The Team

Alishia van Deventer: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Alishia van Deventer is the CEO, founder and owner of the successful Boutique PR Firm, Starburst Promotions as well as the Management Company, MuseStar Management and Tapputi Egyptian Perfume Oils.

She’s been a respected marketing specialist in the South African Entertainment Industry for more than 18 years. She is very closely involved in the planning and implementation of various projects for corporate companies, projects for record labels, independent artists, films, production houses, publishers, writers and public speakers.

Some of the very successful clients and projects managed by her, include corporate giants like World Leisure Holidays, Huisgenoot, Filmfinity (Pty) Ltd, Dark Matter Studios, Klerekas.com, Ultima Financial Planners as well as acclaimed musicians and groups like JOSHUA NA DIE REËN, Len Muller, Jannie du Toit, Neil Sandilands and many others.

Some of the biggest social media / TikTok stars in South Africa, Chané Grobler and Vourné Kgosinkwe are in her stable and together with her team she managed the successful planning, implementation and releases of over 100 local and international feature films including award winning South African films like PAD NA JOU HART, LEADING LADY, BALLADE VIR ‘N ENKELING, HOLLYWOOD IN MY HUIS, KEEPING UP WITH THE KANDASAMY’S, VIR ALTYD, NOEM MY SKOLLIE (South Africa’s official Oscar entry in 2017), DIE ELLEN PAKKIES STORIE, STROOMOP, VIR DIE VOËLS, KROTOA, MOFFIE.

Some of the international releases they have worked on include: ACRIMONY, I, Tonya, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE, JOHN WICK 3, THE UNFAMILIAR, MILITARY WIVES, PINOCCHIO and THE FATHER. She applies a strong corporate background an out-of-the-box-thinking with her knowledge of the Entertainment Industry to ensure the success of each project she takes on.

E-mail: alishia@starburstmusic.co.za
Cell: 083 635 4717

Gizela Sharim: HEAD OF PUBLICITY

Gizela Sharim is definitely no stranger to the Entertainment Industry. After school, she moved from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg to pursue a career in the Television Industry. Her career officially launched in 1997, when she started working on the popular soap opera, Egoli – Plek van Goud and learned the tricks of the trade by working in various departments of the production. She also played the part of full-time secretary, Liezel Roberts, on the show for four years. 

After ten years at Egoli, she decided to broaden her horizons by focussing on her career as freelance publicist. During this time, she worked as production coordinator on Dans Dans Dans (kykNET) and Idols (M-Net). In 2008 she was appointed as publicist for kykNET soap opera, Villa Rosa, which resulted in her involvement in various other projects, such as Boer Soek ’n Vrou, Getroud met Rugby (series), Donkerland, Hotel, Edik van Nantes and Molly & Wors. 

Gizela also manged the publicity for feature films such as Verraaiers, Roepman, Faan se Trein, Hoofmeisie, Bakgat, Superhelde, Ek Joke Net, The Jakes are Missing, Hard to Get, Keeping up with the Kandasamy’s, as well as various successful theatre productions like Liefling, Aspoestertjie and Sneeuwitjie.

She recently got married to actor, Emcee & Quiz Master, Neil Sharim.

E-mail: gizela101@gmail.com
Cell: 083 399 6869

Steve van Deventer: MANAGING DIRECTOR

Steve van Deventer is a seasoned figure in the music industry, known for his multifaceted career spanning more than 25 years.

As the director of Starburst Promotions, a Boutique PR Firm, he has been making an indelible mark on the industry. Steve’s journey began on stage, where he honed his musical talents, and this firsthand experience has been instrumental in his understanding of the industry.

His transition from the spotlight to behind the scenes marked the start of an illustrious career in music management and promotion. Steve’s unique perspective, acquired from his time as a musician, allowed him to provide invaluable guidance to emerging artists, helping them navigate the complex world of the music business.

In addition to his stage and behind-the-scenes roles, Steve van Deventer also boasts a wealth of radio experience. This background has given him insight into the intricate world of broadcasting and media, allowing him to effectively connect artists with radio stations and other media outlets.

With a quarter-century of experience, Steve’s commitment to fostering emerging talent, coupled with his diverse background in the music industry, has made him a pivotal figure in the promotion and development of music artists. His dedication to the craft has solidified his reputation as a respected and influential director in the music promotion sphere.

E-mail: steve@starburstmusic.co.za
Cell: 082 571 5772

Jacques Coetsee: HEAD OF RADIO & SOCIAL MEDIA

Jacques is the co-owner of Celebrity Tweets & brings a wealth of expertise to the Starburst team as the leader of social media efforts for Starburst and handpicked clients. Jacques has been instrumental in fostering robust relationships with diverse radio stations, TV channels, PR professionals, and prominent figures within the industry.

A dedicated professional, Jacques has successfully completed a certificate in Social Media Marketing from the University of Cape Town, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of digital marketing trends. His extensive experience in social media management and online marketing strategies positions him as a valuable asset in navigating the dynamic landscape of social media.

Beyond his professional pursuits, he is deeply passionate about photography, videography, creative design, and writing, showcasing a multifaceted skill set that enriches the creative endeavors of the Starburst team.

His inclusion in the Boutique PR firm, Starburst Promotions, is a realization of a dream, where his skills and passion align seamlessly with the ethos of the company.

E-mail: jacques@starburstmusic.co.za
Cell: 079 2525 827

Alani Coetsee: PUBLICITY SPECIALIST

Alani Coetsee, co-owner of Celebrity Tweets, is a key player in promoting local talent and brands. With a background as a personal tax consultant for seven years and a Certificate in Taxation from the University of Pretoria, Alani seamlessly transitioned her financial acumen into the entertainment industry.

Over the past five years, her passion for the field transformed from a hobby into a reality, leading her to join the Starburst Promotions team. An avid reader and skilled photographer, Alani’s diverse interests complement her solid social media skills developed over the years.

Alani holds her association with the Starburst team in high regard, representing a meaningful chapter in her professional journey. Her dedication to uplifting local talent aligns perfectly with the ethos of Starburst Promotions, a Boutique PR Firm.

E-mail: alani@starburstmusic.co.za
Cell: 072 442 6918

Danelle El-Far Liebenberg: PUBLICITY SPECIALIST

Danelle Liebenberg El Far is an interesting local social media influencer, who offers a unique perspective on publicity and marketing. She is passionate about her career and handles the PR of top South African artists like ADAM, Nicholis Louw, Tino, Anton Goosen and many other A-list artists. She lives between Egypt and South Africa with her husband and two beautiful children, Dima (1and a half) and Adam (7 months). The 26-year-old qualified Air Hostess, is fluent in Afrikaans, English and Arabic, and discovered the power of social media during her 4 permanent years in Egypt. It was during this time that she truly discovered the impact of social media, and especially how it could be utilised to promote artists and their music to the outside world. Today, having returned to South Africa for a while, she works for Starburst Promotions and uses her skill to promote and add value to the entertainment industry whilst growing her own social media to inspire others and to encourage people to reconsider their perceptions about culture, relationships with one another and perceptions about each other’s religion. What started as a fun project – creating TikTok videos – has turned into something much greater than Danelle anticipated and she now has more than 24800 followers on Instagram and more than 207 000 followers on TikTok. With a personal motto like, “respect is the most important language in the world”, one cannot help but to look at her with the utmost of respect. Danelle grew up in Meyerton, Gauteng, and currently lives in Pretoria with her husband and two young children.