About Us
The KEYJ Foundation was established by Chantal Daniels in honour of her son, Kian Jordan Daniels, a talented young musician, drummer and DJ known as DJ KEYJ. Kian passed away on 18 April 2021 at the age of 17, while in matric and full of promise for the future. Music was a powerful source of joy, creativity and self-expression in his life, and it became the inspiration at the heart of the foundation created in his memory.
Founded in 2022, the KEYJ Foundation was born from both loss and purpose — to support young people facing challenges such as mental health struggles, peer pressure, poverty and limited opportunities. Through music platforms, mentorship, school programmes and awareness initiatives, the foundation seeks to create hope, connection and opportunity for youth in our communities.
Through music platforms, mentorship, school-based programmes and mental wellness initiatives, the Foundation uses music as a bridge for expression, confidence-building and healing, creating opportunities for young people to discover their strengths, access support and experience positive connection with others.
Led by a dedicated board and supported by passionate volunteers and partners, the KEYJ Foundation continues to grow Kian’s legacy by using music as a tool for healing, empowerment and positive change.
About Us
The KEYJ Foundation was established by Chantal Daniels in honour of her son, Kian Jordan Daniels, a talented young musician, drummer and DJ known as DJ KEYJ. Kian passed away on 18 April 2021 at the age of 17, while in matric and full of promise for the future. Music was a powerful source of joy, creativity and self-expression in his life, and it became the inspiration at the heart of the foundation created in his memory.
Founded in 2022, the KEYJ Foundation was born from both loss and purpose — to support young people facing challenges such as mental health struggles, peer pressure, poverty and limited opportunities. Through music platforms, mentorship, school programmes and awareness initiatives, the foundation seeks to create hope, connection and opportunity for youth in our communities.
Through music platforms, mentorship, school-based programmes and mental wellness initiatives, the Foundation uses music as a bridge for expression, confidence-building and healing, creating opportunities for young people to discover their strengths, access support and experience positive connection with others.
Led by a dedicated board and supported by passionate volunteers and partners, the KEYJ Foundation continues to grow Kian’s legacy by using music as a tool for healing, empowerment and positive change.
Our Vision
A South Africa where young people from under-resourced communities are mentally healthy, empowered to express themselves through music, and able to pursue fulfilling careers in music and the arts.
Our Vision
A South Africa where young people from under-resourced communities are mentally healthy, empowered to express themselves through music, and able to pursue fulfilling careers in music and the arts.
Our Mission
Mental Health Support Services
Learners in under-resourced schools gain access to trained Peer Mentors, trauma workshops & counselling that help them self-regulate and talk about their mental health, which reduces the stigma around mental health and normalizes asking for help. Serious cases are connected to professional services via a structured referral pathway with the school and Hope House. Teachers become champions of learner wellbeing.
Music Education & Expression
Music provides learners with a creative, expressive outlet that supports emotional regulation Young people with musical talent receive access to instruments and structured learning. Music reduces idle time and provides a positive alternative for at-risk youth. Learners find community, belonging and identity through shared music experience.
Music Events & Platforms
Garden Concerts and MOM Bands create lasting, school-based music structures Young people are seen, celebrated and given a public platform for their music, Events spark passion, aspiration and possibility for music and arts careers. MH Music Ambassadors inspire the next generation through lived.experience
Our Mission
Mental Health Support Services
Learners in under-resourced schools gain access to trained Peer Mentors, trauma workshops & counselling that help them self-regulate and talk about their mental health, which reduces the stigma around mental health and normalizes asking for help. Serious cases are connected to professional services via a structured referral pathway with the school and Hope House. Teachers become champions of learner wellbeing.
Music Education & Expression
Music provides learners with a creative, expressive outlet that supports emotional regulation Young people with musical talent receive access to instruments and structured learning. Music reduces idle time and provides a positive alternative for at-risk youth. Learners find community, belonging and identity through shared music experience.
Music Events & Platforms
Garden Concerts and MOM Bands create lasting, school-based music structures Young people are seen, celebrated and given a public platform for their music, Events spark passion, aspiration and possibility for music and arts careers. MH Music Ambassadors inspire the next generation through lived.experience
Meet The Team
Meet The Team
Chantal Daniels
Founding Director
Carmelita Pastor
Director
Lynette Bessick
Director
Raoul Wilhelm
Finance
Chantal Daniels
Founding Director
Carmelita Pastor
Director
Lynette Bessick
Director
Raoul Wilhelm
Finance
Previous & current Ambassadors & partners include:
Chad Chitter (Mental Health Awareness ambassador)
George Werner & IMAD/Little Giants (Prolific musician & advisor – and KeyJ Foundation beneficiaries)
PennyLane Studios (Recording Studio, hosting of KeyJ Foundation events)
Eastern Acoustics (Sound Engineering partner, KeyJ Foundation events)
FoxFive Media (Media advisory consultant & sponsor)
George Stubbs & DNA Connect (Network & advisory partners)
Western Cape Dept of Health (Southern & Western districts) (Mental Health Awareness collaborations with public sector healthcare clinicians/psychologists)
Redwing Consulting (Website/email hosting and sponsorship)
