It’s wild to think that kids who once threw parties in the backyards of their parents’ homes in the south of Johannesburg have journeyed so far that they’re now among Mzansi’s biggest exports, connecting the dots across Europe. Solo and his collective, Backyard, didn’t just throw parties—they built a community.
I’ve always jokingly called Solo a “serious party analyst” or a “knower of a good time.” But there’s real science behind turning a party into a brand, and that’s a conversation I’ve always found fascinating.
In this interview, Solo shares his journey through the streets of Joburg, the evolution of the Backyard brand, and the lessons learned along the way.
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46:05
MAAK N PLAN: SIMPHIWE KHUMALO
Childlikeness is a rare quality, and when someone with it crosses our path, they often stay for a lifetime.
I had the honor of hosting my good friend Simphiwe Khumalo, founder and creative director of Studio Banana (@studio_bananaaa), on the Maak ’n Plan podcast.
Our friendship is a constant reminder to take life seriously but not ourselves—an underrated key to success.
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1:12:55
MAAK N PLAN: MZONKE MALONEY
Mzonke reminds us that the key to a healthy life, is living in honesty. Honest in the human being you are. Honest in the way you love. Honest in your art.
I had a beautiful conversation with writer and film director, who’s now become restauranteur (Babbi) in Joburg and shared a lovely dialogue about film making, life after 30, the state of the world and more.
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1:07:58
MAAK 'N PLAN: GORGEOUS BUSHMAN
To open season 3, we are joined by founder and creator of Maak 'n Plan podcast shares what has been on his heart for the past year or so. The interview conducted by close friend, Tiisesto Molobi, who is also known as Urban Mosadi. The two shares a heartwarming conversation about Bathandwa's upbringing, his devotion for Joburg and what it means to wear your heart on your sleeve.
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50:32
BASHA UHURU x IQHAWE MAGAZINE IN CONVERSATION WITH VUYO MCGLAD
On this episode of Maak ‘n Plan, Vuyo McGlad shares his journey on how they are incubating ideas & shaping culture and community through his event property NarowBi.
South Africa