ONE KASI

ARTS AND CULTURE SUMMIT

A 3 day summit dedicated to inspiring and uplifting South African artists, building

international partnerships and creating life changing experiences.

Our core elements are cultivated in providing professional opportunities, networking

and education (ONE). Inspired by the richness of the South African arts scene and its

vibrant culture, this summit aims to spread creativity, empowerment and collaboration

with a global impact.

The One Kasi Summit is a platform dedicated to elevating conversations and connections within the arts, culture, and community sectors, especially focused on bringing forward voices from the township, urban, and rural communities. It's all about gathering artists, creatives, and thought leaders to foster meaningful dialogues that challenge norms, inspire growth, and address the needs of artists and communities.

At its core, One Kasi is about creating a space where artists and cultural practitioners can explore topics that matter to their personal and professional journeys—from defining success and financial management to the power of storytelling, community building, and legacy creation. The summit offers panels, workshops, and discussions featuring national and international guests who lead these transformative conversations and encourage participants to take action, collaborate, and celebrate their heritage and unique artistic voices.

Through these exchanges, One Kasi aims to drive progress, pushing ideas that uplift and propel artists and their communities forward.

Vision

To be the leading platform that empowers and elevates township, urban, and rural voices in the arts and culture sectors, fostering a creative community that inspires change, preserves heritage, and celebrates the power of local stories.

Mission

Our mission is to create a dynamic, inclusive space where artists, creatives, and thought leaders from underserved communities can connect, collaborate, and grow. Through engaging conversations, skill-building workshops, and community-driven events, we aim to cultivate resilience, celebrate cultural diversity, and propel artists forward in their careers and personal growth.

Objectives

Host Annual Summits:

Organize annual One Kasi summits that bring together national and international voices to discuss topics relevant to the artistic and cultural growth of township and rural communities.

Develop Skill-Building Workshops:

Offer regular workshops on topics like financial literacy, brand building, self-promotion, storytelling, and networking, which are crucial for artist development.

Create Mentorship Programs:

Establish a mentorship network connecting emerging artists with experienced professionals who can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for growth.

Support Community-Based Art Projects:

Encourage and sponsor projects that address social issues, community building, and cultural preservation through the arts.

Enhance Accessibility to Resources:

Ensure artists from underserved communities have access to the tools, platforms, and networks they need to thrive creatively and economically.

Celebrate Cultural Diversity Through Exhibitions and Events:

Host exhibitions, showcases, and events that reflect the rich cultural diversity within these communities, providing a platform for artists to present their work to a broader audience.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to transform artists into modern-day entrepreneurs equipped to bridge the gap between creative expression and professional success. We aim to develop industry-ready creatives who possess the skills, business acumen, and resources necessary to negotiate and position their talents effectively in today’s competitive landscape. Through targeted mentorship, practical workshops, and network-building opportunities, One Kasi fosters a new generation of well-rounded, empowered individuals prepared to thrive as both artists and entrepreneurs.

DAY 1 WORSKOPS AND PANEL DISCUSSION

DAY 2 WORKSHOP & PANEL DISCUSSION

DAY 3 WORKSHOPS & PERFORMANCES

Creating a space like One Kasi is essential because it directly addresses the unique needs, voices, and aspirations of artists and creatives from township, urban, and rural communities who are often underrepresented in larger cultural conversations. Here are several reasons why this space is so important:

Creating a space like One Kasi is essential because it directly addresses the unique needs, voices, and aspirations of artists and creatives from township, urban, and rural communities who are often underrepresented in larger cultural conversations. Here are several reasons why this space is so important

Empowering Local Narratives

Many artists from these communities have powerful stories to share, but they often lack a platform that understands and amplifies their experiences. One Kasi provides that space, allowing artists to express their identities, challenges, and triumphs in ways that resonate with their cultural backgrounds and daily realities.

Building a Supportive Community

Isolation can be a real challenge for artists in these communities, where resources are scarce, and support networks may be limited. By bringing creatives together, One Kasi fosters a sense of belonging and support that helps artists collaborate, find mentorship, and build connections with others who understand their journey.

Encouraging Sustainable Artistic Growth

With discussions on practical issues like financial management, brand building, and defining artistic success, One Kasi equips artists with essential skills for sustaining their careers. This focus on development helps them not only create but also thrive within the creative industry, breaking down barriers to economic stability and growth.

Challenging Stereotypes and Changing Narratives:

Often, narratives about township or rural areas are driven by external perspectives that fail to capture the depth and diversity within these communities. One Kasi provides a platform for these communities to tell their own stories and redefine how they are seen on their terms, showcasing the richness, resilience, and talent within these spaces.

Inspiring Future Generations:

A platform like One Kasi demonstrates to younger generations that they, too, have a place in the arts and culture sectors. By celebrating local artists and cultural pioneers, it encourages youth to pursue their creative ambitions and see their heritage as a strength in their artistry.

