In a world where creativity knows no bounds, few embody the spirit of artistic fluidity quite like Dudu Ntoni. A true multidisciplinary force, Ntoni merges music, fashion, storytelling and cultural curation into a single, vibrant expression of identity. As the visionary behind The Soul Oasis - a sensory experience rooted in community, connection, sound and self-discovery. Dudu is redefining what it means to hold space for others through art. Neon & Noise is proud to spotlight this dynamic creator, whose work continues to shift narratives, create safe havens and inspire a generation to lead with intention.

What inspired the creation of Soul Oasis, and what does the name represent to you?

The Soul Oasis was born from a very personal frustration, as an R&B and soul enthusiast, I noticed Cape Town's nightlife lacked intentional spaces catering to this audience. The name represents exactly what I wanted to build: a refreshing escape where like-minded people could reconnect with soulful music in an elevated, intimate setting. It reflects my broader creative philosophy – if something's missing in the market, I'd rather create it myself than wait for someone else to.

How would you describe the energy or vibe of a typical Soul Oasis night?

The energy is warm and unhurried, like walking into a friend’s lounge where the wine is poured heavily and the music just feels right. It’s that rare space where you can actually hear the person across from you laugh, where strangers bond over a shared love for that one D’Angelo deep cut, and where ‘community’ isn’t just a buzzword. We’re curating for the kind of people who believe nights out should leave you fuller, not drained. The ones who still chase connection in a world that often forgets its power.

What makes Soul Oasis different from other R&B/soul events happening right now?

We’re curating experiences, not just events, architects of feeling, if you will. Every touchpoint is considered, but not in an overly curated way. Thoughtfully crafted to feel like your best friend’s living room, where your bra’s off, your guard’s down, and you can just be.

Other R&B nights focus on the music alone. We focus on what happens between the music, the conversations that spark when the right song comes on, the way strangers become confidants by last call. It’s soul music as it was meant to be felt: raw, connective, and deeply human

Was there a moment when you knew this event was going to be something special?

Honestly? I’m always nervous until the doors open. Every single time. I pace, I second-guess the lineup, I’m convinced no one’s coming, until suddenly, they are. And not just coming, but choosing us. Choosing to be here, in that moment, with these people. That’s the magic.

The real ‘this is special’ moment isn’t the sell-out, it’s watching someone close their eyes during a song, or hearing laughter bubble up from a corner where strangers just became friends. It’s the quiet ‘thank you’ as they leave. That’s when I know that people didn’t just show up, they felt something. And that’s what keeps me obsessing over every detail, because they deserve nothing less.

On Music & Culture:

How do you choose the music or curate the lineups for each event?

I book the artists that I wanna hear live. The ones that make my friends and I stop mid-conversation because a song demands our full attention. But it’s not just personal taste, it’s about crafting a journey and thinking about the demographic that I need to reach. My inner circle is my ultimate litmus test. I trust their taste levels and opinions.

R&B and soul have deep emotional roots. How do you think Soul Oasis taps into that emotional space?

Soul Oasis works because we honor the music’s truth, R&B and soul were never meant to be background noise. They’re the soundtracks to first kisses, to heartbreak, to repair and to universal rites of passages. We create spaces soft enough for those emotions to surface.

There are no forced vibes, no prescriptive or pretentious dress codes, you come straight from work or in your Sunday best – it’s all up to you. You can’t manufacture the magic that comes with making your audience feel seen. It’s a gift that I don’t take for granted.

Which artists or songs feel like the soul of the event?

Okay, full fan-mode, Lia Butler, Thando Zide, Manana, Kozo Zwane and don’t even get me started on the Soulquarian Silver Jubilee! We will make it all happen, I trust that.

On Community & Space

Who is Soul Oasis for? Describe the kind of crowd that comes through?

Soul Oasis is for the backbone, the heartbeat, and the soul of the city. The people who have a favourite coffee spot they frequent, the ones who greet you with a real hug. Our people are the natives who shape the culture, music lovers, people who want to meet people, people who just need to unwind after a long day. We don’t discriminate. You bring the good vibes, we’ll bring the experience.

How intentional are you about creating a safe and inclusive space?

As a Black queer person, inclusion and safety aren’t just priorities, they’re non-negotiables. Every detail, from the lineup to the creative collateral, is intentionally crafted to make this a safe space for everyone. We respect identities fiercely, and anyone who crosses that line gets removed. No debates, no warnings. Thankfully, our crowd is inherently cool, people show up with respect already in their DNA.

What role do you think events like Soul Oasis play in the cultural fabric of the city?

In a city where Capetonians are being outpriced and pushed out of their own city, spaces like Soul Oasis aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re acts of resistance. When developers and algorithms dictate who ‘belongs,’ we carve out corners where the city’s heartbeat people can still recognise each other. This is about more than music; it’s about insisting that the soul of Cape Town still has a home.

On You, Dudu

As the founder and curator, how has Soul Oasis evolved you creatively and personally?

Soul Oasis taught me I’m a builder. After a decade in marketing, I thought I knew my capabilities, but there’s nothing like birthing your own vision to reveal muscles you forgot you had. No-one to blame, no briefs to hide behind. Just you, your gut and the thing that only you can see in your mind's eye.

Creatively, it’s been liberating. Finally flexing those long-dormant ideas, the ones too ‘weird’ for corporate decks, and to discover they resonate exactly as intended.

What do you listen to when you're alone? (Something no one expects!)

Honestly? People who know me might see this coming, but I’m obsessed with Gqom. It’s my ultimate genre. And yes, consider this your official warning: my Gqom club revival is imminent. Watch this space.

What’s one underrated R&B or soul artist people should have on repeat?

Right now? I’m obsessed with Lia Butler. Her voice feels like honey in sunlight, warm, golden, and unmistakably South African. I’m definitely having her perform at the next one.

Looking Ahead

How do you envision the future of Soul Oasis?

I see Soul Oasis as a cultural laboratory, where we keep reimagining how music, community, and identity intersect. Think less event series and more living ecosystem. We’ll stretch beyond nights out to experiences like a Soul Oasis Yoga retreat or artist residency, there are no limits.

Any dream collaborations, venues, or ideas you're still hoping to bring to life?

Oh, I’ve got plenty, but a magician never reveals her tricks! Let’s just say there are some dream collabs in the works that’ll make Cape Town’s soul scene sit up a little straighter. Consider this your official teaser… stay tuned

Keep up with The Oasis on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/souloasiscapetown/

Photo Credit: Lulibo Manzana