As Shaun Duwe raises a glass to mark the 21st anniversary of his agency, Anything Goes, he reflects on a remarkable journey through South Africa’s vibrant entertainment and music festival landscape.
Since its inception in 2003, Duwe’s agency has not only thrived but has also become synonymous with world-class events, showcasing the dynamic evolution of the country’s cultural scene.
Duwe’s journey began at the tender age of 15, when he discovered his passion for DJing and club culture.
With a background rooted in marketing, he says he recognised the potential to merge his love for music with a savvy understanding of entertainment. It was this intersection that led to the birth of his agency, which has since emerged as a leading event management agency.
“I immediately threw myself into promoting and throwing parties. The brands started showing interest, and Anything Goes was born.”
Over the years, he has successfully orchestrated renowned events, including the much-lauded ULTRA South Africa, solidifying his position as a key figure in the music and entertainment landscape.
Reflecting on the shift in the industry’s dynamics, Duwe notes that the response to the continent’s music offerings has drastically evolved.
“I have always looked at the big picture and not just focused locally. It used to be a struggle to get big international artists to SA; now we’re spoilt for choice,” he says, highlighting the influx of artists eager to tour South Africa.
This year, he is particularly excited about the launch of the GO! Festival, a new annual celebration dedicated to Anything Goes, which marks a new chapter for his branded entertainment business.
“This has been a passion project I’ve been conceptualising for a long time,” he reveals.
One of the festival’s highlights will be the highly anticipated return of global star Tyla, which reflects the continuing evolution of the music scene.
“We are proud promoters and producers and are very excited to make the tour happen with Tyla and her team,” Duwe says, stressing the collaborative spirit in which he and his agency operate.
Asked about trends or shifts that he has observed in SA’s entertainment scene, he asserts: “Staying in touch with the music is and will always be our core focus. Music is the ultimate form of expression and the perfect cultural centrepiece to help understand the future of trends and community.”
He further explains that cultural and community-building are also significant themes for his agency, and over the past decade, Duwe’s team has contributed to the construction of Bridges for Music, a school located in the township of Langa.
“We have helped build this for the community through the power of music and connectivity,” he says proudly.
In addition to fostering artistic innovation, his agency also champions sustainability and has garnered the Blue Seal Oceanic Badge for three consecutive years at the Corona Sunsets Festival, underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Star