DJ and event promoter Gregory Hlatshwayo, more popularly known as Grego Villa, is set to attract thousands of festival goers to his Exclusive White Lifestyle event, which will take place at the Willowmoore Park cricket stadium in Benoni on September 7.
TshisaLIVE caught up with him at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni to discuss the event.
What inspired you to create 'Exclusive White'?
Exclusive White Lifestyle brand started back in 2018 as my yearly private birthday celebration (invites only) called “Greg’s Exclusive White”. Over the years it steadily grew and the public demand became evident. In 2021 when Covid-19 restrictions were lifted a bit, I then started to commercialise it and surprisingly grew from hosting 400-600 patrons to an event attracting several thousand attendees. By then I decided to rename the brand to “Exclusive White Lifestyle” because it has proven to be a people’s favourite event that brings quality entertainment.
Who's in the line-up?
When it comes to talent we don’t compromise.
Mafikizolo, Sjava, Young Stunna, Vusi Nova, Ntando, DJ Fresh DJ Maphorisa, Morda, Oscar Mbo, Lamiez Holworthy, Lerato Kganyago, Thabithabs, Sentle Lehoko, DJ Young, Paul Mtirara, Malumz on Decks, Grego Villa, Zan-D, Onny, Crucial 2.0, DJ Competition Winner (through the DJ competition we always give for up-and-coming DJs to share their passion on stage with their idols). This initiative is popular and we received hundreds of entries but can only choose three winners.
Could you share some highlights from recent 'Exclusive White' events?
One of the highlights that comes to mind, is when the brand was awarded the rights to host the highly contested Metro FM Heatwave Gauteng leg. Also hosting our event at the Metro FM Tap into Metro Cruise to the Portuguese Island. These achievements and opportunities took our brand to new heights. The brand has been recognised and gained partnership/sponsorship with media powerhouses like MNET’s Mzansi. Viacom’s BET,Channel O, MTV Base, Trace, etc.
How has business been for 'Exclusive White'?
The entertainment industry is one of the most challenging business environments, one of the riskiest businesses and definitely not for everyone. Many have tried but only few have stayed consistent. It’s a numbers game and numbers don’t lie (laughs). I am passion driven and nothing can beat that. There’s a fire burning inside me that keeps me going and ideas flowing.
Given the constantly changing venues, how do you adapt and stay relevant?
A tough one. The idea of changing venues has always been part of the brand’s mission, to consistently give our patrons a different experience. We’ve stepped into untapped territories and thrived. Most venues were never used for entertainment but we opened up those doors. Example, I discovered “The Parks at Emperors” an abundant land suitable for a musical experience but never used until I hosted a couple of concepts there. I see Emperors is using it for other events now (laughs).
Just after I was forced to cancel the Carnival City Festival Lawns venue due to facts I won’t mention here because it will be very detrimental to the company appointed as the facility management there. I had no choice but to promptly seek an alternative venue because there was no way I was cancelling what is set be the biggest spring picnic in the country (laughs). I was led to discover gold — a beautiful venue with international standards, Willowmore Cricket Stadium (The Oval), formerly known as Sahara Park. And we’ll be the first to put it to the test on September 7 for our highly anticipated event Exclusive White Spring Picnic 2024. And my team and I can’t wait to deliver the best event by far.
What exciting developments or projects can we expect from Grego Villa?
I’m the Thuma Mina of entertainment and more concepts are brewing but soon to be made public including bringing International acts to our shores. As a DJ I’ll be investing in a music production company. I believe there’s so much I can contribute in that particular entertainment field.
What’s your vision for the future of 'Exclusive White'?
The brand’s vision is to tour our beloved country. I’m saying this because we constantly attract patrons from all over the country and beyond our borders. Next step is to have Exclusive White Durban, Cape Town, Mpumalanga and maybe one day Lesotho. You’ll be surprised how patrons travel from Lesotho for our concerts. The brand contributes a lot to the country's economy. Gauteng Tourism keeps a blind eye to our brand but we are striving with or without any support from the government. But when you have the power of the people and a decent business model, nothing can stop your go.
Parting shot : See you on September 7 at Willowmoore for our annual Denim and White Spring Holiday.
