Joe Kay has changed modern music discovery forever-from broadcasting in his grandmother’s basement to co-founding Soulection, a global platform that has shaped a generation of artists, DJs, and music lovers. His journey is nothing short of legendary. As the host of Soulection Radio on Apple Music, Joe continues to elevate emerging talent from all over the world. With music and curation at the core, we explore what it truly takes to build a movement that transcends borders and inspires a culture. Episode 38 of THE INSIDE SHOW is brought to you by Black Crown, put your #CrownOnIce.
Chad Hanning, better known as Bushy Wopp, is a South African muralist, painter, and illustrator celebrated for his bold use of color and fluid lines, transforming urban spaces into captivating visual narratives. Drawing inspiration from cartoons, anime, music, and pop culture, With a background in graphic design, Bushy has collaborated with many global brands, but it’s his mental health awareness murals that truly highlight his commitment to using art as a tool for hope and community upliftment.
Kabelo Vincent Ndlovu, aka Uncle Vinny, is one of South Africa’s most vibrant and influential youth culture icons. Known for his energetic personality, unmatched charisma, and trendsetting style, Uncle Vinny has become a force in the entertainment industry. From hosting events and curating music experiences to becoming a voice for the youth, he’s reshaping what it means to be a cultural tastemaker in South Africa. Join us as we explore the world of this unstoppable creative phenomenon
Isabella Rosa Bisogno is the Head Designer at Rosey & Vittori, a locally produced South African fashion brand she co-founded with Steven Eddie Rosenbaum. Drawing inspiration from their shared Italian heritage, the brand started in streetwear a decade ago, and has evolved into offering edgy yet sophisticated apparel for fashion-forward men and women. Known for bold separates, goddess dresses, and unique basics, Rosey & Vittori seamlessly blends South Africa’s vibrant street style with Italian elegance.
John Woolf, founder of A-List Management, is a powerhouse in the talent and entertainment industry. Representing a diverse roster that includes dance music maestro Elderbrook, multi-disciplinary artist Kojey Radical, and Jake Gosling—the producer behind Ed Sheeran’s debut album—John has built a reputation for shaping careers and creating global opportunities. His innovative approach and unmatched industry expertise make him one of the most influential figures in talent management today
Andile Dlamini — also known as Ace or Originalkaapstaadpantsula — turned his passion for thrifting into a platform ( HAPPYVILLE) for rare, hard-to-find items. What began as a side hustle for pocket money evolved into a cultural movement. Rooted in his deep appreciation for quality, Andile and his crew built their own brand, - BROKE — a movement that blends fashion, music, events and a new venue (Broke Klubhouse). From Cape Town’s streets to the global stage, Join us as we get the INSIDE story from one of the visionary minds shaping South Africa’s street culture.”
In this episode of THE INSIDE SHOW, we delve into the creative mind of Greg Walsh, co-founder and CEO of G&G Productions. Greg has been instrumental in orchestrating some of South Africa’s most iconic events, including the renowned Ballito Big Week and the vibrant Rage Festival. Under his leadership, G&G Productions has transformed the entertainment landscape, delivering an unforgettable experience with Luxurious MArbel Circus. Join us as we explore Greg’s journey, his innovative approach to event production, and the stories behind these monumental events. Whether you’re an aspiring event organizer or a fan of South Africa’s dynamic entertainment scene, this conversation offers valuable insights into the art of creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Zaid Osman, a trailblazer in South African streetwear, is the founder of Grade Africa and SXC, formerly known as Sneaker Exchange. He has revolutionized local fashion and sneaker culture, building platforms that celebrate creativity and community. Recently, Zaid unveiled a new major milestone, Grade Africa’s debut sneaker, the GR-1’s. Seven years in the making—a skate-inspired silhouette crafted with premium suede and influenced by the South African flag. Join us as we explore the world of an innovator redefining boundaries
Davin Phillips is a seasoned brand and new media specialist renowned for his innovative strategies and deep understanding of African markets. As a Director at CSA.global, an award-winning agency specializing in brands, technology, and experiences, Co-founded by his late mother in 2000—Davin has spearheaded campaigns across 87+ markets. Celebrated as a pioneer in the brand and talent space, Join us as we go INSIDE the dynamic world of bridging brands and culture.
