Noise Night #11: Noise as Solidarity (Community Fundraiser)

 

Artwork By: Ogorogile Nong 
"Birds of a feather flock together."

I am writing this humbly, reflecting on the difficult yet strangely magical night when it all happened.

After my SENSA.ORG.ZA Entanglements Exploratory Sonic Festival performance, down the street from Chiesa Di Pazzo Lupi, my beloved and I were robbed at gunpoint at approximately 21:45. The  performance venue was on 38th 4th Avenue, and the robbery took place just down the road on 3rd Avenue.

We were confronted by three men. One was armed with a knife, which I was forced to defend myself against, while another threatened my beloved with a gun. In such a dire situation, our only priority was ensuring that we both made it out safely. By grace, our phones, bank cards, and identification documents remained untouched. 

More importantly, our conviction in this mysterious unfolding we call existence remained intact, strengthened by the profound grace that continues to move through even the darkest moments.

The items that were taken included nearly all of my musical and performance equipment:

• Laptop
• Korg NTS 1 Synthesizer
• Visual journal
• Three AUX cables
• Numark DJ2GO controller
• Two candle holders used in performance
• Copy of the I Ching
• Type B charging cable
• 12 note Sweet Potato Ocarina Dolomite Pottery flute
• Six inch steel tongue drum
• V8 Sound Card
• Einsky SF 666 Studio Condenser Microphone

After sharing what had happened with members of our Noise Music community, Shaun (recordswedidthis), Sahen (lalocura), Mike (Klumbsyoxx), Aragorn Eloff (sensa.org.za), and many others came together with the idea of organising a fundraiser to help recover some, and hopefully all, of what was lost.

Their generosity, kindness, and willingness to support us during this time is appreciated beyond what words can adequately express.

Poster By: Andrew Whisper

Noise Night #11 will take place at Smoking Kills Bar in Melville, Johannesburg, on Thursday 25 June 2026 @7pm

Entrance Fee: R80 per person 

Poster by: Mike Fernandes

The evening will feature performances by Zephh + Lolo, CRAIGULAR, T.C.Y.L, DJ Special, Dance Academy, AXCX, TANZ, X14, and ionhaveaname, who have generously come together in support of this fundraiser.

"What is often dismissed as chaos or disruption can become a meeting point for community, curiosity, and presence. Through mindful listening, noise transforms into something more than sound. It becomes a shared experience, inviting us to listen deeply, not only to what is being expressed, but also to one another."

To everyone involved in making this possible, thank you. Your support means more than you know.