Young event organiser and musician setting the stage for others

A 26-year-old event organiser, Aphiwe Moni from Stutterheim, is using his passion for music to uplift local youth.

Through his events, the budding artist, who is also a DJ, provides a platform for other young artists to showcase their talents, in an effort to steer them away getting involved in crime and drugs.

Moni said his mission was to empower young people and give them the opportunities he wished he had been given.

Moni, who works in retail, uses money from his own pocket to stage his events.

During his teenage years, the artist said music was his escape from drugs, alcohol and crime. 

“I got exposed to the music industry at a young age.

“It was one of the ways out of poverty and a way of protecting myself from the use of drugs. 

“I grew up as one of the most loved and acknowledged DJs in my community. 

“I saw a an opportunity of trying to create solutions for the challenges we have as young people, including being exposed to drugs and the high rate of unemployment.

“So I decided to hold events,” he said. 

He gives priority to young artists who want to make it in the industry.

He started his initiative in 2018, but had to halt it in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2021, he continued where he left off. 

“When holding these events, I book mostly local DJs, so they can benefit first.

“When it comes to people who are going to render services such as bouncers, waitresses, my community is my priority.” 

Moni’s events range from festivals to picnics and carnivals. 

“In 2022, I organised an event called Stutterheim Summer Affair & Reunion and it was one of the most successful events I’ve organised and was held at a local stadium. 

“The attendance was overwhelming and heartwarming.

“What made it stand out was that tickets were affordable for everyone and it was a new adventure for most people.” 

Moni said his vision was to see the province as an entertainment hub.

“What motivated me to pursue the music industry is that it is one of the most undermined sectors in the economy, whereas it has the most talented individuals, especially in the province.” 

Though he wasn’t famous yet, he said wanted to help other people achieve their dreams.

“I saw the opportunity of organising events as a way of encouraging youngsters to find what they enjoy and generate an income.

“My favourite part about being an event organiser is when I make other people’s lives easier when I create opportunities of employment and booking local talents to pursue their dreams.” 

One of his biggest challenges was getting funding and sponsors. 

“Organising an event is expensive, we have to book artists, equipment, among many other things we do, but we do it regardless, hoping that a good Samaritan will rescue us.”

Moni is busy organising another Stutterheim Summer Affair & Reunion, which will be held on December 15 in his hometown. 

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