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TOMNOVI?

TOMNOVI?

These are some of the questions, well full disclosure, these are the "clean" questions that I kept asking myself after attending the 10th annual woman's only 50 shades of Pink event, hosted by Valerie Mmapaka popularly known as Ms. V. Her Iife experiences and humble beginnings are her inspiration. She is a mother first, founder and owner of Occasions by V (OBV) an event company, Author of 6 motivational books, Emotional Healer, Inspirational Coach, Speaker, and a Radio Personality.

If you are into all things self-love, authentic experiences and learning about fulfilling your deepest pleasures then definitely keep a look out for info on the next event. And if you caught the play on words in the name, then you have permission to let your imagination take a deeper dive into experiencing vulnerability and pleasure. Hosted at LeBamboo on Protea in Proclamation Hill a homely BnB owned by a young female Entrepreneur named Lolo, in 012 Pitori. Proceedings started a bit later than the time on the invite to accommodate ladies who needed extra time in the mirror. Once everyone had finally settled. AII in their captivating, shades of Pink, mingled over the house cocktails, courtesy of Lilys mobile bar and geared up with their notes and cameras to capture the tips and tricks that were about to be shared. The beauty of the elegant and intimate set-up was that it allowed for the conversations to be personal and interactive. The first lesson came from our gracious host with the house rules, an introduction to the days programme. Shortly after introducing the speakers for the day and the team behind the successful execution of the day. She then got us started with the lessons on the importance of self-love, even sharing a testimony on her personal journey into discovering her sexuality and self-expression as a queer mother. We also got to deep dive into her inspiration behind her books and her journey through each publication. For all her books check out: www.occasionsbyv.co.za. Next to take centre stage was Ms. Marcia Galane from Ovayo Herbals to educate on the Hygiene routines and lifestyle changes to keep your Yoni happy. We also crushed a few myths around the topic of feminine Hygiene and overall health of the diamonds between our legs. Up next was the only gentleman allowed to the party, fitness and intimacy coach Mr. Senzo Mabena Founder of Sex Revival. Senzo gave a few tips and considerations for the ladies from a fitness perspective as well as shed some light on love and intimacy from the perspective of the gentlemen. Ladies, he went as far as sharing techniques on how to improve your ridding game. I loved the fact that he used the ladies in the audience to demonstrate certain scenarios which also kept the room busy and engaged.

These are some of the questions, well full disclosure, these are the "clean" questions that I kept asking myself after attending the 10th annual woman's only 50 shades of Pink event, hosted by Valerie Mmapaka popularly known as Ms. V. Her Iife experiences and humble beginnings are her inspiration. She is a mother first, founder and owner of Occasions by V (OBV) an event company, Author of 6 motivational books, Emotional Healer, Inspirational Coach, Speaker, and a Radio Personality.

If you are into all things self-love, authentic experiences and learning about fulfilling your deepest pleasures then definitely keep a look out for info on the next event. And if you caught the play on words in the name, then you have permission to let your imagination take a deeper dive into experiencing vulnerability and pleasure. Hosted at LeBamboo on Protea in Proclamation Hill a homely BnB owned by a young female Entrepreneur named Lolo, in 012 Pitori. Proceedings started a bit later than the time on the invite to accommodate ladies who needed extra time in the mirror. Once everyone had finally settled. AII in their captivating, shades of Pink, mingled over the house cocktails, courtesy of Lilys mobile bar and geared up with their notes and cameras to capture the tips and tricks that were about to be shared. The beauty of the elegant and intimate set-up was that it allowed for the conversations to be personal and interactive. The first lesson came from our gracious host with the house rules, an introduction to the days programme. Shortly after introducing the speakers for the day and the team behind the successful execution of the day. She then got us started with the lessons on the importance of self-love, even sharing a testimony on her personal journey into discovering her sexuality and self-expression as a queer mother. We also got to deep dive into her inspiration behind her books and her journey through each publication. For all her books check out: www.occasionsbyv.co.za. Next to take centre stage was Ms. Marcia Galane from Ovayo Herbals to educate on the Hygiene routines and lifestyle changes to keep your Yoni happy. We also crushed a few myths around the topic of feminine Hygiene and overall health of the diamonds between our legs. Up next was the only gentleman allowed to the party, fitness and intimacy coach Mr. Senzo Mabena Founder of Sex Revival. Senzo gave a few tips and considerations for the ladies from a fitness perspective as well as shed some light on love and intimacy from the perspective of the gentlemen. Ladies, he went as far as sharing techniques on how to improve your ridding game. I loved the fact that he used the ladies in the audience to demonstrate certain scenarios which also kept the room busy and engaged.

