Serious Trust - Trustees & Patrons

Trustees

Joel Kibazo (Chair)

Joel is a former diplomat, journalist, and founding partner of JK Associates, a London-based public affairs consultancy focusing on Africa.

'Music has been a passion throughout my life and combined with the chance to help bring on the next generation of musicians meant joining Serious Trust was an opportunity I could not resist. I find there is no greater joy than working with my colleagues to assist in the development of young talent and finding the stars of the future.'

Vera Kwakofi

Vera is an experienced Media Management Executive and Current Affairs Editor at BBC World Service Group.

'My first encounter with Serious began in Ghana in a collaboration with African Artists to mark the millennium. The commitment of Serious to building relationships and breaking down barriers through the music has always attracted my attention and now as a Trustee of Serious Trust, I get to be part of that story of supporting future talent and I couldn’t be happier.'

Anita Scott

Anita is a Partner at Brunswick Group and on the International Board of Brunswick Arts and the Royal Court Theatre.

'I am passionate about jazz and it gives me enormous pleasure to be able support the Trust in bringing this wonderful genre to as wide an audience as possible. Education and supporting new talent is really crucial, together with ensuring that young people have every opportunity to develop their abilities and potential.'

Stephen Smith

Stephen is Asset Quality Review Lead at UBS and provides significant expertise in strategy design, finance and change management.

'I always wanted to play sax as a kid, but never learned to play music. Then someone I love told me to stop moaning, buy a sax and teach myself: jazz was the way in to playing as I could only play by ear. I never was able to play like Coltrane or Webster, but just being able to join a band and play, meant the world to me. Now, I have a chance to help an amazing charity reach out to other people and show them that they too can achieve a dream, whether it be just to listen to a world class musician, try something new or to train as a professional jazz musician. So here's to Serious Trust and to achieving more than you can imagine!'

Anna Feuchtwang

Anna is the Chief Executive of the National Children's Bureau alongside sitting on the Lambeth Early Action Partnership board and several government advice and steering groups.

'Back in 1999 I had one of my favourite ever jobs as Director of On the Line, a charity set up to celebrate the lives of people who live on the 0 degrees meridian line. Serious were the creative producers and through them I was introduced to some amazing musicians culminating in a spectacular gig at Union Chapel by artists from each of the eight countries on the line. So it’s a real thrill to be working with Serious again, indulging my love of jazz and music from across the globe. I know I’ll get a real buzz from being part of a charity that nurtures musical talent, I hope that my experience working across the systems and structures that are meant to support children and young people – and too often don’t – will provide some insight into how much more we can do.'

Rodrigo Voss

Rodrigo is the Head of Operations and Governance at the Forces in Mind Trust and has extensive management experience across the charity and commercial sectors.

'Music has always been a big part of my life; I am excited to join the Board of Serious Trust and contribute to a cause that uses the power of culture to engage, inspire, and transform individuals and communities.'

Froniga Lambert

Froniga is the Chief Operating Officer at the National Centre for Circus Arts, having previously held roles at the Southbank Centre and King's College London.

'Having worked for many years at Southbank Centre, I got to know Serious’ work well and have been lucky enough to attend a number of Jazz Festival performances over the years. The Trust’s support of young and aspiring performers has never been more crucial, and I am delighted to be a part of Serious Trust’s journey.'

Patrons

• Baroness Amos
• Carla Bley
• Jon Snow
• Kwame Kwei-Armah
• Ludovico Einaudi
• Richard Thompson

Seriously Talented Honorary Patrons

• John Surman
• Jules Buckley