Liam Cova: Rising Star of Cape Town’s Music Scene

Liam Van Der Heyde, known on stage as Liam Cova, is a soulful singer-songwriter and guitarist from Somerset West whose talent has been lighting up Cape Town’s music scene. Whether he’s busking at the V&A Waterfront, Sanctuary Shopping Centre, or Waterstone Village, Liam brings raw passion, authenticity, and a captivating energy to every performance.

His musical journey has already seen him grace some of the city’s most respected stages, including the Baxter Theatre, GrandWest Arena, and Mojo Market. He has also made memorable appearances on platforms such as the Expresso Show, Ekse Live (Cape Town TV), Radio Cape Town, and Helderberg FM.

Liam has shared the stage with notable South African artists including Mujahid George, Carletheia, Isaacs, and Liam Burger, leaving a lasting impression on audiences of all ages with his heartfelt performances.

Beyond Busking: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

This video captures Liam’s artistic evolution through the Beyond Busking Project—from the nerves of his first audition to his powerful creative breakthroughs.

As part of this transformative program, Liam dove into an immersive artistic experience, gaining hands-on training in:

• Songwriting
• Vocal Performance
• Guitar Technique
• Musical Arrangement
• Professional Studio Production

The project marked a significant milestone for Liam—it was his first time stepping into a professional studio and truly understanding the craft behind songwriting and music production. His producer, Ebrahim Mallum, praises Liam for his strong work ethic and emotionally rich vocal tone.

New Single: “Kiss These Scars” – Out Friday, 18 April 2025

Liam Cova’s highly anticipated debut single, “Kiss These Scars,” drops on all major streaming platforms this Friday, 18 April 2025. Written and composed by Liam himself and produced by Ebrahim Mallum at Mallum Studios, the song features Liam on lead vocals and guitar, delivering a raw and powerful performance that speaks straight from the heart.

Pre-save “Kiss These Scars” NOW here. 

Follow Liam for updates and music releases:

• Instagram: @liamcovamusic
• Facebook: @liam.vanderheyde

 

Acknowledgements

The Cape Town Arts Festival extends heartfelt thanks to the incredible mentors and collaborators who played a vital role in Liam’s journey:

• Clive Ridgeway – Songwriting Coach
• Abigail Petersen – Vocal Training
• Bradley Prince – Guitar Mentorship
• Lynne Holmes – Programme Director and mentor, Beyond Busking

 

About the Beyond Busking Project

The Beyond Busking Project 2024/2025 is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering emerging South African artists through skill-building, mentorship, and performance opportunities. Developed by the Cape Town Arts Festival in partnership with Ariva Arts Foundation and its visionary program directors, the project is proudly funded by the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP5).

This initiative is more than a program—it’s a movement that nurtures creativity, promotes inclusivity, and creates meaningful pathways for artists like Liam Cova to thrive in South Africa’s dynamic cultural landscape.

by Nur Felix Film Production