The final panelist came with a bag of toys. Literally, Founder of Spicey Luscious, an adult lifestyle brand, and intimacy coach Ms. K-Motso who really turned up the heat with all her amazing and exhilarating toys and bedroom accessories. She walked us through her collection of dating game accessories for those who need some creative tricks to keep the fire burning. Her irresistible lingerie pieces, her collection of bondage accessories, and her vibrating collection. Once again, the highlight was the ability to interact with the products and experience them firsthand in a safe and open-minded environment. All the speakers were allowed a thorough Q & A from the attendees which was intentionally planned out to emphasize on the need for communication and vulnerability of intimacy to be 100 percent pleasurable. After all the formalities were covered lunch was served and conversations got more electrifying. Thanks to Ms Lily's mobile bar services the cocktails kept flowing. From our erotic blueprint, to the effects of parenthood on the bedroom, how our traumas and past rejections affect our sexuality to pleasure mapping. Nothing was off topic, and everyone was allowed to respectfully share their opinions and views. We all agreed to have a couple more drinks at a local drinking spot for those after party vibes and later headed back to our rooms for the after after party. Lolo's hospitality is beyond measure. Her spaces are filled with that warm and welcoming Pitori energy that leaves you feeling like her premises are a home away from home. Her staff is super friendly and accommodating to her guests needs. For those ladies who kept to the theme, there was a fantastic prize up for grabs for the best dressed award. Voted anonymously by all the guests so no rigging or favouritism was in sight. Siwela Kgapane took the prize which included a self-care goodie bag that contained a pair of sunglasses, a bag holder, a luxurious night's stay at LeBamboo on Protea Guest House. A ten out of ten to the event organisers. We look forward to getting invites to more informative and pleasure driven events. tHE NEXT EVENT IS TAKING PLACE ON THE 6TH OF APRIL, MAKE SURE YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH MS V ON 0792716492 FOR MORE DETAILS.

The final panelist came with a bag of toys. Literally, Founder of Spicey Luscious, an adult lifestyle brand, and intimacy coach Ms. K-Motso who really turned up the heat with all her amazing and exhilarating toys and bedroom accessories. She walked us through her collection of dating game accessories for those who need some creative tricks to keep the fire burning. Her irresistible lingerie pieces, her collection of bondage accessories, and her vibrating collection. Once again, the highlight was the ability to interact with the products and experience them firsthand in a safe and open-minded environment. All the speakers were allowed a thorough Q & A from the attendees which was intentionally planned out to emphasize on the need for communication and vulnerability of intimacy to be 100 percent pleasurable. After all the formalities were covered lunch was served and conversations got more electrifying. Thanks to Ms Lily's mobile bar services the cocktails kept flowing. From our erotic blueprint, to the effects of parenthood on the bedroom, how our traumas and past rejections affect our sexuality to pleasure mapping. Nothing was off topic, and everyone was allowed to respectfully share their opinions and views. We all agreed to have a couple more drinks at a local drinking spot for those after party vibes and later headed back to our rooms for the after after party. Lolo's hospitality is beyond measure. Her spaces are filled with that warm and welcoming Pitori energy that leaves you feeling like her premises are a home away from home. Her staff is super friendly and accommodating to her guests needs. For those ladies who kept to the theme, there was a fantastic prize up for grabs for the best dressed award. Voted anonymously by all the guests so no rigging or favouritism was in sight. Siwela Kgapane took the prize which included a self-care goodie bag that contained a pair of sunglasses, a bag holder, a luxurious night's stay at LeBamboo on Protea Guest House. A ten out of ten to the event organisers. We look forward to getting invites to more informative and pleasure driven events. tHE NEXT EVENT IS TAKING PLACE ON THE 6TH OF APRIL, MAKE SURE YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH MS V ON 0792716492 FOR MORE DETAILS.

