Summer Gig Guide: Ebumnandini
Johannesburg remains a gravitational pull for dreamers from across South Africa. From the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal to the vast plains of the Free State, and the coastal whispers of the Western Cape, it is here in the city of gold that talent, resilience, and creativity collide. Among these dreamers are the dynamic voices shaping the pulse of one of South Africa’s most pivotal collectives.
In a conversation with four of the five key players within this inspiring entity, we were struck by their commitment to legacy and vision. Each member brings their own story, their unique flavour of South African experience, yet their unity feels like poetry in motion—a testament to the magnetic energy of Joburg. Through this lens, this interview offers a glimpse into not just the mechanics of their work, but the heart of their mission and the dreams that hold this collective together.
Could you describe the different contributions each team member brings to the collective? How do your individual backgrounds shape what you do within the entity?
Francesco: What really holds Ebumnandini together is our blend of shared values and unique differences. Everyone comes from a distinct background. For example, I’m from Johannesburg, born and raised, and still living here. Lenzo grew up in Rustenburg and moved to Joburg. Ayema is originally from KZN, and Khanya is from Soweto. Each of us represents different parts of South Africa, which strengthens our perspective and helps us think beyond our personal bubbles.
Our roles reflect these differences. For instance, Jakinda and I are both fine artists and graphic designers, focusing on the creative side. Lenzo and I also DJ, while Khanya and Lenzo often tackle strategic aspects. Personally, I lean heavily into design, ensuring the artistic vision is cohesive.
Lenzo: Our strengths complement each other. For example, Ayema often handles production on event days, while I focus on marketing, strategy, and partner communication. Khanya is instrumental in social media and daily operations, managing the smaller but crucial details that keep everything running smoothly.
What sets us apart is our fluid approach. While we each have specific strengths, we don’t stick rigidly to defined roles. Instead, we support one another across departments, which fosters collaboration and adaptability.
Can you share a memorable moment when an attendee or performer found their voice through Ebumnandini? Or a moment that affirmed you as an entity.
Nokukhanya: One moment that stands out for me is with DJ TRNKS, who started working with us at the door and eventually became a DJ. One of his biggest milestones was performing at House of Vans. He even came to thank me personally for the role we played in his journey. That was incredibly affirming.
Jakinda: Agreed! There have been so many moments like that. For instance, when we hosted Ama Dando at Kitcheners, it was exciting to give a relatively unknown act a platform. Similarly, having Lelo perform at Boiler Room and showcasing Pona at House of Vans are examples of how we’ve elevated emerging talent. These moments remind me why I love what we do.
Francesco: I’d add that our relationships with artists often start small, at venues like Kitcheners, and grow into something much bigger. House of Vans was a pivotal moment, but it never distracted us from our core mission of giving emerging artists a voice. Supporting talents like Brother Kupa and Jaykatana reflects our commitment to this mission.
Lenzo: For me, the early days of Ebumnandini were special because we brought together people from all walks of life—politicians, ravers, creatives—all in one space. Seeing them express themselves freely affirmed that we were creating something meaningful.
To what degree do you think how you present yourself is part of what you do?How How do you select collaborators and establish themes, and how did you land on your current aesthetic
Jakinda: Our aesthetic is deeply inspired by Johannesburg—its textures, diversity, and energy. From there, we branch into other influences, like Nollywood and broader Pan-African aesthetics. Fran often leads the design process, ensuring our visuals align with our identity.
As for collaborators, it’s a mix. We suggest DJs and creatives we’re excited about, and sometimes we explore submissions from people who reach out. However, we’re quite selective, choosing individuals and brands that align with our values and vision.
Francesco: Collaborations come naturally when we find change-makers—people doing unique and impactful work. Johannesburg’s melting pot of cultures is a huge influence on our design narrative. We aim to compete on a global level while staying rooted in the city’s rich diversity.
Are there specific challenges in curating multi-sensory events?
Lenzo: Challenges are constant, whether it’s securing funding or building relationships with brands. Six years in, we’re still navigating these hurdles, but they’ve taught us resilience.
Jakinda: Production challenges, like finding venues or fixing technical issues, have been tough but invaluable. They’ve taught us how to execute high-quality events almost anywhere, which is now one of our strengths.
How do you envision your role in shaping South Africa’s creative and nightlife scenes over the next decade?
Nokukhanya: I envision Ebumnandini hosting large-scale festivals across Africa and beyond. Personally, I’d love to grow our social media presence globally and use the insights we gain to refine our approach.
Francesco: Our goal is to reach the right people, amplify underrepresented voices, and create spaces that reflect the richness of our culture while competing on a global stage.
Lenzo: I hope we inspire others to take risks and create spaces like this. We want to show that it’s possible to bring unique ideas to life and build something meaningful. It’s about empowering the next generation to express themselves and keep these kinds of spaces growing.
Jakinda: I want us to be remembered for providing a platform for creatives and those who feel excluded by mainstream spaces. Ebumnandini is a place where people can be themselves, encounter new ideas, and connect with diverse individuals. It’s about challenging norms and fostering freedom of expression.
The summer gig guide start here so secure your Tickets to Ebumnandini
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