Sibu Mabena founded Duma Collective, a leading creative communication agency specializing in traditional PR, social media, influencer campaigns, event management, and multimedia design. Known for her innovative approach and deep understanding of youth culture, Sibu has built one of the strongest teams in the industry, making Duma Collective a stepping stone for many young creatives. Her agency has worked with some of the biggest names and brands, establishing itself as a powerhouse in South Africa’s creative scene
JULLiAN GOMES, born and raised in South Africa, fell in love with House Music at the age of eight, amidst a background of Soul, Latin, and Kwaito. His career soared from his first performance in 2003, leading to collaborations with top labels worldwide. Notable achievements include performances at renowned festivals like Sonar Festival in Barcelona and releases with influential artists such as Atjazz. In 2012, he received his first MTN South African Music Award Nominee. Stepping into solo work in 2012, he continued to thrive, showcasing his remixing skills and releasing albums like "Late Dreamer" and "Slow Poison". In 2018, he launched his label "World Without End" and in 2020, surprised fans with the remix album "Poisoned". Performing all over the world, collaborating with some of the biggest artists and labels, and earning some of the industry’s most prestigious awards, he has undoubtedly carved his own lane. Constantly evolving his sound and breaking sonic and creative boundaries, Jullian’s journey stands as a testament to the power of passion and innovation in music
Ricardo da Costa is a true pioneer of South African entertainment, with a career spanning nearly three decades. Starting as a DJ, He’s performed alongside global icons such as Carl Cox, Deadmau5, and Swedish House Mafia. Ricardo transformed his passion into an empire across music, entertainment, and hospitality. As co-owner of the iconic Soul Candi Records, he has been instrumental in shaping South Africa’s music industry. His impressive events portfolio includes the legendary Spring Fiesta, H2O, Friends of Amstel, Electric Circus and Festival De Mexico, and an ever-growing list of top nightlife venues and restaurants, including Altitude, Artistry, The Ivy champaign Garden and The Ostrich, cementing his everlasting influence in South Africa's entertainment industry.
Mathew Kieser is the founder and creative director of SOL-SOL, a South African menswear label known for producing high-quality basics with a strong focus on fit, fabric, and design. The brand balances menswear and streetwear, offering clean silhouettes, muted tones, bold prints, and subtle details. Mathew is also the Director of MIA-Trading, an Apparel Buying Agency, and the owner of OSCS (Orphan Street Clothing Shop), a multi-brand streetwear and design store. - CTM mentioned in the video - www.yarnsworldwide.com
Siyabonga Ngwekazi, AKA Scoop Makhathini, is a pop culture icon. Known for his vibrant energy, deep knowledge of culture, basketball, music, and his ability to spot the next trend in fashion, Scoop has become the voice of the entertainment industry. He is celebrated for shaping thought-provoking conversations, leaving guests feeling like they’ve learned something new about themselves. Join us as we go INSIDE the world of the authentic cultural force
Dylan Bolus is the Co-owner and Creative Director of Next Generation, the holding company of Hydraulics and Antony Morato South Africa. He has shaped Hydraulics’ interior design language, launched its in-house collection, and collaborated with global brands like Moschino, Giuseppe Zanotti, and BALR. Together with his brother Matthew BOLUS, they’ve redefined cutting-edge fashion. Discover how their dynamic brotherhood transformed Hydraulics into a powerhouse with 11 stores nationwide.
Thakzin is a trailblazing South African electronic music producer, who made a name for himself, co-producing with some of the country’s biggest names. In 2022, he released his groundbreaking single ‘The Magnificent Dance’ on Sondela and became one of the most viral tracks of the South African summer. It laid the foundation for 3 STEP, a disruptive hybrid of Amapiano, Afro, and Deep House, establishing him as the originator and uncontested leader of this new genre, now dominating dance floors worldwide.
