Live performance is the first love for most musical artists. The collaboration with the audience and the moment’s spontaneity are mind-blowing to experience. The closure of the Leano Restaurant and Live Music, one of Johannesburg’s most popular live entertainment venues, is heartbreaking. As a result, a generation of new acts might miss an opportunity to spark the electric flame between them and their audience. It is feeling many performers love for its intimacy and realness. However, if you are an artist and live performance is your mission, You Are My Sunday is your gift for the taking.
You Are My Sunday, popularly known as YAMS, is a live performance event that hosts independent music acts from across the country. The second edition of 2023 was also its five-year birthday celebration, showcasing 15 emerging musical acts in front of an attuned live audience. YAMS is in partnership with The Rooftop Vibe. It is a US-based music platform dedicated to supporting independent music artists and creatives worldwide. The platform aims to be a safe space of artist expression and a home for the music lover. In addition, it works towards putting South African artists on the global stage.
YAMS shows its love and support to artists who want to experience the addictive thrill of live performance. It has hosted rising South African acts like Gemma Fassie, Sonder The Africanime, Rah Punzl, and Reba Red. Every edition fosters a connection between experienced performers and enthusiasts, a huge part of YAMS’s vision. “I want to curate festivals where even the famous will be like, ‘Why am I not on the line-up?'” said Bridget Pike, the founder of YAMS. Her dedication to the future of independent artistry is charming. Furthermore, it inspires you to support and believe in the power of community.
Bridget Pike is an innovator and the founder of YAMS. She is a versatile artist passionate about building a community around South African creativity. Moreover, she is a proud product of the St. Mary’s Children’s Home and credits her time there as the birthplace of her love for the arts. People spoke highly of her few backyard performances with her band for the better part of 2018. Soon after, Bridget formally launched YAMS and finally hosted live sessions all over Johannesburg.
Consequently, orchestrating a live music platform successfully for five years is a marvellous accomplishment. Needless to say, longevity in the music business is about reinventing yourself and the future. Consistently reaching out and touching people on a human level is a lost art. Bridget believes that is why people keep returning to YAMS. “My artists, they know that there is no VIP here. We are all equal. We are here to build and grow each other. If we don’t support one another, who is going to support us?’ she said about YAMS and its mission.
The YAMS 5th Anniversary Birthday Celebration was hosted by comedian Bongani Dube, Bridget’s long-time collaborator, and friend. “She loves family. She loves having people around her that she can trust and believe in. She’s a learning woman and I am just proud of her,” he said about Bridget’s growth and success.
On the last Sunday of every month, YAMS host live sessions that help you end your week on a good note. Therefore, follow YAMS on Instagram to avoid missing out on their next edition.
