In this world we know and are told that we are all different. Whether it be from DNA, genetics, fingerprints, personality, likes & dislikes, etc. we’re told, “We are all special, different and unique.”, but the truth is that we are more the same than we’d like to think or admit. I mean we all love going out to have a good time, dancing to great music, in a safe space with great vibes and beautiful people. We all have that same desire, and The Other Village People know this.
You’re probably wondering, “Who are The Other Village People & if they are the other, then who are the Village People?”. Well to try and give a quick answer The Village People were a disco group, consist of 5 men, some openly homosexual and some not, that made disco music to represent the LGBT community at the time. Their name is originated from Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, as it had a reputation of being a gayborhood in the 1970s. They had hit singles like Y.M.C.A (which was a reference to how the gym franchise was being used a rendezvous and hook-up spot) and Macho Man.
They were pivotal in creating a safe and open space for the LGBT community to express themselves and in South Africa we have The Other Village People who are creating their own safe spaces for the South African LGBTQIA+ community in modern times. How are they creating such spaces by curating parties that are catered for the LGBTQIA+ community but still welcome in people of all sexual orientations to experience how loving and accepting of a community they are and that we really are the same when it comes down to having a great time.
Other Village People have two main event properties being Same Sex Saturday & Queertopia but in this article we will be focusing on the former; Same Sex Saturday. Same Sex Saturday & Other Village People was founded by Andiswa Dlamini, also known as AN.D [her DJ alias], in 2015 when they threw the first ever Same Sex Saturdays on April 25. It’s 2025 and Same Sex Saturdays feels like it’s the new kid on block looking to take over and that’s extremely impressive in the entertainment and eventing industry, especially in South Africa where you see establishments come and go like Taxis at a rank.
Same Sex Saturday comes from a place of celebrating homosexuality and all the different orientations that fall under its umbrella. Now homosexual does mean same sex, but Homosexual Saturday just doesn’t hit the same as Same Sex Saturday; I don’t know maybe I’m just a sucker for alliteration.
Okay now let’s get to the party. Now most people; especially heterosexual people, when you hear there’s a party specifically for the homosexual community; usually pictures, discos, tight clothes (if any at all), electro music, bumping and grinding, drugs, whistles, ululating in jubilation, sex etc. and honestly it’s no different from any regular party but the stigma’s and prejudices of the LGBQTIA+ community stops people from seeing that.
Now, it’s no one’s job to try and force people to change their perception or try engaging and immerse themselves in a new community but there are ways in which you can entice and seduce them to want to peek into your world. Same Sex Saturday does this as perfectly as one could. The reason why I say this is because being In the Streets; waya waya, I try to attend as many events as possible and variety of them to get a sense of the people and community of South Africa. One thing I’ve noticed is that no matter what; race, age, gender, culture, fandom or whatever, one thing is certain…EVERYONE WANTS TO BE INCLUDED!!!
You throw a hip-hop party, and you’ll find out people want to go but feel like they can’t because they aren’t hip-hop or can’t go to a rock event because they aren’t of that community. Now it’s a silly thought process but understandable because no one wants to be a culture vulture and when parties are being marketed for a specific community, one can feel left out or not invited to even come learn and experience something new. Same Sex Saturday doesn’t do that and that’s what I love about it. You’d think the name gives it away but it’s so ambiguous it becomes a talking point. Same Sex Saturday??? It’s like, “What type of sex do you like on a Saturday?”; party sex, met the love of my life tonight sex, drunk sex, broke-up with my person so I’m outside trying to hit a lick sex, finally met my crush in real life sex, I mean I could go on and on but these were legit my thoughts when I saw Same Sex Saturday.
It felt like an invite to come meet the person made for you. I mean I had to go see what it was all about and who enjoys the same sex as me. To my surprise, a splendid one at that, I was introduced to a world where the sex we all enjoy is the ecstasy of being a room filled with a good vibe, better drinks and the best music. I was included into a world where I was asked more about my music preferences, if I would like a shot or if I could pass a joint for two pulls and never not once about my sexual orientation. I was invited into a world where everyone just wants to have a great and safe time. Lights flashing, music banging, beautiful people all around. I mean WHO WOULDN’T want to be here????
Same Sex Saturday has been able to curate a party that is catered to the LGBQTIA+ community but that is inclusive to everyone else, not because of fear of losing money and potential customers but out of love of wanting to be understood, seen and experienced as a human just like everyone else and at the same time still recognise the community that they came from and how it is helped shaped them into the person they are today.
They’ve be so successful that they’ve been able to take their party into neighbouring country of Mozambique having gone last year and going back this year to host on the 10th and 14th of July.
We all like different things, live different lives, have different perspectives but we all want the same thing and that is to be loved and accepted…well also to listen to amazing music and have great sex with those we deem attractive. Same Sex Saturday, building safe spaces one groove at a time and it really does take a village to do so and, in this case, we have the Other Village People to thank and give all love and respect to Andiswa AN.D Dlamini for being brave and bold enough to express themself and give space to others to do so as well.
FRATPACKER WORLD. 
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