South African house music duo Liquideep brought a little star power to the dining room as they closed off Women’s Month in an unexpected way – by swapping microphones for serving trays and doubling up as waiters at an intimate three-course lunch in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The duo, Jonathan “Ziyon” Hamilton and Thabo “Ryzor” Shokgolo, hosted the special celebration at Signature Restaurant, where they personally welcomed guests, took orders and served tables before eventually returning to what they know best – performing.
The lunch brought together a number of prominent women from the South African entertainment industry, including singer and actress B’Cie, members of the award-winning group Jamali – Jacqui Carpede, Mariechan Luiters and Liesl Penniken – as well as celebrated singer Wanda Baloyi.
From waiters to performers
What started as a lunch quickly became an intimate celebration of music, friendship and the women who have contributed to South Africa’s creative industry.
Ziyon and Ryzor embraced their temporary waiter duties, moving between tables, taking guests’ orders and ensuring everyone was looked after throughout the three-course meal.
The duo later surprised their guests by taking to the performance area, delivering a special set that turned the lunch into an impromptu live music experience.
“It felt really special to serve the women who have given so much to music and culture in this country. We spend so much of our lives on stages, so being able to step away from that and simply serve, listen and celebrate was incredibly meaningful,” Ziyon said.
Ryzor added that the gesture was about more than simply closing off Women’s Month.
“Women have always played such an important role in our journey, both personally and professionally. This was our small way of saying thank you. We wanted the ladies to feel celebrated, not just for one day, but for everything they continue to contribute to our industry and our communities,” he said.
A musical homecoming
The celebration comes at an important time for Liquideep, who are in the middle of a highly anticipated return to music following an extended hiatus.
The duo, known for timeless hits including Fairytale, Alone, Still and BBM, reunited after an 11-year break and have been reconnecting with audiences through live performances and new music.
Their comeback has also introduced their music to a younger generation, with Grammy-winning South African star Tyla recently reimagining their classic Fairytale. The duo have said the response to their reunion has exceeded their expectations, with families and younger fans discovering their catalogue alongside those who grew up with their music.
In July, Liquideep released For The Night, marking their first new single in years and signalling a new chapter for the duo. The song is part of their renewed partnership with Africori and Warner Music Africa, as they look to take their soulful house sound to a new audience while remaining true to their musical identity.
“We are in such a different place now. The music is still rooted in who Liquideep is, but we have grown as people and artists. We are not trying to recreate the past – we are creating from where we are now,” Ziyon said.
Flowers, gifts and a final surprise
As the afternoon drew to a close, the duo had one more surprise for their guests.
Each of the women was presented with flowers and gifts as Liquideep thanked them for joining the celebration.
For the artists, the gesture provided a fitting end to Women’s Month – combining music, gratitude and a personal touch, while allowing the duo to celebrate some of the women who have helped shape South Africa’s entertainment landscape.
The lunch also offered a glimpse into the spirit behind Liquideep’s comeback – less about simply returning to the spotlight and more about reconnecting with people, celebrating relationships and creating meaningful experiences around their music.
As Ryzor put it: “Coming back has reminded us that music is ultimately about people. The songs may live on, but the relationships and memories are what make the journey worthwhile. Today was about honouring that.”
