A bold new platform designed to elevate South Africa’s independent music sector will make its debut at Hotel Sky in Sandton when ShowThemFlames Productions presents the first edition of ShowThemFlames Music Night on Friday, 30th May 2025.
Set to become a national, recurring cultural fixture, the event merges high-calibre live performance with professional documentation and a deep commitment to African creative excellence.
Spearheaded by Stanley Khoza, founder and managing director of ShowThemFlames Productions, the event will feature live performances by some of the country’s most dynamic independent artists—spanning genres such as soul, jazz, Afro-fusion, amapiano, and acoustic storytelling. The launch is backed by leading partners Brand South Africa, Telkom, and Airco Audio Visual.
The evening will begin with a networking session at 16h00, followed by the official programme from 18h00 until late. The dress code is black tie, reinforcing the event’s vision of positioning African artists within an environment of prestige and respect. General tickets are priced at R300 while the VIP is R1000 making the experience accessible without compromising on quality.
“This is not a concert—it is a platform,” says Khoza. “Independent artists in this country are doing the work, building audiences, and shaping culture. But they are not being celebrated with the level of infrastructure, visibility or long-term investment they deserve. ShowThemFlames Music Night exists to change that.”
At the core of the event is a long-term strategy to document, archive and commercialise independent African talent. Each performance will be professionally filmed and photographed, providing artists with high-quality content that can be used for promotion, brand engagement, and career growth.
“Too many musicians perform, leave the stage, and there’s nothing left behind,” Khoza adds. “We’re creating a system where artists walk away with tangible value—proof of their excellence, and tools to take their work further.”
The monthly showcase will feature a rotating lineup of emerging and established independent acts, with each edition carefully curated to represent the depth and diversity of South African sound.
Beyond the stage, the event will serve as a space for networking, collaboration and industry connection—bringing together artists, producers, media, brands, and fans under one roof.
“We are building an ecosystem,” says Khoza. “ShowThemFlames Music Night is where artists meet decision-makers, where culture meets commerce, and where music meets memory. This platform will grow into something that reaches every part of the country and eventually, the continent.”
The choice of Hotel Sky in Sandton as the launch venue is intentional: it represents a blending of premium experience and cultural authenticity. It is also a signal that independent talent belongs in Johannesburg’s most iconic and professional venues—not on the margins, but at the centre.
The involvement of Brand South Africa highlights the event’s alignment with broader national objectives to champion local talent, support the creative economy, and position South African excellence globally.
Telkom’s participation affirms the importance of digital connectivity and innovation in the creative sector, while Airco Audio Visual brings the industry leadership as a CMO and representation. It also offers technical expertise to deliver a world-class Audio visual experience, in live music
This launch is only the beginning. ShowThemFlames Productions has committed to expanding the event nationally, taking future editions to universities, townships, rural towns, and regional theatres.
Bongi Sikelo 