The “We Are The Money” movement is a living vision of what township creatives can achieve together, committed to healing communities through art and creating sustainable paths for overlooked artists.
Our journey to Smoking Dragon Festival 2024 marks a significant step toward this vision. As one of South Africa's most anticipated independent music festivals, it serves as a space where culture, music, and art intersect.
By managing one of the festival’s seven stages on New Year’s Eve, we showcase the brilliance and resilience of township and rural artists, standing as ambassadors for a larger movement.
THE ROAD TO SMOKING DRAGON: COMMUNITY IN ACTION
The journey to Smoking Dragon has been extraordinary. Through various activations across Johannesburg, township artists have supported one another. This is what working group economics looks like.
Despite challenges, the “We Are The Money” family remains strong. We invite you to join us:
As supporters: Your ticket purchases and donations help cover costs and support artists.
As collaborators: Your skills and contributions are invaluable.
Together, we demonstrate that the township creative economy is the future.
A MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE: HONOURING OUR BROTHERS
We acknowledge the sudden passing of Gift Nkomo, a member of our Smoking Dragon lineup. His art and spirit resonated deeply with many. We also commemorate:
ViceThe13th
Emdee
Phaks Manis
These individuals were our brothers and collaborators. Their legacies will live on through our work. We will honor them on stage, celebrating their dreams.
To those not mentioned by name, we see you, remember you, and this is for you too.
COLLABORATION ON A NATIONAL SCALE
Our presence at Smoking Dragon is about building bridges. Collaborating with national powerhouses like Ilsa Roberts proves that unity among township creatives and established leaders is necessary.
This embodies the “We Are The Money” movement: breaking barriers and creating opportunities for artists at every level.
THE FINAL LINEUP IS HERE
The final lineup for our Smoking Dragon stage is ready. These artists embody the spirit of this movement as storytellers and healers.
Join us:
Get your tickets to Smoking Dragon Festival.
Support our campaign with resources and donations.
Share our story to amplify township creatives' voices.
A CALL TO ACTION: THIS IS FOR ALL OF US
As a creative arts activist, I believe we are in a defining moment. The “We Are The Money” movement focuses on collective investment in one another.
At Smoking Dragon Festival, we celebrate life, legacy, and unity. We will remember those lost, honor those building, and inspire future participants.
This is more than a stage; it is a statement.
This is more than a performance; it is a revolution.
We Are The Money. And we are calling on you to stand with us. See the final lineup in the images below.
Let’s make history together.
For Gift Nkomo. For ViceThe13th. For Emdee. For Phaks Manis. For all of us.
See you at Smoking Dragon.
