Kristel’s Biography

Kristel studied a BMUS and MMUS degree at WITS University. For her academic performance at WITS she was awarded a Scholarship for music as well as prizes for the best string player. During her studies, she performed regularly at the Lunch Hour concerts, the Wits orchestra concerts and for the Wits Baroque Ensemble.

After completing her degree, she continued performing with various classical ensembles, jazz groups, bands and musical theatre productions.

Her performing career has included a variety music genres and platforms; from classical festivals and lunch hour concerts to big brand product launches and advertising videos. She has made guest appearances for local TV Dramas as a violinist on e-TV’s Backstage (2005) and numerous times on Egoli (2006/7/9) Binnerlanders (2015) and The Queen (2021).

Kristel has collaborated on a number of recordings. She has self-released 10 albums and has been nominated twice for the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) in 2010 and 2020.

She has also recently toured The Netherlands, France and Germany with her duo Cherry Pill. In 2021 her duo Cherry Pill were picked as finalists in the International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMA) for one of their original songs titled ‘The Wheel Keeps Turning’.

• Live Musician • Session Musician • Songwriter/Music Composition
• String Arranging • Vocalist • Music Teacher • Piano Player • Flute Player

Rory’s Biography

Rory Gaddin is a versatile guitarist who has performed in a variety of settings in his more-than 20 years of playing experience. From small private parties to the largest of corporate events, his refined blend of laid-back jazz and contemporary instrumental music is sure to add a sophisticated touch to your next event.

Some of the artists in his extensive repertoire include George Benson, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Wes Montgomery, Frank Sinatra and Sting.
As part of the Cherry Pill Duo, Rory has collaborated on multiple releases including “Chocolate Box” (a collection of original songs), two instrumental albums of Christmas favourites, a classical album titled “Burning Bridges” and the Gypsy-tinged collection titled “Si Tu Savais” which is currently play-listed on Classic FM and Fine Music Radio.

Rory’s song “The Wheel Keeps Turning” was nominated as a finalist in the AfriMusic Song Competition (2020) and in the International Acoustic Music Awards (2020).

In addition to songwriting and performing, Rory also brings his music production magic to Cherry Pill’s recordings. As a long-time recording enthusiast since childhood, he has developed and honed his ear and production skills to produce the unique, high-quality recordings that Cherry Pill is known for.

When he is not making music, Rory can be found at his computer developing software for Raykis, a Cape Town based tech startup which he helped co-found.