All I Can Say Is… Thank You 2024

Can you believe we are here… The end of 2024, just yesterday I was writing about the end of 2023. I was talking to my colleague today after the show about 2024 and it helped me take a step back and reflect on the year and unlike last year, this year’s milestones were more internal than external. I’ve had to learn to find novelty and a sense of accomplishment internally. Life forced me to. Unlike last year, there were no award nominations or anything like that. Just lots and lots of reflections on who I am outside of the external “achievements”. Here’s what else came up as I reflected…

Happiness is a Choice

This year has been a profound teacher, and the most significant lesson I’ve learned is that happiness is a choice. Life inevitably throws curveballs – disagreements, setbacks, and disappointments. In those moments, I’ve often found myself at a crossroads: the path of “being right” or the path of happiness.

Initially, the allure of being right is strong. It feels good to assert your point of view, to defend your stance, and to convince others of your perspective. However, the satisfaction of being right is fleeting. It often comes at the cost of strained relationships, lingering resentment, and a general sense of negativity.

Choosing happiness, on the other hand, requires a conscious effort. It demands that we let go of the need to be vindicated, to acknowledge different viewpoints, and to prioritize harmony over ego. In moments when I remembered, I chose well.

Hi, my name is Kgoshigadi and I’m sexy!

In April, our pole studio transformed into a photo studio, and I dared to do a pole photoshoot. I almost missed the train when spaces filled up but it came back to fetch me when a space availed itself for me to join the crew to pose in front of the camera in our sexiest, and baddest selves. As effortless as the poses look, the photoshoot took a lot of prep work. Before the day we needed to practice the moves and ensure the hairstyles and costumes we chose would stay intact.

The biggest lesson from this shoot, not everything needs extensive prep. It turns out the moves I didn’t practice were the prettiest. And the simpler the move, the more exotic and beautiful it looked on camera. The lesson here, let it be easy because it doesn’t always have to difficult.

Humans Value Scarcity

This is the weirdest phenomenon I’ve seen this year. Humans exhibit a fascinating tendency to value scarce resources more highly, a phenomenon known as the “scarcity principle” or “the forbidden fruit”. This principle explains why limited edition products, and exclusive experiences sell quicker. Now imagine that principal with your personal capacity. It’s like when I striped away my unlimited availability, it was cherished more. It’s been mind boggling but I get it. By understanding this inherent human tendency, I also can make more informed decisions about who I let into my space and I appreciate the unique value of the experiences and relationships in my life.

Allow me to reintroduce myself…

Around September this year, I was ready to call it a year and try again in 2025 but a close friend wouldn’t have any of it. He asked me what would make my year and it took a while to answer that until I remembered how I’ve had the desire to learn how to DJ for a while now. In October, I started a journey that brought me so much joy. It was a stressful period but it felt good to learn something new. Eight weeks later I was playing in front of a crowd for the first time, imagine that.

And just like, we were taking bookings. Me… A DJ! It still feels surreal but Hae Du!!!

Here for a good time…

A few years ago I rekindled communication with a high school friend, Thobi. I’m not sure why we split but work had us cross paths again. That led to us exchanging numbers and talking beyond work. It was lovely to see how she had grown into such a fine young woman who loved others around her so openly. A few days before her birthday, news broke that Thobi passed away.

The last time we saw each other was in March at her friend’s event, she was so excited when I told her I’d be attending the event. The event had a great line up but seeing her was definitely the highlight. I lowkey wish we hadn’t rekindled, because I didn’t have the capacity to mourn but I was forced to sit with the grief.

Want to know what’s funny? Another high school friend, Tshepo recently passed away, a few days before his birthday. It felt like deja vu. This time, instead of running away from the grief I felt it all, and even offered to be a program director at his memorial when they needed one. It was the least I could do for this human being who helped me through my teenage years with so much kindness and love. Both of them came back into my life for a good time, not a long time.

Live Performances

You know my love for live performances, and 2024 delivered! There’s been plenty but here’s my top five live performances.

Xavier Omar

The moment I say his tickets go on sale I snatched them. Blind man was on repeat prior to the announcement so I knew this was for me. What I loved about the concert was the venue, it was at an open venue in Sandton, with a small crowd. Let’s just say Xavior Omar is one my most listened-to artist this year. Read all about it here .

Bushfire

I’ll forever be grateful for how my sister is such a sport to my crazy suggestions. I suggested we got to iSwatini to party for three days and she said yes. We packed our passports and we were en route to iSwatini to camp and party. This was easily the most beautiful experience of the year. I was happy and high from the festival for a while. Did you see my main outfit? Read all about it here .

Snoh Aalegra

Oh what a babe. Snoh’s performance felt like that freeze on a hot summers day. Another beautiful thing I that I appreciated was venue and the small crowd. Some of the performances we saw on the day were Lloyiso, 6Lack, and Ayra Starr.

Maftown Heights

I have a bone to pick with the Maftown Heights organizers. Although the performances delivered, the overall experience was terrible. The VIP section was so far from the stage, the sound didn’t even travel far enough for us to enjoy the concert so we went to the General side and only then did we have fun. The highlights of the night was K.O, he brought on MaE on stage and even had his own stage set up. His set was so good, most of us wished it was longer.

Another one who overdelivered was Maglera Doe Boy, to know me is to know how much I’m a fan. My sister was pleasantly surprised at how I knew most, if not all, his songs. She waited patiently for Let Me Cook, and it was worth the wait. Other artists that performed were Blxckie, Major League DJ’s, Morafe, Molemi, Tuks, and Fife Cooper. Just to name a few.

Msaki’s Camagu In Symphony

Easily one of the best concerts I’ve been to this year. A great mix of soulful and groove. It was so lovely to witness Msaki’s catalogue in one night, and one thing is for sure, she is loved! By her fans and by the friends she brought on stage. Some of the artists we witnessed performing with Msaki included Anatii, Revolution, Tresor, Thesis ZA, Dr Nduduzo, Tubatsi, Mobi Dixon, Sun El’ Musician. The night was so jam packed, some artists didn’t perform due to time.

Don’t tell anyone but I wish Chris Brown was part of this list, if the videos are anything to go by. It was a magical night. But worry not, I’ll see him perform in another country.

My 2025 wishlist; Usher, Cleo Sol, Tess, Caiiro, DJ Zinhle, Blue Wednesday and Shopan.

I am grateful

I’m mostly grateful that I can answer the question; who am I? Outside of the accolades, the titles, the busyness, the achievements… I have a better sense of who I am. The most eye opening realization was my shadow traits working with and for me. The traits that I don’t like about myself turned out to be so beautiful. I greet them everyday like the friends they are. All of it, the good and the bad is here to craft this beautiful movie called life. All I can say is… Thank You 2024!

How was your year my love?