Born Fredericks Tshabalala in Meadowlands East, DJ Ganyani says the event is more than a music gathering. It is a homecoming that honours the community, sounds and culture that shaped his career and South Africa’s house music movement.

The event will take place on 25 January in Zone 2, Meadowlands, and is expected to draw fans from across Johannesburg and surrounding areas.

“Where It All Began is the sound returning home. It is about timeless grooves, shared memories and the community that shaped a culture,” said DJ Ganyani.

He explained that the concept is rooted in the early days of house music, when DJs played cassette tapes and vinyl records and music was shared hand to hand long before the digital era.

“The event honours the era of cassette tapes and vinyl records, when house music was shared hand to hand, DJs were true selectors and the dancefloor was the heartbeat of the culture,” he said.

As one of South Africa’s pioneering house DJs, DJ Ganyani played a key role in shaping a sound that emerged from township streets and went on to influence generations of artists and fans.

“This gathering brings that story to life through timeless house grooves, familiar faces and an atmosphere rich with nostalgia and meaning. It is more than a party. It is a homecoming — a return to the roots, the music and the people who made it all possible,” he said.

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27 October 2025 | Johannesburg, South Africa – The All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA), in partnership with CNBC Africa, SNG Grant Thornton, and Henley Business School Africa, will host its 13th edition on 12 November 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Widely regarded as Africa’s premier business recognition platform, the annual event honours individuals and organisations that exemplify leadership, innovation, and impact across the continent.

Now in its thirteenth year, the AABLA continues to celebrate the continent’s most dynamic and visionary leaders. For more than a decade, it has showcased stories of perseverance, enterprise, and purpose, reinforcing the power of business leadership to drive positive change and sustainable growth in Africa.

In the past year, Africa’s economic resilience and innovation have stood out on the global stage. According to the African Development Bank’s 2025 outlook, the continent’s average GDP growth is projected at 3.8%, with several economies – including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Côte d’Ivoire – experiencing a strong recovery driven by entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and intra-African trade. Venture funding into African start-ups surpassed US$4 billion, demonstrating global confidence in the continent’s innovation potential.

Platforms such as the AABLA are therefore more vital than ever, as they shine a spotlight on the businesses and leaders who are redefining the narrative of Africa, transforming it from a continent of potential into one of proven performance and global influence.

Previous recipients of AABLA honours include Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB); Econet Group; Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of the Gift of the Givers Foundation; Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank; Melvyn Lubega, Executive Chairperson, Baobab Group; Daniel Ndima, CEO of CapeBio; Mohammed Dewji, President, MeTL Group; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation; and Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group; Nedbank; Ivan and Lynette Saltzman, Founders of Dis-Chem Pharmacies. Each embodies the vision that continues to shape Africa’s economic future.

This year’s awards will recognise excellence across several categories:

All Africa Sports, Arts & Culture Award

All Africa Innovator of the Year

All Africa Businesswoman of the Year

All Africa Chief Financial Officer of the Year

All Africa Company of the Year

All Africa Business Leader of the Year

All Africa Chairperson of the Year

Speaking ahead of the event, Roberta Naicker, Managing Director of the ABN Group, said,

“The All Africa Business Leaders Awards were created to recognise not just commercial success but meaningful leadership. Each winner represents the values of integrity, vision, and innovation that continue to define Africa’s business landscape.”

Since its inception, the All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) have become synonymous with recognising excellence, strengthening confidence in African enterprise, and showcasing the continent’s leadership potential to the world.

Ticket reservations are now open. For attendance and partnership inquiries, please visit www.aablawards.com.

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Under the theme “Empower Young People to Make Positive Changes”, EVMA25 is all about inspiring, developing and empowering the next generation of creatives!

Expect:

Electrifying performances

Panel discussions

Inspiring fashion showcase

Exhibitions from leading brands

Date: 25 October 2025

Venue: Newtown Junction Mall & AMPD Studios

Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entry: FREE

Let’s celebrate creativity, youth empowerment, and African Royalty!

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