The day started off with some boots shopping for her because I’m an impulsive buyer and we made our way to the Pretoria Gautrain Station. A few minutes after arriving at the venue I get a text from Co-Editor Katlego, asking if I’m down to cover an event starting in a few hours which happens to be just a 20 minutes away from where we were. It was a Saturday afternoon and we didn’t really have plans for the night so I accepted the invitation, booked an AirBnB for the night, tasted a few more proudly South African wines then headed out to our home for the night to freshen up and drop off our bags. By bags I mean the bottle of sparkling wine I couldn’t resist buying for my date. We hopped into an Uber and headed out to the streets of Gomora.

On arrival we were already assured of safety by the high volume of security at the entrance, around the parking and drop off zone. A few seconds to sort out our tickets and we were in, with a complementary bottle of Jägermeister and a branded Jäger Balaclava. You could feel the atmospheric change from as soon as you entered the space. Picture a cocktail of all the international fashion weeks with a razzle of the Grammys, a splash of the Tony’s and a drizzle of underground high society soiree with allies of the LGBQTIA+ community on the guest list. That’s exactly what Groove Biennale- the final Night Embassy Joburg residency by Jägermeister Night 2: Ante Kiki was all about.

Produced by Thelma Ndebele AKA DORMANTYOUTH, a non-binary Master of Architecture and DJ who is passionate about music as a unique way to describe a place and as a record of where people have lived. As DORMANTYOUTH, they use music to change how the body interacts with spaces. This shows how sound can change the relationship between architecture and art. The Ante Experience is a play on words that combines the alt/anti style with the word “ante,” which in architecture means a room or space before a main hall. During each event, snapshots of how the party interacts will be taken and shown again as hologram projections built into the main pavilion structure.

Set in the heart of Alex at Megalo Lifestyle, the three night event was a cultural, fashion and architectural movement.

The day started off with some boots shopping for her because I’m an impulsive buyer and we made our way to the Pretoria Gautrain Station. A few minutes after arriving at the venue I get a text from Co-Editor Katlego, asking if I’m down to cover an event starting in a few hours which happens to be just a 20 minutes away from where we were. It was a Saturday afternoon and we didn’t really have plans for the night so I accepted the invitation, booked an AirBnB for the night, tasted a few more proudly South African wines then headed out to our home for the night to freshen up and drop off our bags. By bags I mean the bottle of sparkling wine I couldn’t resist buying for my date. We hopped into an Uber and headed out to the streets of Gomora.

On arrival we were already assured of safety by the high volume of security at the entrance, around the parking and drop off zone. A few seconds to sort out our tickets and we were in, with a complementary bottle of Jägermeister and a branded Jäger Balaclava. You could feel the atmospheric change from as soon as you entered the space. Picture a cocktail of all the international fashion weeks with a razzle of the Grammys, a splash of the Tony’s and a drizzle of underground high society soiree with allies of the LGBQTIA+ community on the guest list. That’s exactly what Groove Biennale- the final Night Embassy Joburg residency by Jägermeister Night 2: Ante Kiki was all about.

Produced by Thelma Ndebele AKA DORMANTYOUTH, a non-binary Master of Architecture and DJ who is passionate about music as a unique way to describe a place and as a record of where people have lived. As DORMANTYOUTH, they use music to change how the body interacts with spaces. This shows how sound can change the relationship between architecture and art. The Ante Experience is a play on words that combines the alt/anti style with the word “ante,” which in architecture means a room or space before a main hall. During each event, snapshots of how the party interacts will be taken and shown again as hologram projections built into the main pavilion structure.

Set in the heart of Alex at Megalo Lifestyle, the three night event was a cultural, fashion and architectural movement.

We started off the night with shots of below zero degrees Jägermeister and headed to the dance floor where Phatstoki was heating up the dance floor right after Lotion, and Skits had set the tone for the night. Just as we settled in after a few signature Jägermeister cocktails, LeloWhatsGood and DORMANTYOUTH joined the stage to take the vibe to a whole new level. We had found a spot right next to the speaker, and let’s just say LeloWhatsGood should be a charged with a case of blowing up one of the windows, literally shifting some of my organs and having me regret wearing a warm outfit. Original Hunty MC’d the Vogue Nights Jozi Ballroom battle session starting off with a few house rules around consent, respecting each other’s pronouns and the layout of the battle stage.

