KUGOMPO CITY- House 87 has launched what it hopes will become a year-round cultural programme after its inaugural Winter Market in Quigney sold out ahead of the event.
Hosted on 27th June in partnership with Kids Love Jazz, the market transformed the House 87 precinct into a hub of live jazz, local fashion, food, creative businesses and family entertainment drawing strong public support for its first edition.
House 87 founder and Chief Executive Officer Thando Thomas said the Winter Market marks the beginning of a seasonal calendar that will continue with Spring and Summer editions later this year.
“This is the first edition. It will be followed by a Spring Market in September and a Summer Market in December, this is our first step and the response has exceeded projections,” Thomas said.
Demand for tickets was so high that organisers reconfigured the venue’s dining area into a standing hall to accommodate more visitors.
“The ambience is appropriate and intentional. The reconfiguration created the required internal space and the standing format has proven effective,” he said.
Furthmore the event also marked the Eastern Cape debut of Johannesburg-based cultural initiative Kids Love Jazz.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Thando Kubeka said the project is intended to inspire communities through culture rather than simply stage performances.
“It is not a concert but a movement. It is a campaign and a reignition of culture. The purpose is to stimulate creative momentum among young people facing unemployment and limited access to education and opportunity. The objective is to demonstrate that communities can initiate and sustain cultural and economic activity without external dependence,” Kubeka said.
In addition he confirmed that Kids Love Jazz plans to return to the Eastern Cape with expanded programming following the success of its first appearance in the province.
Supporting small businesses formed a central part of the market, with around 10 vendors showcasing locally made products throughout the day.
Thomas said strong trading was evident as visitors supported local entrepreneurs.
“The presence of attendees carrying shopping bags indicated direct support for SMMEs,” he said.
He said future markets aim to expand to around 40 vendors while extending activities beyond the House 87 precinct to activate the wider Quigney area.
“Future editions will prioritise broader participation across crafts, fashion and other creative disciplines, with the intention of activating the entire street rather than a single precinct,” Thomas said.
Among the exhibitors was Costa Denim, a proudly South African clothing brand.
Brand representative Kwanele Mphosi said the event demonstrated the value of creating platforms for local entrepreneurs.
“For a proudly South African brand like Costa Denim, it is important to be in spaces that support entrepreneurs who are building every day. Markets like this create visibility for local products and remind people that our craft and manufacturing capacity exists right here at home,” Mphosi said.
House 87 has confirmed that additional partnerships are being developed as it seeks to establish the market as a regular feature on Buffalo City’s cultural calendar while creating greater opportunities for local creatives and small businesses.
Photographs: Siyolise Silayi
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