27/04/2026
Elias "Sparo" Sibiya is an artist, an event organizer, philanthropist and a Mamelodi resident. He is the man behind The E.S.S Festival . He took the time to let us in on the thought process of getting this event off the ground and why he chose to give back through the arts.
1.Why and how did it come to you to want to do an event like the E. S. S Music Festival?
As an event organizer that's been quiet for a very long time, I needed a comeback that was more than a hip hop show. So after coming with many ideas for about 6/7 years, this year in January I got the perfect plan and that's how the E. S. S Festival came about. It's been a long time coming, I just didn't have the perfect ex*****on plan back then.
2.Why the entrance fee of sanity pads and toothpaste and what's the plan after receiving them?
I believe in solving everyday problems and lending a helping hand where I can and this was a good way to kickstart the 1st event. I alone do not have the means to solve my community challenges alone, this was my way of giving back, through what I love.
Also my last event was around 2012 so I needed to come back with something that was going to give the festival a meaning not have it be "just another event" . The products will be distributed to schools, NGO's and the identified needy.
3.How has it been putting together this event and how has the support been like from your fellows artists and creatives?
Putting an event like this is a huge responsibility especially when you don't have funding and you have to keep digging from your own pocket time and again, but the support has been amazing from the community, artists and entrepreneurs at large.
4.Paint a picture for us as to what will be going down on the 2nd of May.
Music, flea market, podcast, fashion, food, digital and board games , baverages, beautiful people, fans , DJs & handcrafts. Fun with a cause. That is how the event will look like.
5.This is the 1st ever event, will we have another one next year, what's the plan going forward?
Yes! this is the 1st ever but we are planning to have it every year, hopefully with more sponsors on board. We will also have other events on the side, post and leading to this one.
6.How did the partnership with JackBhuda come about for them to offer their venue?
I bumped into the owner of the venue at a parking lot and I had 2 minutes to pitch my idea to him and fortunately he loved it.
7.What's your message to all the artists and creatives who came on board to help steer this ship with you and rallied behind you?
Thank you very much for your time and energy and understanding that I don't have funds to pay you. I am very grateful for that.
8.What are you most looking forward to on the day of the event?
Seeing lots of bags of the entrance fee products and lots of fun. I want to see people networking, meeting new people, new faces and enjoying the event.
9. What's your hope and wish for the community of Mamelodi?
To see more positivity and more people advocating for change one day at a time
10. Any S/O's, vote of thanks, last message?
I would love to send a big shout to
Jackbudha, Fikile Chauke, Temido, Pao N***a, Da Boombap Shaman, Bra Jimmy Lattrel, John Michael, Jonny Lass, Joe Valaza, Bonezee Bonzalez, KB Nokaneng, Sir fivenine, Bra Luu Devine, Shaba, all the media that gave us airtime and the artists.
Thank you to everyone who played a part and supported the idea.