There were two categories to compete in, first was KI category – Runway with a twist, open to all and secondly KI category – Vogue Femme with a twist also open to all. With the base thick in our lungs and everyone meshed together to create the Runway-battle ground. You could feel the intense competitive energy. One by one the contestants took centre stage and owned the moment while the judges dished out their verdicts. The aim was to get 10s from all 4 judges; after all there was a cash prize on the line.

The contestants did not come to play; they personified the essence of taking up space. They left their souls on that battle ground. Every round brought a higher intensity, more swagger and heat (Vogue dance moves). Just like any battle ground, only one individual could take go home with the championship bragging rights, but they were all winners really. Having the courage to take centre stage is a victory. Showing up to ensure that there is representation for humans like you definitely deserves 10’s! After the heated battle we got down to the sounds of Fake Love, Pabi Cooper and Gyre sealed the night off.

Personally, the highlight of the night was definitely the educational element of the event. From the architectural elements of the venue like having gender neutral restrooms, the couch and bean bag chill area which was elevated and secluded from the rest of the venue, allowing you to choose your preferred vibe. The messaging that emphasized the importance of respecting each other, be it our boundaries or our pronouns and most importantly the lesson of self-love, authenticity, confidence and lastly the spirit of community and allyship. A round of applaud to everyone who contributed to constructing this amazing experience.

We started off the night with shots of below zero degrees Jägermeister and headed to the dance floor where Phatstoki was heating up the dance floor right after Lotion, and Skits had set the tone for the night. Just as we settled in after a few signature Jägermeister cocktails, LeloWhatsGood and DORMANTYOUTH joined the stage to take the vibe to a whole new level. We had found a spot right next to the speaker, and let’s just say LeloWhatsGood should be a charged with a case of blowing up one of the windows, literally shifting some of my organs and having me regret wearing a warm outfit. Original Hunty MC’d the Vogue Nights Jozi Ballroom battle session starting off with a few house rules around consent, respecting each other’s pronouns and the layout of the battle stage.

There were two categories to compete in, first was KI category – Runway with a twist, open to all and secondly KI category – Vogue Femme with a twist also open to all. With the base thick in our lungs and everyone meshed together to create the Runway-battle ground. You could feel the intense competitive energy. One by one the contestants took centre stage and owned the moment while the judges dished out their verdicts. The aim was to get 10s from all 4 judges; after all there was a cash prize on the line.

The contestants did not come to play; they personified the essence of taking up space. They left their souls on that battle ground. Every round brought a higher intensity, more swagger and heat (Vogue dance moves). Just like any battle ground, only one individual could take go home with the championship bragging rights, but they were all winners really. Having the courage to take centre stage is a victory. Showing up to ensure that there is representation for humans like you definitely deserves 10’s! After the heated battle we got down to the sounds of Fake Love, Pabi Cooper and Gyre sealed the night off.

Personally, the highlight of the night was definitely the educational element of the event. From the architectural elements of the venue like having gender neutral restrooms, the couch and bean bag chill area which was elevated and secluded from the rest of the venue, allowing you to choose your preferred vibe. The messaging that emphasized the importance of respecting each other, be it our boundaries or our pronouns and most importantly the lesson of self-love, authenticity, confidence and lastly the spirit of community and allyship. A round of applaud to everyone who contributed to constructing this amazing experience.

FLASHBACK

EVENT-

QUEERTOPIA

By: Boipelo Bokaba

Well, that world was brought to the heart of Joburg through the second leg of a brilliant collaborative concept by Jägermeister’s residency programme, Night Embassy’s elected unmuted ambassadors – Other Village People who presented Queertopia. This was an intentional three-day experience for the LGBTQIA+ that took place from Thursday 18th to Saturday 20th November at Constitutional Hill.

In true African style, the rains blessed the first few minutes of the opening ceremony, emphasising new beginnings and the theme of the day – the house of new world order. Once the clouds cleared and the rainbow showed up in all its flair, so began the festivities. The hosts warmly welcomed everyone with thanks, a few house rules and, without giving too much away, explained the programme for the weekend. Keeping to new world order ways, we got to experience a flagging ceremony for our kingdom, a flag designed by Ntsikelelo ‘Lelo’ Meslani aka Lelowhatsgood a young, multi-talented queer creative.

