A 23-year-old from Somerset West has swapped the lecture halls of Stellenbosch University for the performance stage, trading test tubes for a guitar and using his pen to write lyrics instead of formulas.
Liam van der Heyde, who completed his Bachelor of Science in Conservation Ecology at Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2023, has performed on major stages at the V&A Waterfront and appeared on the Expresso morning show. He was also selected for the Cape Town Arts Festival’s Beyond Busking Project, allowing him to write and record his own song. “I am very passionate about nature, the outdoors and the planet,” he said, having previously planned to complete his Master’s degree. After not being selected for his desired project he found inspiration in a live performance by Capetonian Will Linley.
“Music has always been a hobby, and I never considered it as a possible career until last year,” said Van der Heyde, who began his musical journey as a busker at Somerset Mall and soon moved to open mic nights at venues such as Triggerfish Brewery.
Liam credits his parents’ support in helping him chase his goals, despite singing practise at home becoming “quite loud”. His younger brother, Joshua, who graduated from SU last year, now joins him on stage.
“Performing is far less daunting now there are two of us,” said Joshua.
Liam hopes to use his music to promote caring for the planet.
