THE ANNUAL WINTER COCKTAIL PARTY TURNS 5

The wait is finally over as the organizers of the annual Winter Cocktail Party (WCP) announced that the prestigious event will once again take place on the 26^th of June 2021. Unfortunately last year – due to the pandemic – the event could not take place. In this EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with The Village Mag, one of the co-founders and pioneers of this musical spectacle, Kenneth Vusi Mahlangu talks everything WCP and how they managed to get this far.

Who’s Kenneth Vusi Mahlangu? 

Kenneth Vusi Mahlangu, also known as Manyoni, is a Kameelrivier B DJ and promoter. He is known mostly for playing Soulful and Deep house music. Manyoni has consistently grown his skills to become one of the most sought after DJs in his neighbourhood. 

Since he started his career in music, Manyoni has shared the stage with Mzansi’s prominent DJs like Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Euphonik, Kent, Mobi Dixon, Heavy K, DJ PH, Lamiez Holworthy, Black Motion, Speedsta, Oscar Mbo, Malankane, Vinny Da Vinci, Mo Flava and to name a few. 

Then, as an entrepreneur, after attending numerous events in and around Gauteng and Mpumalanga together with his business partner Kenneth Magwabo Masilela; between 2009 and 2012, they were inspired to start House of Jack Entertainment which launched in September 2013. 

Tell us about House of Jack Entertainment. 

House of Jack Entertainment (HOJ) is a full-service events management company situated in Kameelrivier “B” – Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga founded in 2013. HOJ provides high quality event planning, management, consultation and promotion. We offer our customers with remarkable events through creativity and uniqueness based on individual tastes and liking.

This ensures our services are designed to meet the customer’s requirements. Furthermore, we are a professional and experienced booking agency that provides fresh and talented DJs for any events. Our Disc Jockey associate will tailor your wedding, bar, tavern, social and corporate event to meet your musical taste. 

Vision for House of Jack Entertainment

To be amongst Mzansi’s leading Event Management organisations that delivers high quality events. 

Annual Winter Cocktail Party (WCP), what is it? 

The Annual Winter Cocktail Party is an event that takes place yearly in Kameelrivier B – Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality in Mpumalanga, organised to gather old and new friends to blend, furthermore socialise and associate with potential business accomplices over beverages and food in a fun environment.

The setup is extremely elegant and permits individuals that come to the event to either dress up or dress down, yet even with that everybody still gets the opportunity to be treated like VIP’s. The WCP event host its fifth year anniversary this year, although it all started in 2015, but due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic we had to suspend the 2020 WCP. 

What is your proudest moment in the industry?

My proudest moment has to be the time I was invited at the 1^st Annual KwaNdebele Beach Festival which took place at Kagiso Water Park in 2014.

Which artist/promoter do you look up to in the industry?

I have always been a fan of both DJ Kent and Euphonik respectfully, both from their artistic and business side of how they carry themselves industry. In terms of promoters I would have to say Rock Da Shades Entertainment.

As an artist yourself, are we likely to hear your own music on the airwaves soon?

Honestly, I wish to release my own music but due to other commitments in my life and also (lack of) time, I doubt I will release music anytime soon.

Impact of COVID-19 in the entertainment industry 

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented health crisis. It has had a drastic impact on every facet of the entertainment industry. This has all led to the entertainment taking extraordinary measures where we saw events postponed indefinitely, delayed, cancelled, or had their format changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Advise to upcoming DJs and promoters 

My advice to upcoming DJs and promoters they need to be patient and don’t do it to become famous.

The theme for this year’s Winter Cocktail Party is Monochrome with a touch of Gold. The event will take place on the 26^th of June 2021 at the Kameelrivier Community Hall’s outer fields. Big name artist such as Sun-El Musician have already been confirmed as one of this year’s main headliners. Tickets are already selling fast at Computicket.