigeria.

PACE Team

NIke Jonah

Erwin Maas

Michelle Horn

Isobel Hawson

Charles Human

Michael Garbett

PACE Associates

Funmi Adewole Elliott

Jenni-Lewin Turner

Vian Roos

Gacirah Diagne

Omotara Oyefeso

PACE Producer in Residence

Natasha Ama Eck

Thandeka Nheke

Cheng Qian

PACE Technical

Renier Horn

Oladotun Osafile

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PACE 2025

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PACE 2025

PACE Team

NIke Jonah

Erwin Maas

Michelle Horn

Isobel Hawson

Charles Human

Michael Garbett

PACE Associates

Funmi Adewole Elliott

Jenni-Lewin Turner

Vian Roos

Gacirah Diagne

Omotara Oyefeso

PACE Producer in Residence

Natasha Ama Eck

Thandeka Nheke

Cheng Qian

PACE Technical

Renier Horn

Oladotun Osafile

DISCOVER PACE 2025

REGISTER FOR PACE 2025

DISCOVER
PACE 2025

REGISTER FOR
PACE 2025