Alain was introduced to me as the guy who could turn the wildest ideas into real-life magic. He swears his career path was a coincidence—but the way he’s shaped experiences, festivals, and unforgettable moments feels anything but accidental.

From founding Beanstalk (aka the engine behind countless iconic events), to co-piloting Cotton Fest with Riky Rick, Alain’s fingerprints are all over the cultural map. His curiosity is his compass, and somehow, it keeps taking him to the most unexpected and brilliant places.

Here’s a little glimpse into the human behind the magic.

"A country without documentary films is like a family without a photo album."

This quote by Patricio Guzmán, the Chilean filmmaker, is one that always resonates with me—especially in conversations with Jack. Jack and I have always shared a deep devotion to South African documentaries and the way they captured the pulse of Mzansi in the ’80s and ’90s.

That same spirit is a driving force behind Jack’s work. His writing and films offer a window into the vibrant melting pot of Johannesburg, South Africa—woven together with fashion, music, humor, and narrative.

“The Mayor’s Grandson…”—the title of a documentary I dream of making about my dear friend, Jack Markovitz. It’s a running joke between us, something we talk about every time we see each other.

But first, here’s an introduction to the human behind the story.

The sacrifices our parents make in raising us are often not fully understood until we grow older or become parents ourselves. The way our parents shape our perspectives as children deeply influences how we perceive the world as adults.

As young people, there is so much we can learn from the older generation. But, equally, older folk have much to gain from the wisdom of the younger.

Muzi, a man who deeply reveres his father—an entrepreneur—shares his personal journey through entrepreneurship and fatherhood, shedding light on the timeless principles passed down by his dad. Growing up in Soweto, Muzi never could have imagined that selling billboards would become a career. It all began with one simple wall mural.

Those who have embarked on the entrepreneurial journey will tell you — being an entrepreneur is a rollercoaster ride of exhilarating highs and challenging lows.

Many entrepreneurs will also tell you that, when stepping into the world of business, it’s crucial to learn how to protect your heart. Running a business often means making decisions that are right for the company, even when they don’t align with your emotions. While entrepreneurs are certainly not emotionless, they know when to step back and recognize when it’s time to move on.

Vicky Ross, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in retail, property, and the creative industry, shares her journey. Her extensive experience has opened doors for her to contribute her expertise to a variety of successful ventures.

A true Joburger at heart, Vicky was raised by an accountant father and a creative mother, and she reflects on how this unique upbringing has shaped her understanding of people, business, and culture.

Matthew Edwards, also known as Matte Binery, opens up about his deep love for football growing up and how his hometown of Joburg shaped his creative journey.

Through his design work, Matte brings his vivid imagination to life, often through unconventional projects that push boundaries.

In this conversation, we dive into the people who raised him and helped shape his path. Here’s a glimpse into Matte’s world

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.