All rounders

Jawaahier, A’eesha, Fatiema and Ashur Petersen, actors, musicians & singers

District Six will always be remembered for its vibrant music, smooth jazz, and the upbeat songs of the Klopse. District Six: The Musical – a work by David Kramer and the much-loved late musician, composer and director Taliep Petersen – is one of SA’s most famous productions.

With parents as talented as Petersen and singer Madeegha Anders, it should come as no surprise that their children are following in their footsteps. The eldest, Jawaahier, is a series regular on Afrikaans soapie Suidooster on kykNET, as the character Kaashiefa. A’eesha recently made her debut as Nazli on Melody, on SABC2. The youngest, Fatiema, is a social worker but sings and performs on the side. And as for Taliep’s only son, Ashur? He’s a singer, musician, producer – and even competed on The Voice!

Surprisingly, the sisters only recently started exploring their artistic talents. Although both their parents were musically gifted, they didn’t have a very ‘musical’ upbringing. But in the end, it was inevitable. ‘The music just naturally came,’ says Ashur.