Choosing the Right Band for Your Event

How to Match the Music to the Mood

When it comes to corporate events, the right music does more than fill silence and add wallpaper, it shapes the experience. The challenge is knowing which kind of live act is the right fit for your event and then where to place that act in your program for the maximum impact. So often an artist is booked, but placed at the wrong point in an event resulting in the performance falling flat. This is no fault of the artist - it’s all about timing.

Here’s a guide to help you match the music to your audience, setting and atmosphere, featuring some of our most popular, versatile acts:

For Sophistication and Style

A Bridgerton-style string quartet brings an air of elegance to any event. It's perfect for guest arrivals, networking cocktails, or gala dinners. Cinematica Strings adds a local twist by performing pop hits and South African favourites like Mamela and Vulindlela, giving your event a refined, culturally relevant edge.

Johannesburg's Cinematica String Quartet

For Smooth, Soulful Vibes

An Afro jazz band sets a warm, welcoming tone and works beautifully for cocktail hours, networking functions, wine + whiskey tastings or casual breakaway sessions. It’s easy-listening, yet sophisticated, ideal when you want to create an atmosphere without overpowering the conversation. It's a classy, timeless and versaitle option - allowing you to choose the right size band for your particular event. The Chilli & Lime duo and trio work well in intimate settings - best suited to a background vibe, whilst the quartet and quintet add drums and provide a more vibrant, toe-tapping energy - perfect for gala dinners and larger celebrations.

Chilli & Lime Jazz Afro Band

For Energy and Edge

Looking to inject personality into your event? Our fun, vibrant All Stars LED band is bold, fresh, and full of flavour. With their exquisitely unique instruments and lively sets, it’s the kind of background music that gets heads bobbing, guests smiling, and your brand remembered. Best suited for guest arrivals + walk ins, cocktail events, dinners, festivals and anyone after a unique South African vibe.

All Stars LED Afro Fusion Band

For Intimate, Contemporary Elegance

A solo violinist who performs a mix of contemporary pop and South African classics is a standout choice for more intimate events or guest arrivals - also lovely as a unique feature during dinner or to break up awards dinners. It's subtle, moving, and completely unexpected in the best way. No need for gimmicks, Naomi Tagg dazzles with her raw passion and unfiltered talent.

Naomi Tagg, South African electric violinist

For a Seamless Shift from Sophisticated to Celebration

Our DJ and sax combo, Organic Lounge is a corporate favourite for a reason. Start the evening with cool, ambient lounge vibes and as the night progresses, crank up the energy and get people on the dance floor. It’s the perfect solution when you want flexibility without booking multiple acts. Fun fact, they are customisable - you can create your own band to suit your theme eg. DJ, sax + congas for a Havana nights themed event or DJ, trumpet + double bass for a smokey, cigar lounge feel.

Organic Lounge DJ + musicians

So, which act is right for your event?

Think about the experience you want to create. Whether it’s elegant and refined, vibrant and social, or lively and celebratory, the right music sets the tone. If you're still not sure, reach out and chat to us - we'd love to help tailor the right music for your next event! Email naomi@sowhatentertainment.co.za for more info and quotes.