When someone says, “Sunday session,” most people think of mimosas and soft jazz in the background. But on the 27th of April, Samthin’ uSunday flipped the script. This rooftop gathering at Club Paradise Rooftop in Cape Town was nothing short of a cultural heartbeat set to a music praise.
Edit: @lashandu_
Now, let me paint the picture. You step out of those stairs, and boom, Table Mountain is doing its best Beyoncé impression in the background, golden hour is dripping off everyone’s cheekbones, and the decks are already sizzling. My boy Themba and I had the opening set, and we wasted no time.
We eased the crowd in with some Artwork Sounds, slipped into Poizen, and just like that, sneakers started sliding and shoulders got looser. There’s something magical about watching a crowd go from “We just got here” to “Where’s my sunglasses?” in under 20 minutes.
The lineup was just as tasty as the vibes. DJ Pythagoras brought the math, but with bass lines. Aux Womdantso had the crowd in their feelings and dancing at the same time and don’t ask me how, that’s art. And Luyar? Luyar left no crumbs. The entire set was a full-course meal, complete with dessert drops.
But beyond the music, Samthin’ uSunday felt different. You could feel the shift, like this wasn’t just another event. It wasn’t about exclusivity or showing off, it was about being present. Whether you were in thrifted gear or full glam, everyone belonged. It felt… inclusive. Like the city was finally breathing together.
The bar served up cocktails, and the crowd was a mix of cultures
Samthin’ uSunday isn’t just an event. It’s a soft rebellion against boring Sundays, a dancefloor sermon, a toast to young, Black creativity.
By the time the sun dipped and the skyline turned into a silhouette, everyone knew something special had happened. Not just because of the music or the rooftop view, but because Cape Town on this particular Sunday felt united.
And if this is the beginning of a new era of events that feel this real, then consider me a loyal congregant of the Samthin’ uSunday church. Amen to groove, community, and great vibes.
Q&A with Samthin’ uSunday Team
1. For those who haven’t experienced it yet, how would you describe Samthini uSunday in one sentence?
Answer: 1. We’re All Friends!
2. What inspired the birth of Samthini uSunday? Was there a particular moment or feeling that sparked the idea?
Answer: Samthini u’Sunday was birthed by the need for quality entertainment in premium suburban areas. Basically, why do we have to go to eKasi to enjoy an actual groove? We believe that we provide the same level of entertainment with a better chance of making it home safely.
ON CULTURE & COMMUNITY
3. There’s a deep cultural thread running through this event. How do you intentionally weave local sounds, fashion, food, and stories into the experience?
Answer: It’s years of experience and understanding our clientele. The first event was in October 2019, and it looked very different from what it is now. So simply do your homework and curate events for your patrons, not what you think works.
4. Why do you think Cape Town, in particular, needed something like Samthini uSunday?
Answer: Well, Cape Town is an extremely beautiful city; it has so many beautiful locations that are practically unknown or not frequently visited by patrons. So Cape Town didn’t need Samthini; the people needed it. For example, we worked with Radisson Red at the Waterfront and all patrons loved that space with comments like they didn’t know they could party at the Waterfront in a familiar way
5. How do you keep the event inclusive while still curating a very specific, intentional vibe?
Answer: Simply because we are truly FRIENDS, therefore we make an effort to involve our patrons and make sure they are very welcome. And a little bit of homework.
ON MUSIC & CURATION
6. The music always feels like a journey, from slow sips to deep grooves. How do you choose the DJs or live acts?
Answer: As a daytime groove with a steady rise of BPM into the night, this is one of our commandments. We also use the venue, weather, and season as indicators as to who would best fit the vibe necessary.
7. Do you ever build a Samthini line-up around a theme or feeling?
Answer: Yes, always.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
8. What’s one memory from a past edition of Samthini that still gives you goosebumps?
Answer: Infinity Studios, December 2022
9. If Samthini uSunday were a person, how would you describe their personality?
Answer: Just a chill guy, I mean, you know how it is. Bev, Food and Sunday hues all the way
10. What do rest, rhythm, and Sunday mean to you?
Answer: Rest = Rust
Rhythm= A love language
Sunday= Sithandaza Ngomculo,
LOOKING AHEAD
11. How do you see Samthini evolving, and is there a bigger dream behind it?
Answer: Oh, you guys are not ready! We are building a huge community and aim to work with other young entrepreneurs to build a hub of creatives. Unfortunately, I can’t speak much about how this will be happening, but give us some time.
12. Any hints you can give us about upcoming editions, collaborations, new venues, surprises?
Answer: Well, we are maturing a relationship with JW, Don J, and our longest-supporting brand, Schweppes! All I can say is that Summer will be different, in Jesus’ name
CLOSING VIBE
13. What’s one track that perfectly captures the spirit of Samthini?
Answer: De Mthuda – Bade
14. What message do you hope people leave with after attending?
Answer: We are truly all friends
Just an interesting point: did you know that not once has Samthini had a fight break out since we started? Not once; we really manifested the friends’ agenda, and the Lord has been good.
For more information , follow Samthin’ uSunday on social media:
Link: https://www.instagram.com/samthini_usunday/
Born and raised in the charming town of Empangeni, KwaZulu Natal, Sabelo Khanyile has carved out a unique niche in the creative world. Now based in Cape Town, Sabelo is a multifaceted artist known for his dynamic work as a DJ and photographer. His creative journey has led him to collaborate with notable figures such as Micael Matthews and showcase his work at prestigious events like SA Men's Fashion Week. His striking photography has also graced the pages of Vogue Italia, marking him as a significant force in the global art scene. In addition to his work as a DJ and photographer, Sabelo serves as the Creative Director of Adult Content Dreams, an innovative online platform dedicated to celebrating art, fashion, and music. Despite the provocative name, the platform is far from a site for adult content. Instead, it offers a vibrant space for the youth in South Africa to explore and engage with contemporary art and fashion, providing a creative outlet that fosters expression and connection through various artistic mediums. Sabelo’s diverse talents and creative vision continue to influence and inspire, making him a prominent figure in South Africa’s evolving cultural landscape.
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