ComUnity: A Celebration of Unity
Following the Rugby World Cup Final, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the 15th of December 2023 to be a public holiday and as “a day of hope, a day of celebration, and a day of unity.” As a nation that truly stands united in our love for Festive, this was the best description of the once-off holiday and the perfect date to bring people together in a way that unifies culture in all its forms. In honour of this holiday and all that it represents, our friends at ComUnity are hosting another iconic event by doing what they do best- bringing people together through incredible music, delicious food, local fashion and an all-round good time.
Having been long-time supporters and friends of the organizers, we decided to show some love at the upcoming festival and celebrate 2023 with a bang. There will be SL photographers roaming around capturing the best fits of the party and more importantly, to kick off the new year, we will be giving away some special prizes to the best-dressed!
In the lead up to next week's ComUnity, we caught up with two MVP’s in the industry, Loyiso Mdebuka aka Loyd and Vincent Manzini aka Sir Vincent, who have created something truly special right here in Cape Town.
SL: Who are you and what do you do in the ComUnity team? Tell us a bit about yourself.
LM: My name is Loyd, I am a culture activist and one of the founding members of ComUnity. I have worked and looked to fulfil my purpose of building communities of likeminded people for the last decade through culture. I am an ex TV presenter and radio personality, a DJ, MC and entrepreneur.
I have predominantly grown up in Cape Town where I have played an instrumental role in levelling out the playing ground for other kids that come from backgrounds like mine.
VM: I am one of the gents that co-founded the platform.
SL: When and how did ComUnity start?
LM: Honestly it was an idea that was born out of a group of friends who could see the growing melting pot of South Africa’s culture. We are at such a tipping point right now that we felt we needed a platform that authentically brings all facets of culture together, its people and the brands that genuinely support it.
VM: A bunch of mates wanting to create a platform for like-minded creatives in, Fashion, Food and Music.
SL: Why did you decide to also include food and fashion stalls at a “party-like” event?
VM: It’s all part of culture and creative economy that we hope to stimulate.
SL: Why did you decide on ComUnity as the name of your event?
LM: ComUnity is broken up into two. COM which stands for Commerce - which we see as the exchange of the amazing products that youth brands are creating and bringing to the fore. Along with known reputable brands that truly care about our culture. UNITY which is the coming together of likeminded people who want to see youth businesses grow. The Capital U which is what we see as a reminder that there is no ComUnity without U.
VM: It’s all about Uniting people, it’s more than an event but a unified cultural movement.
SL: What separates your event from other parties?
LM: It’s a perfect interaction between Music Fashion and Food. Many events speak to being about all these pillars but we take active steps in making sure that we activate each with care. Secondly we are all about youth business and each pillar we ensure that we not only host youth brands but expose them to other established brands as a form of skills exchange
VM: It’s purpose, and the team behind it.
SL: How do you decide which artists, and food and fashion stalls to feature at each event?
LM: If you’re in culture, you have to keep your ear to the ground and connected to the streets. :-)
VM: We research extensively, we consult a lot of people across the spectrum, and we also believe that we are on the ground alot so we have our hands on the pulse.
SL: Why do you think this event is important in the communities we occupy?
VM: Creates inclusivity and an access point in culture for brands, big or small.
SL: What do you feel is special about bringing people together in this way?
LM: It’s one event that I’ve seen that host people of varying age groups without anyone feeling like they don’t belong. That is incredible special for us that as people we are able to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate each other
VM: People get to connect, enjoy themselves, it brings joy to a lot of people leading to creating meaningful connections.
SL: Why did you choose to host ComUnity at Old Biscuit Mill?
LM: It’s a precinct that mirrors our mission. Each week they host a market that brings together some of the elements we are about and what better place than a space that truly believes our mission.
VM: It’s a cultural hub, attracts quite a diverse audience. We hope to tour the platform around…only time will tell.
SL: What similar types of events do you look to for inspiration?
SL: What is significant about ComUnity happening in a city like Cape Town?
LM: The mixture of people from different backgrounds.
VM: Bridging the racial gap and putting creatives on.
SL: Do you plan to expand the event elsewhere?
LM: Yes, we want to export this platform to other parts of the world
VM: Indeed!
SL: How has the event changed and transformed since it started?
LM: Each event we learn and improve. I would say from inception the parts that have grown and we look to growing is our fashion and food offering. Music sells itself.
VM: Has gotten stickier, attracted amazing partners, intensified on the execution.
SL: What’s your go-to drink on a night out?
LM: Water
VM: Now, a rock shandy…but I used to enjoy a Tequila and Appletizer
SL: What do you do when you aren’t hosting ComUnity?
LM: I co-own an agency called Blank Kanvas that creates, curates, and executes youth led platforms for brands and ourselves. I co-own a restaurant in the heart of Cape Town’s cultural district which is called ‘Therapy.’ I am a touring DJ and musician
VM: Spending time with my beautiful kids. Planning the next ComUnity, selling food at ‘Therapy’ or playing music at a club/party around the world.
SL: What do you hope people take away from the event?
VM: That together they can do more!
ComUnity takes place on the 15th of December 2023 at The Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock.
For more information check-out ComUnity on Instagram. Tickets available on Quicket.
We look forward to seeing you there!