Summer Gig Guide: Kwa Gogo
Remember how fun summertime Kwa Gogo was when we were growing up? DBN GOGO said hold my cup with my face on it – I am going to bring back that nostalgia. In this interview DBN Gogo chats about her platform Kwa Gogo. We draw out her inspirations and vision in developing the platform, as well as her thoughts on its impact and future.
Through passion, skill, and determination DBN Gogo has mastered her own path in the music industry as a DJ , music producer, and cultural powerhouse through her vibrant personality and undeniable talent in the Amapiano genre.
How did your background and experiences in the music industry influence the vision for Kwa Gogo?
When I started Kwa Gogo, it was quite early in my career. I created it as a platform to profile and uplift women in music. In fact, one of Desiree’s first gigs was at Kwa Gogo. The event was hosted at TSC in Hatfield, Pretoria, where we held two editions. After those, I realised how challenging event planning could be. I decided to go back to the drawing board and build an event property that would make sense over time.
Fast forward, the next event I hosted was the Thokoza Café launch at Zone 6, which also turned into a Halloween party. It was a great success and really got us into the groove of promoting and hosting events. The following year, we organised the What’s Real launch at Zone 6, which also did well.
In 2023, I decided to bring Kwa Gogo back. I felt that the market was missing a good, reasonably priced one-day festival with multiple stages. We pulled the entire event together in just one month, including marketing. To my surprise, people came out in droves. We had three stages, and brands jumped on board at the last minute. There were no major complaints afterward, which I was grateful for. Everyone had fun, and the turnout included a lot of women, which was very meaningful to me.
The day before the show, we had 85 acts confirmed compared to just 11 when we first started planning. Although I performed for 15 minutes, Kwa Gogo isn’t about me. It’s my “house,” and I want other artists to enjoy themselves on stage. I want it to be a safe space where people can have fun.
We were fortunate to host a Women’s Day edition in Pretoria, and now all roads lead to the December event.
How do you decide on the artists and creators you work with for Kwa Gogo?
I aim to curate an event that doesn’t just follow trends but instead touches all the basics. I want the music to be immersive and to take people on a journey. It’s important for me to showcase artists who bear their souls and excel at what they do professionally. Everything in the space needs to connect.
I love including people I respect and admire. My main focus is on bringing variety and making sure that the lineup reflects diversity in styles and voices.
How does Kwa Gogo reflect your personal taste and style?
Even this year, when we were designing the flyer, I suggested using a collage style because it’s synonymous with our cups. It’s a little grungy and very reflective of my personal taste. While it doesn’t necessarily scream “Kwa Gogo,” the event doesn’t yet have a fixed brand identity outside of me as the host.
Kwa Gogo is still a new property, and it could evolve into anything. For now, we’re experimenting. After a few more editions—perhaps in three years—we’ll establish a more consistent brand identity, including a logo that grows with the event.
I want the vibe to remain easygoing. I don’t want to overthink it right now. We’ll refine it as we go along, staying flexible and open to change.
What do you think the South African music industry needs more of right now, and how can platforms like Kwa Gogo help address this?
I think lineups should be the last thing organisers focus on. The priority should be the overall experience. It’s important to consider how people feel at an event. Details like clean and accessible bathrooms, enough food vendors, and minimal waiting time at the bar really matter.
South African consumers crave entertainment, but financial constraints make it difficult to deliver everything. When curating an event, you have to be mindful of these factors. If attendees don’t feel like they’ve had a good time, it’s a missed opportunity. Often, it’s the small, thoughtful touches in planning that elevate the experience.
What are your long-term goals for Kwa Gogo? Are there specific milestones you’re aiming for?
I want Kwa Gogo to become a travelling party, headlined by women, that people are excited to attend. I’d love to see it grow into an international event. There’s never been a more important time for thoughtful event curation. With so many new talents entering the industry, it’s crucial to create opportunities for them.
Promoters aren’t always booking these fresh voices, so hosting my own events allows me to bring them directly into the fold.
My goal is for Kwa Gogo to keep empowering not only the artists but also the service providers and everyone involved in making the event a success.
The summer gig guide start here so secure your Tickets to Kwa Gogo
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