Homie.Lover.Friend: A love letter to music and community
Homie.Lover.Friend, a collective formed by Phola Gumede, Qhawe Luthuli, and Lungi Molefe, is redefining how people connect through music. Inspired by MoRuf’s track of the same title, Homie.Lover.Friend isn’t just a name—it’s a love language. As archivists, they aim to shape a space that fosters liberation and nurtures relationships as homies, lovers, or friends, built on a mutual appreciation for music.
The trio united through friendship, combining their expertise in visual identity, storytelling, and music to craft experiences where sound takes center stage. “We wanted a space where music wasn’t just background noise but the heartbeat of the experience,” explains Phola. This ethos shapes their ‘music-driven’ events, blending genres like jazz, R&B, bossa nova, and house to create both enjoyable and meaningful atmospheres.
Homie.Lover.Friend’s first event at Breezeblock Cafe in November 2020 brought this vision to life, featuring an incredible lineup with Muptee, Denice Marz, and Wireless G x Ari. “It was surreal seeing people connect, dance, and just be themselves in the space we’d created,” reflects Lungi. Every event since has been carefully curated, designed to inspire and make attendees feel welcomed and creatively energised—from a late night afterparty for the RMB Latitudes Art Fair that combined art appreciation with DJs spinning vinyls, to a chilled al fresco picnic at The Lawns with live bands and Aperol Spritz. The trio aims for inclusivity, their events featuring creative heavy hitters like Tony Gum and newcomers alike.
One of the ways in which Homie.Lover.Friend shaped a sense of togetherness was by pairing DJs at their events to perform as duos, merging their tastes and cultivating a harmonious energy that flowed through to the crowd. All sets, which are defined by their soul, R&B and jazz influences, have been recorded and are available on the collective’s website.
As the collective evolves, they aim to expand into new event formats and collaborations. “We want to redefine what a good time looks like, whether it’s dancing, having deep conversations, or soaking in the vibe. When people leave, we hope they feel recharged and more connected to themselves and others,” shares Qhawe.
Homie.Lover.Friend is more than a collective—it’s a cultural movement, shaping spaces that celebrate authenticity and community. By blending music and creativity, the trio crafts events that transcend the moment, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who walks through their doors.
Words by Thando Mbonani for Letterhead
Images by TwoFold and The Function Creative Company