In essence, One Kasi is a vital platform that uplifts, educates, and connects artists to resources, each other, and audiences who value their contributions. It’s a space where artists can feel seen, heard, and valued, which is foundational for creative growth and community impact.

MEET THE TEAM

Co-Founder

Charles Mafafane

Global Partner

Maia Maden

Brown Sekone - Artist Management

Tshepiso Makoni -Marketing

Here are some compelling reasons for brands and entities to partner with One Kasi based on the success of the first summit

Access to Emerging Talent and Unique Perspectives

Align with Authentic Cultural Representation

m Showcase Commitment to Social Impact and Community Development

Strengthen Brand Positioning Among a Growing Creative Market

Potential for Co-Creation and Collaborative Campaigns

Brand Visibility and Positive Exposure

Be Part of a Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Impact

By partnering with One Kasi, brands are not only investing in their image but also in a meaningful, community-centered mission with proven success. We welcome brands that share our vision to join us in shaping a future where artists are empowered as modern entrepreneurs and ambassadors of their heritage.

2024 Partnerships / SPONSORSHIPS

REDBULL

LEEDES & FITCH

MAIA MADEN PRODUCTION

LUKHANYO LIGHTING & STAGING

EMEKA STUDIOS

Media Partners

JOZI FM - INTERVIEWS

SOWETO TV INTERVIEW

AFRICA CHANNEL RADIO - LIVE INTERVIEW

Craft / Fashion / Afrocentric Brands-

We’re excited to welcome stall exhibitors from established businesses to join our One Kasi community! This is a great opportunity to showcase your work, connect with others, and be part of a vibrant network that celebrates local talent and entrepreneurship.

At One Kasi, we’re inspired by the incredible feedback from our 2024 summit exhibitors! Our international guests, with their buying power, created real impact, allowing exhibitors to earn between R300 and R1200 from just a few sales from each stall. This success, achieved without fees, speaks to our mission: empowerment isn’t just about opportunity; true emancipation comes when entrepreneurs gain confidence, believe in their products, and see tangible profits.

One Kasi is committed to lifting South African entrepreneurs, from Vilakazi Street to every corner of Gauteng. Through tourism, we inspire local artists and businesses to engage their work with the world, fostering a movement that brings South African creativity onto the global stage.

2024 Arts and culture Summit - 3 Day Exchange Programme

We call this gathering a cultural exchange because it allowed artists from multiple nations to share and merge their unique cultural expressions, perspectives, and traditions, fostering a deep mutual appreciation. This event wasn’t just about showcasing individual talents but about blending and learning from each other’s cultural heritage.

We hosted 9 American artists and creatives, including:

Tish Jones – Poet/Cultural Producer
Rah Fyah – Curator/Director
Ashuna Moore – Production Manager
Tumelo "Melo" Khupe - Hip Hop Choreographer & Dancer
Ololade "O" Gbadamosi – Dancer/Kultural Producer, specializing in Krump, Hip Hop, and Afro Social dances
Alan "A+" Mure – Choreographer/Instructor
James A. Williams – Actor/Director
Sister Patricia – Choreographer/Director, African diasporic dance specialist
Peace Radimutsa - Choreographer /Dancer
Samira Marana – Brazilian gumboot dancer

Our exchange involved language, dancing styles, and artistic approaches, bringing together Brazilian gumboot dance by Samira, and styles from the U.S. such as hip hop, krump, and spoken word poetry. South Africa’s own ispantsula and piano dance added a local twist to the performances, creating a fusion of global and local expressions.

Panels included discussions with artists and cultural producers like Rah Fyah, Ashuna Moore, Fair Warning, Ololade “O” Gbadamosi, Alan “A+” Mure, James A. Williams, Sister Patricia, and Tish Jones.

Workshops ranged from 60 to 90 minutes, led by:

Rah Fyah & Ashuna Moore – 60 minutes
Ololade “O” Gbadamosi – 90 minutes
Alan "A+" Mure – 90 minutes
James A. Williams – 60 minutes
Sister Patricia – 60 minutes
Tish Jones – 60 minutes

Performances (3-5 minutes each) were given by Fair Warning, Ololade Gbadamosi, Alan "A+" Mure, and Tish Jones.

Each participant brought a wealth of experience and a distinctive style, contributing to a vibrant tapestry of shared knowledge and creativity that went beyond entertainment to create lasting connections among artists. This cultural exchange, through workshops, panels, and performances, allowed each participant to take home new insights and ideas that bridge nations and celebrate our global artistic diversity.

The ONE KASI cultural exchange event featured several South African artists and creatives who contributed to panels, performances, and workshops. Here are the South Africans involved:

Panelists

Day 1 - Women in Arts

Nandipha Khemese - Visual Artist

Thandazile Sonia Radebe

Lungile Ngcongo

Facilitated by Rah Faya

Day 2 - Business in Arts

Senzart911 "African Pop Art"

Thabo Malema

Facilitated by Charlie Mafafane

LOCATIONS

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