[category]
[title]
When DJ Akio Kawahito went live on Instagram in 2020 during the thick of Covid-19, little did he know that his streams would evolve into a multi-national movement.
Strictly Soul was launched as an R&B party and, after building a strong online following, the movement spread like wildfire, initially graduating from social media to live venues across South Africa. This Friday, 16 October, R&B lovers from all over Johannesburg will convene at La Parada in Rosebank to sing along to old-time favourites, discover new artists and make new connections with friendly strangers who share their passion for this music.
The DJ expanded to the Mother City (Cape Town) in 2021. A year later, not only did Durban catch the bug, but the movement’s tentacles extended outside South African borders to Botswana.
Strictly Soul completely dismantles the allegations about R&B being washed up because, as we speak, the event has spread even further and now has a presence in Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya and Zambia.
These are not the only locations, though, because R&B fans in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, gathered to celebrate their favourite music genre just last month in their country’s first Strictly Soul event.
If you thought the African expansion was insane, wait until you find out that the event is about to penetrate the European market, as the movement is set to take over MAAYA in Germany on 23 October.
View this post on Instagram
From Zimbabwe to Germany, each new territory represents another opportunity for Strictly Soul to build connections through music, culture and shared experiences.
As the brand continues to expand across Africa and Europe, it is creating a growing international community united by a love for R&B.
Another key aspect of the event is evolution, which is epitomised by a monthly series called the Strictly Soul Cypher, which elevates South Africa’s contemporary R&B artists. Episodes are shared on the event’s social media pages, creating a growing digital archive of the country’s evolving R&B sound while giving emerging and established artists a platform to be discovered.
- What: Strictly Soul
- When:16 October
- Where:La parada, rosebank
- Cost: From R200 on Fixr
TAKE THE SURVEY AND WIN
Fancy winning a trip to Zanzibar, some cash or other cool prizes? Take The Great Big SA Lifestyle Survey and you could be a winner!
TIME OUT JOHANNESBURG RECOMMENDS:
📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
📢 Latest news from Johannesburg
Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram! While you're at it, sign up for our newsletter to receive even more of the best of your city.