Jo Farah transitioned from a corporate career to founding Sneaker LAB, a pioneering biotechnology-driven premium shoe care brand, renowned as the sustainable scientific authority in sneaker care. Sneaker LAB has collaborated with renowned brands like Christian Dior, Karl Lagerfeld, and Nike, and serves as the official global care partner for New Balance. With products available in over 64 countries across all major markets, join us as we go INSIDE the world of an innovator proudly taking South Africa to the world 00:00 - Introduction and Background 01:42 - Growing Up in a Lebanese Family 03:00 - The Inspiration from Jo's Father 05:00 - Early Influences in Fashion and Sneaker Culture 08:03 - Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 10:45 - Founding Sneaker LAB: The Spark of an Idea 14:00 - Finding the Gap in the Market 17:25 - Building the Brand and Logo for Sneaker LAB 20:15 - Sustainability and Biotechnology in Sneaker Care 24:00 - Launching Sneaker LAB: The First Big Break 28:05 - Rapid Growth and Expansion of the Brand 30:45 - Developing Products: The Cleaner and Protector 33:05 - The Science Behind Sneaker LAB's Probiotic Technology 37:00 - Partnering with Global Brands Like New Balance 41:00 - Taking Sneaker LAB International 44:05 - Milestones and Manufacturing in South Africa 48:00 - The Future of Sneaker LAB 52:00 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 57:00 - Reflections on the Journey and Challenges 1:02:27 - What is the Meaning of Life?
Lwazi Madonsela is a dynamic South African Gen Z creative with a rich background in music, fashion and broadcasting. Shaped by his education in art, fashion, and film schools, he has carved out a unique path through his podcast, offering ed-utainment while amplifying and archiving the stories of other creatives. Having partnered with global brands like Samsung and Nike, Lwazi has emerged as a voice for the youth, empowering creative entrepreneurs along the way and solidifying his role as a key figure in the creative landscape. 00:00 - Introduction 01:23 - First Guest with Whiskey on the Show 02:01 - How Do You Categorize What You Do? 05:00 - The Journey into Broadcasting 09:00 - Building a Network of Creatives 14:00 - The Impact of South African Roots on Creativity 19:00 - Early Inspiration from Magazines 24:00 - Growing up in the Hood and Discovering Creativity 29:00 - Love for Cars and Collecting 34:00 - Transition to Fashion and Logos Influence 39:00 - Sunday Best: Fashion Inspiration from the Early 2000s 44:00 - The Influence of Music on Lifestyle 49:00 - High School: Becoming a Tastemaker 54:00 - The Start of Editing and YouTube Journey 59:00 - Shooting at Clubs and Nightlife Photography 1:04:00 - Reflecting on the Creative Journey So Far 1:09:00 - Partnering with Global Brands Like Nike and Samsung 1:14:00 - Empowering Creative Entrepreneurs Through Storytelling 1:19:00 - The Role of Fashion and Music in Shaping Identity 1:24:00 - What’s Next for Lwazi Madonsela in the Creative Space 1:30:00 - Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Creatives 1:37:00 - What is the Meaning of Life?
Kid Fonque (aka Allan Nicoll) has played a vital role in South African electronic music and club culture for the last 20 years. With a career spanning production, DJing, presenting and heading up one of the genre’s most respected labels, Stay True Sounds, Allan’s most recent chapter sees him front and centre of legendary house music institution Defected Records as the newly appointed Head of A&R. From humble beginnings, DJing in the yard of Johannesburg hotspot 206 Live, Allan soon established himself as the go-to for South Africa’s deep house and electronic rhythms. Parallel to spinning alongside the likes of Gilles Peterson, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Tom Misch, Bonobo, Skepta, Henrik Schwarz, Âme and Rich Medina, Nicoll helped propel the Soul Candi imprint to seminal status on the African content. His first compilation CDs – the eclectic, Saladomundo Volumes 1 & 2 arrived on USM Records followed by ‘Kid Fonque And Friends’ featuring Theo Parrish, Cuebur, Charles Webster, DJ Whiskey and more on Soul Candi in 2013. ‘Be’ with Zaki Ibrahim and ‘All This Time’ with Clara Hill and D-Malice landed on UK- based imprint of esteemed producer Atjazz in 2015. Founded in 2015, Allan’s own imprint Stay True Sounds has been a jump-off point for some of the current leading lights in SA house music, including Bruce Loko, Fka Mash, Dwson, Zito Mowa, Jazzuelle, SculpturedMusic, BillowJazz, China Charmeleon, Sio and many more. Homing records from the scene’s much-loved pioneers, the label’s repertoire includes 2016’s ‘Bossa Over?’, ‘Life Is Real’ with collaborator D-Malice and Kid Fonque’s own acclaimed debut album ‘I Move To A Different Beat’. The 2019 feature-filled LP with Ty, former Liquideep vocalist Ziyon, Jonny Miller and Card On Spokes received five-star reviews from tastemakers Alex Barck (Jazzanova), Worldwide FM founder Gilles Peterson and Rainer Trüby. 