The beautiful flag features all the colours from the LGBTQIA+ flag, but instead of the solid colours Lelo has blended the colours which signify us uniting and loving ourselves, so we no longer see ourselves as others.

The night was amplified by the Jägermeister Brass Cartel, that rocked the night with classic party anthems from Kanye West’s ‘Can’t tell me nothing’ to Daft Punk’s ‘One more time’. Congo Muffin, Rosie Parade, Thanda Kunene and AN.D made the dancefloor irresistible, with their great sets. We all went home wanting more of this new order while highly anticipating the rest of the weekend.

Well, that world was brought to the heart of Joburg through the second leg of a brilliant collaborative concept by Jägermeister’s residency programme, Night Embassy’s elected unmuted ambassadors – Other Village People who presented Queertopia. This was an intentional three-day experience for the LGBTQIA+ that took place from Thursday 18th to Saturday 20th November at Constitutional Hill.

In true African style, the rains blessed the first few minutes of the opening ceremony, emphasising new beginnings and the theme of the day – the house of new world order. Once the clouds cleared and the rainbow showed up in all its flair, so began the festivities. The hosts warmly welcomed everyone with thanks, a few house rules and, without giving too much away, explained the programme for the weekend. Keeping to new world order ways, we got to experience a flagging ceremony for our kingdom, a flag designed by Ntsikelelo ‘Lelo’ Meslani aka Lelowhatsgood a young, multi-talented queer creative.

The beautiful flag features all the colours from the LGBTQIA+ flag, but instead of the solid colours Lelo has blended the colours which signify us uniting and loving ourselves, so we no longer see ourselves as others.

The night was amplified by the Jägermeister Brass Cartel, that rocked the night with classic party anthems from Kanye West’s ‘Can’t tell me nothing’ to Daft Punk’s ‘One more time’. Congo Muffin, Rosie Parade, Thanda Kunene and AN.D made the dancefloor irresistible, with their great sets. We all went home wanting more of this new order while highly anticipating the rest of the weekend.

Day two was for the spirituals, the chakra babes and beasts. The intention was about getting in touch with your feels. We were serenated by Nonku Phiri, Buhlebendalo and Muneyi. We got an opportunity to feed our souls and embrace the intimate places in our being, something we as queer folks aren’t always free to express in other groove spaces. We got to engage in organic conversations without fear of judgement or prejudice or having your light dimmed. As if that wasn’t enough of an experience, the curators also unveiled a mini queer exhibition, which featured beautiful artwork by artists in the community.

The final day started early to make sure we fully took in the experience, like day one, we were blessed with some rain. Now if you are reserved like me, the rain forced you to come out of your shell and have conversations with unfamiliar faces. Under the shelter, we all gathered and that turned strangers into friends. Like a rebel with a cause, the sun showed up and kickstarted the closing ceremony with a dope lineup that featured performances from Moonchild Sanelly and Thandi Draai. The decks were set on fire by Kat Upendi, Lotion, Sjay,Phatstoki and DBN Gogo.

Between the Jäger photo booth, the delicious signature cocktails, the stunning venue and great attention to detail given by the curators, we look forward to many more safe queer spaces. Ten out of ten from us to the organisers

Day two was for the spirituals, the chakra babes and beasts. The intention was about getting in touch with your feels. We were serenated by Nonku Phiri, Buhlebendalo and Muneyi. We got an opportunity to feed our souls and embrace the intimate places in our being, something we as queer folks aren’t always free to express in other groove spaces. We got to engage in organic conversations without fear of judgement or prejudice or having your light dimmed. As if that wasn’t enough of an experience, the curators also unveiled a mini queer exhibition, which featured beautiful artwork by artists in the community.

The final day started early to make sure we fully took in the experience, like day one, we were blessed with some rain. Now if you are reserved like me, the rain forced you to come out of your shell and have conversations with unfamiliar faces. Under the shelter, we all gathered and that turned strangers into friends. Like a rebel with a cause, the sun showed up and kickstarted the closing ceremony with a dope lineup that featured performances from Moonchild Sanelly and Thandi Draai. The decks were set on fire by Kat Upendi, Lotion, Sjay,Phatstoki and DBN Gogo.

Between the Jäger photo booth, the delicious signature cocktails, the stunning venue and great attention to detail given by the curators, we look forward to many more safe queer spaces. Ten out of ten from us to the organisers

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