Professor Zoliswa Fikelepi-Twani: is a distinguished Music Professor and Head of Department at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU). With a rich academic background spanning several South African universities, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Having earned her PhD in Music from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), Prof Fikelepi-Twani's research has focused on the intersection of music, empowerment, and rehabilitation. Her doctoral dissertation, "Music Behind Bars: Exploring the Role of Music as a Tool for Empowerment and Rehabilitation at Mthatha Medium Correctional Centre," delved into the transformative power of music within prison settings. Prof Fikelepi-Twani's areas of expertise include Musicology, Ethnomusicology, Western Music History, World Music, African and South African Music History.

Her extensive experience in facilitation and adjudication has spanned a variety of musical genres and organizations. Her interdisciplinary approach to research has led to significant contributions in the fields of music and gender, as well as music and identity. Her chapter on music and the renewal of identities in a South African prison, featured in the book "Music and Identity – Transformation and Negotiation," highlights her commitment to exploring the multifaceted role of music in society. Prof Fikelepi-Twani's scholarly work has been recognized internationally. Her book, "Music behind bars – empowering and rehabilitating offenders," published by Lambert Academic Publishing (LAP) in 2017, has made a lasting impact on the field of music and social justice.