Jägermeister’s Night Embassy has returned to Joburg nightlife. The mission? A residency programme centred around ‘Freiraum’, a space for unbridled self-expression and unlimited creativity. They relaunched on the 15th of June by hosting an epic party down at the Old JSE Building in Newtown, with sets by DBN Gogo, Blxckie, and ByLwansta. The mission continues this weekend when Night Embassy presents Kaofela Kaofela, a residency by Ambassadors of The Night Kombonation.
This Soweto based creative duo are proud to bring Kaofela Kaofela to the streets of Soweto on 24, 25 and 26 June. Tickets are free on www.night-embassy.com/jhb/. This elevated Kasi nightlife experience will feature music from the likes of Focalistic, Bonj, Deniece Marz, Mam Thug, Teedo Love and Kombonation themselves, as well as Skate Contests, their latest T-shirt drop and photography exhibitions at the iconic Uncle Tom’s in Orlando West.
Market Photography Workshop graduates Kabelo Sello (Freshthings) and Kgotso Selomah (Slim Rose) founded Kombonation in 2018. They are a Soweto-based pre-to-post-production start-up, specializing in real and raw visual storytelling. Aside from being a soulful kwaito, meets kasi rap and R&B band, Kabelo and Kgotso also design clothing that showcases their photographic skills and expresses the narratives existing within and beyond their imagery.
“Kaofela Kaofela is the alternative Kasi nightlife experience we all didn’t know we needed!” Says Slim Rose. “Through street kulture, the photography exhibition, merchandise on sale and music being played, kasi people’s minds will be opened to a fresh way of partying, one that is not just about a good time, but a great life experience to remember for keeps.” Says Slim Rose.
Her partner Kabelo continues, “Throughout the weekend and the venue, a photo exhibition showcasing the beauty of the people and the places in Soweto will be up for everyone to marvel at. The last two nights start a bit earlier to celebrate one of street kultures primary kommunities, the skate community, by way of the Kaofela Kaofela Skate Kontest curated by Perfect Weather Skate Foundation, with the dopest branded decks and other exciting prizes to be won. Of course, what’s a party with no musik? A living legend from a township of the kapital city of Souda, Pitori and self-proclaimed Presidente Ya Straata, Focalistic, will be Kaofela with us on our first night!”
On the line-up: “Expect many DJ’s that rock Joburg city nights such as Konglomorates Deepsoulja Network and the Hotbox Party, as well as Teedo Love, Deniece Marz and musikal gangster MamThug who will make sure the vibes are always in check throughout the weekend! On the last night, live acts by Sowetan bands Bonj, Amukelani, alongside hosts Kombonation, will seal the deal,” Kabelo says.
Why Kaofela Kaofela as a party name? Slim Rose explains: “Kombonation is founded by a young couple from eKasi, a place of low morale, high rates of teenage pregnancy, alcoholism and drug abuse. There’s hardly ever eletricity, so we boldly represent light, hope, progress and unity, hence we called our Night Embassy residency Kaofela Kaofela, to conjure the spirit of togetherness.”
Slim Rose is excited about this weekend as she believes “Our residency will kontribute to the shift of the Kasi nightlife landscape. As Kombonation, we’re essentially about doing anything with purpose, even in spontaneity, so partying with the intention of inspiring townships and beyond to do great things in their communties is paramount.”
KAOFELA KAOFELA LINEUP
Friday 24 June – For the Kasi, By the Kasi! 18:00 to 23:00.
Kwaito/House/Amapiano: Focalistic, Qualidee , Bomzi, Buhle, Zu, Kevin Deep, Terra, Jukebox, Freshboy
Kaofela Kaofela Merch Drop
A staple in Kombo clothing is the T-Shirt. This weekend they welcome the Kaofela series; group shots zase Kasi turned into illustrations by graphic designer Thapelo the Artist.
Saturday 25 June – Monate Nice! 14:00 to 23:00
14:00 – 18:00 – Skate Kontest / Arcade games
RnB/HipHop/Alternative DJs: Mr 55, Dr SG, Chino Soul, Jabulani Cindi, Teedo Love, Nekita, Deniece Marz, Jägermeister Brass Cartel
The Skate Kontest, curated by Night Embassy Creative Board member Day Marumo’s Perfect Weather Skate Foundation, warms up this fun night! Board games and arcade games will be included around the venue.
Sunday 26 June – Live Eb’suku! 15:00 to 22:00
15 :00 – 18:00 – Skate Finals
18:00 – 22:00 – Main Event
Live acts & DJs: Aboot ET, Jimm&Tonic, MamThug, Rocco, Amu, Bonj, Thando Simelane, Kombonation.
Kaofela Kaofela’s closing night is a celebration of living legends! “Most of our live acts – as well as Kombonation – are not widely known yet, so we’re proud to be bringing fresh sounds to 2022 and beyond! Kaofela Kaofela aims to make an indelible mark on the Kasi nightlife scene and kreativity as a whole, so this weekend will be nothing short of amazing,” says Kabelo.
