Anybody and everybody, living in the heart of Durban, basically in direction to all the party enthusiasts, would understand the “astonishing” work, award winning “Promoter of the year, Junior Lavie has contributed to the Durban entertainment landscape.
“The Host with The Most“, Curating many of the biggest party concepts, which include: F Ink Party, brand Lavie Lifestyle, ( POT ) Party On A Tuesday to being a major founder & Ceo of JL Events World.
A brand & events promoter, affiliated with highly recommended venues “Rich Durban, Luma Sunset, The warehouse, Views at 25 and more. To respected International artists like, Migos, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and Chris Brown. Paving a way for the likes of Nasty C, Junior Da Rocka, Lucasrap to name a few, to being the man behind the success of Nasty’s IvySonTour and Blxkie’s B4 Now Concerts in Durban.
Hosting some of the top tier personalities in the game, DJ Somebody, Thuli Phongolo, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza the Small, Zakes Bantwini, Dbn gogo and more. While, independently planning, marketing, and sometimes producing live events, including single shows, tours, festivals, and special events.
Juniors success hinges entirely on his availability to create a moment for all the entertainment lovers. Not only in Durban let’s say, around the province. Through music and market savvy, social media skills, and his ability to recruit an audience, everywhere the party is at.
All we know that everything Lavie touches, turns into success. He might travel the continent, spreading good vibes, but then again Durban approves and we are in good hands.
One thing about Junior, he will put you on and assist you in creating a name for yourself. I remember the conversation we had in Florida road, at the Castlelite Unlocks, regarding work. For that opportunity in time, it shows evidence of him being humble and open to building another person.
Blogger & digital creator, Brooklyn Masuku
We caught up with Lavie for an exclusive conversation and if we say; “grateful” that’s an understatement for us but we are honoured:
1. Let’s get started, you are considered as the goat. In your opinion, what makes you stand out towards being the goat, people consider you as?
I’ve been keeping my city alive every week for the past 11 years. I doubt we have any other promoter in KZN or SA I can be compared to.
2. What has being a, ” Event Organiser / Event Marketer/ Promoter/ event coordinator ” done for your brand thus far?
Firstly, it has opened so many doors and opportunities that a 9-5 can’t easily unlock in the cooperate world. Secondly, shifted me from the street hustles/poverty to a much more stable person that my family can now depend on.
3. Let’s take it back to #FInkparty, why did you think Durban needed that type of experience?
F Ink was created to give a platform to underground artists, especially the HipHop genre at that time. I also created an affordable and safer party environment for varsity students.
4. When curating a concept ( event ) whats the creative process, within Junior Lavie’s mind?
I am a rockstar baby! ( Laughs ) … it’s never about Artists/ DJs line up or just alcohol at my events. I prefer investing more in the experience itself.
5. Ok ! ( POT ) “Party On A Tuesday”, What do you think makes that concept relevant till now?
POT reconnects friends and families, when they come back home in December. After working/studying in other provinces. To add, “By the way I’m the first person to introduce a Tuesday event in Africa”.
6. You’ve given so many young people opportunities and the platform within the Durban Entertainment scenes. Why is it important to give young people opportunities and being humble while at it ?
If you have the tools and power to assist others why keep everything to yourself?
Look ! before my kids blew up, we were spending thousands booking cats from Johannesburg every week. Now I can easily save and maximise on profit just by using our own artists.
Sometimes the result is way way more when you keep it local, but beyond that I was also given an opportunity by Kgolo Daguru, Andy X, DJ Siyanda, Vuma, Paul M and Oskido, with mother of all party family to name a few. So I feel blessed when I see my ntwana shinning and also giving others the same opportunity I gave them.
7. You’ve been in the industry for a decade now, and you are still painting the city your way. What has to be one of your biggest highlight of your career?
Winning trophies that I did not campaign for, amongst big events such as Pop Bottles, Major League Gardens and Home Coming at the SA HipHop awards. Imagine winning two awards in one night? King of KZN and best event promoter in SOUTH AFRICA!!! ( Huge )
8. As an award winning, Promoter in Durban ! Where do you see yourself and the city of, Durban in the next ( 5 ) years, looking at the entertainment factor ?
I see us doing “Durban takeover events internationally”, especially in countries where you find more South Africans. I mean it’s a FACT DURBAN ROCKS!
9. The festive season is upon us, where are the ( 5 ) spots to likely find Junior Lavie ?
Rich, Yugo, Views, Luma and TheWereHouse to name a few.
1O. Your biggest advice to all the promoters around the world, especially in Durban. Don’t forget a message to all your supporters, who support and appreciate you.
Don’t be caught up in the trend! Invest in the little you making wisely.
Self-respect and staying humble, will take you far. To those who support my events, KEEP PARTYING RESPONSIBLY, YOUR FAMILY NEEDS YOU MORE THAN THE NIGHT LIFE.
We’ve got to admit how inspired we are of Junior Lavie. Coming from humble beginnings, with so much drive and passion for his craft. It’s evident from his work that he is, the epitome of success. A global impact and powerhouse. The continent is yet to experience his magic.
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