Who said networking has to feel like a stiff handshake and awkward small talk?
So.Art.E is here to shake things up!
Picture artists, professionals, dreamers, and culture enthusiasts all in one space—laughing, painting, vibing, and swapping stories while live music fills the air. Hosted at the legendary Soweto Gallery in Orlando West—where creativity practically drips from the walls—this event turns an ordinary night into a forever memory.
This isn’t your average “hi-my-name-is” meetup. It’s a place to sip, paint, mingle, and walk out with more than a business card. Here, brushstrokes spark conversations, music paints emotions, and performers take the night from good to unforgettable.
In this exclusive sit-down with Africa Jamz FM News, we chat with Monica—the creative pilot behind the paint experience—alongside music curator Syrin Fakude, and musical storytellers Amukelani Malenda and Jamson Chaba, as they reveal the heart, magic, and meaning behind this cultural celebration.
Amukelani’s one-night-only live moment
Amukelani Malenda is gearing up to record a special one-night-only live performance, and the excitement is real. As we chat to her, she opens up about what this moment means to her — especially knowing it’s one of those rare experiences you simply can’t recreate.
“A once-off performance means creating a permanent documented record. It is about capturing a unique moment in time for future references. I am creating a permanent digital artifact of a moment that wont happen again. The recording can be sold , streamed , or licensed potentially earning me and the band income,” said Amukelani.
Jamson Chaba brings his story to the stage
Jamson Chaba is also ready to ignite the stage, with his performance woven into the event’s overall storytelling arc. As we keep chatting, he opens up about the story — or emotional journey — he hopes the audience will feel through every beat of his music.
“My music tells a story of redemption — of rising from difficult spaces and finding purpose through sound. When people listen, I want them to hear resilience, honesty, and the reality that healing is not a straight line. I want them to feel the streets, the struggle, the breakthrough, and the hope. Every chord carries a part of my journey, and my wish is that the audience connects their own story to mine, feeling seen and uplifted through the music,” said Jamson.
Finding your artistic voice with Monica
Soweto Gallery is overflowing with history and culture, and Monica, the creative mind behind the painting experience, opens up about what it’s like to guide people through art in such a meaningful space. She shares how the gallery’s atmosphere shapes the emotions she hopes guests tap into while they paint.
“Painting is deeply therapeutic and healing. Creating art in a gallery setting inspires individuals and opens the mind to new levels of creativity. The gallery represents our roots each image tells a powerful story that people can relate to, making it easier for their own creative expression to flow,” said Monica.
A lot of people walking in don’t see themselves as artists at all. Monica talks about the transformation she hopes they will uncover during the painting session — that moment when they realise they are capable of more creativity than they ever imagined.
“My hope for these sessions is to help individuals fall in love with their artistic side, to tap into their creativity, and to confidently bring what’s in their minds and hearts onto a canvas,” said Monica.
Creating lasting connections through art and experience
At its core, this event is about connecting art, people, and emotion. Monica, Jamson, and Amukelani open up about the lasting impressions they hope guests will take home — the moments and inspiration that stay with you well beyond the night.
“The purpose of initiating this event is to bring people together to network in a meaningful, authentic way. Not through social media, not behind screens but face to face, creating genuine connections and long-lasting memories. As people, we need to step away from relying solely on digital interactions and instead attend experiences that allow us to mingle, interact, and engage in fun activities that take our minds off stressful situations,” said the trio.
Curating sound and connection
As our chat comes to a close, music curator Syrin Fakude opens up about how she makes sure the audience truly connects with both the music and the visual, performative elements of the event.
“Curating for like minded indiviuals and being able to create a specific vibe in the space with my selections is what I look forward to the most and I incorporate a teaching aspect with new versatile sounds that sparks imagination and creativity with sing alongs to get get people moving in their seats,” said Syrin.
Event details
If this event has your heart racing and you can already imagine yourself in that creative, peaceful space, here’s everything you need to know:
Date: Saturday, 13 December 2025
Time: 1PM- 10PM
Venue: Soweto Gallery, 7533 Maseko Street, Orlando West Soweto
Entry Fee: R200 (Tickets available on Quicket)
HAVE YOU READ THIS ONE?: Legend Alert: Dr. Ester Mahlangu to shine as Special Guest & Award Presenter!
[…] HAVE YOU READ THIS?: Soweto Gallery Comes Alive: The night where creativity becomes chemistry! […]