See Post:
Grego Villa gets a new venue for his sold-out 'Exclusive White Lifestyle' event
DJ and event promoter Gregory Hlatshwayo, more popularly known as Grego Villa, is set to attract thousands of festival goers to his Exclusive White Lifestyle event, which will take place at the Willowmoore Park cricket stadium in Benoni on September 7.
TshisaLIVE caught up with him at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni to discuss the event.
What inspired you to create 'Exclusive White'?
Exclusive White Lifestyle brand started back in 2018 as my yearly private birthday celebration (invites only) called “Greg’s Exclusive White”. Over the years it steadily grew and the public demand became evident. In 2021 when Covid-19 restrictions were lifted a bit, I then started to commercialise it and surprisingly grew from hosting 400-600 patrons to an event attracting several thousand attendees. By then I decided to rename the brand to “Exclusive White Lifestyle” because it has proven to be a people’s favourite event that brings quality entertainment.
Who's in the line-up?
When it comes to talent we don’t compromise.
Mafikizolo, Sjava, Young Stunna, Vusi Nova, Ntando, DJ Fresh DJ Maphorisa, Morda, Oscar Mbo, Lamiez Holworthy, Lerato Kganyago, Thabithabs, Sentle Lehoko, DJ Young, Paul Mtirara, Malumz on Decks, Grego Villa, Zan-D, Onny, Crucial 2.0, DJ Competition Winner (through the DJ competition we always give for up-and-coming DJs to share their passion on stage with their idols). This initiative is popular and we received hundreds of entries but can only choose three winners.
Could you share some highlights from recent 'Exclusive White' events?
One of the highlights that comes to mind, is when the brand was awarded the rights to host the highly contested Metro FM Heatwave Gauteng leg. Also hosting our event at the Metro FM Tap into Metro Cruise to the Portuguese Island. These achievements and opportunities took our brand to new heights. The brand has been recognised and gained partnership/sponsorship with media powerhouses like MNET’s Mzansi. Viacom’s BET,Channel O, MTV Base, Trace, etc.
How has business been for 'Exclusive White'?
The entertainment industry is one of the most challenging business environments, one of the riskiest businesses and definitely not for everyone. Many have tried but only few have stayed consistent. It’s a numbers game and numbers don’t lie (laughs). I am passion driven and nothing can beat that. There’s a fire burning inside me that keeps me going and ideas flowing.
Given the constantly changing venues, how do you adapt and stay relevant?
A tough one. The idea of changing venues has always been part of the brand’s mission, to consistently give our patrons a different experience. We’ve stepped into untapped territories and thrived. Most venues were never used for entertainment but we opened up those doors. Example, I discovered “The Parks at Emperors” an abundant land suitable for a musical experience but never used until I hosted a couple of concepts there. I see Emperors is using it for other events now (laughs).
Just after I was forced to cancel the Carnival City Festival Lawns venue due to facts I won’t mention here because it will be very detrimental to the company appointed as the facility management there. I had no choice but to promptly seek an alternative venue because there was no way I was cancelling what is set be the biggest spring picnic in the country (laughs). I was led to discover gold — a beautiful venue with international standards, Willowmore Cricket Stadium (The Oval), formerly known as Sahara Park. And we’ll be the first to put it to the test on September 7 for our highly anticipated event Exclusive White Spring Picnic 2024. And my team and I can’t wait to deliver the best event by far.
What exciting developments or projects can we expect from Grego Villa?
I’m the Thuma Mina of entertainment and more concepts are brewing but soon to be made public including bringing International acts to our shores. As a DJ I’ll be investing in a music production company. I believe there’s so much I can contribute in that particular entertainment field.
What’s your vision for the future of 'Exclusive White'?
The brand’s vision is to tour our beloved country. I’m saying this because we constantly attract patrons from all over the country and beyond our borders. Next step is to have Exclusive White Durban, Cape Town, Mpumalanga and maybe one day Lesotho. You’ll be surprised how patrons travel from Lesotho for our concerts. The brand contributes a lot to the country's economy. Gauteng Tourism keeps a blind eye to our brand but we are striving with or without any support from the government. But when you have the power of the people and a decent business model, nothing can stop your go.
Parting shot : See you on September 7 at Willowmoore for our annual Denim and White Spring Holiday.
See Post:
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