2021’s collaborative album with Jonny Miller titled ‘Connected’ earned him Album Of The Month on Apple Music Africa and Album Of The Week on Traxsource. With an expert knowledge of the South African electronica scene, it came as no surprise when approached by national radio station 5FM to host for one of the biggest niche broadcasts in the country. Broadcast weekly for the last seven years, Kid Fonque’s show Selective Styles is a curation of the finest across the house spectrum featuring an array of local and international artists, including Felix Laband, Jazzuelle, Kuniyuki Takahashi, Till Von Sein and countless others. Its deserved win of Best Dance Radio Show at the 2019 Dance Music Awards South Africa cemented its reputation as the go-to for music discovery. The demand for Allan’s discerning ears didn’t stop there – in the same year he hosted Kid Fonque Presents True Music Sessions. Sponsored by Ballantine’s and broadcast on leading music platform Channel O, the series saw Kid Fonque interview some of the scene’s key players including Sio, Daev Martian, Lemon & Herb, Kususa, and Gina Jeanz. Free of boundaries – be they genres or borders – Kid Fonque’s latest move to the UK, heading up A&R for one of dance music’s leading outputs will see him play a pivotal role in bringing exceptional house music to a global audience. A pioneer for the scene, he will continue to present his award-winning Selective Styles exclusively for Defected’s 24/7 platform Defected Broadcasting House, bringing to the forefront the best of South Africa’s underground sounds.
Jonathan Bandli is the innovative co-founder and creative director of Bad Weather, a company that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the creative technology space. The vision for Bad Weather was born during Jonathan's time working in technical production houses, where he, alongside co-founder Andrew Bosman, recognized a significant gap in the market. They saw the need to bridge the creative and technical worlds to bring projects to life in an immersive, life-changing way for audiences. Under Jonathan's leadership, Bad Weather has become known for transforming ambitious ideas into unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact. Jonathan is deeply committed to ensuring that South African talent is firmly cemented on the global entertainment map. His personal goal is to elevate the South African production industry to be recognized as global leaders by ensuring the foundations and behind-the-scenes work are executed at a world-class level. By sharing knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous learning, he aims to keep Bad Weather at the forefront of the industry, with fresh vision and innovation driving their global reputation. Young, ambitious, and a devoted family man, Jonathan is celebrated by friends, family, and peers as the life of the party—though he remains refreshingly down to earth. His unique blend of technical expertise, creative vision, and charismatic personality ensures that every project is not just an event but a magical experience. When he's not dreaming up new ways to wow audiences, Jonathan is likely plotting the next creative storm to shake up the industry with a good glass of wine in his hand. 00:00 - Introduction 01:24 - Starting the Conversation 02:07 - What Do You Do for a Living? 04:01 - Telling Stories Through Live Events 07:31 - Conceptualising and Executing Entertainment Spaces 10:24 - The Role of Technology in Live Shows 14:01 - Early Career in Music and Events 18:00 - First Big Projects in the Industry 22:00 - Building a Business in the Event Space 26:31 - The Founding of Bad Weather 30:00 - Expanding the Business Vision 34:12 - Working with Artists and Brands 38:05 - Challenges of Blending Creativity and Technology 42:01 - Major Milestones in Event Production 46:00 - Reflections on Creative Growth and Lessons Learned 50:12 - Balancing Artistic Vision with Technical Execution 54:10 - What’s Next for Bad Weather 1:01:52 - How to Do Auto-Tune Live 1:04:38 - Anything Else From Your Side? 1:05:00 - What is the Meaning of Life?
