“Are You Hungry?” – Chef Shumba Sparks More Than Appetites in Cape Town

When Chef Shumba steps into a space, it’s never just about food—it becomes an experience. Known across the streets as the pastor of the stomach, he carries a catchphrase that resonates deeper than most think: “Are you hungry?”

That hunger—whether for food, for creativity, or for the courage to dream—was at the center of the recent gathering between Good Wines & Co. and Chef Shumba, hosted at The Ladder on Bree Street, Cape Town. Only this time, the night was scored more by music than dinner, with soulful beats carrying conversations into the early hours.

The evening flowed to the rhythm of Abantu Abantu, the wine brand that perfectly matched the night’s spirit of togetherness. Much like its name—the people—it embodied unity in every pour.

Fashion, too, became its own kind of soundtrack. As the saying goes: “You can judge diversity by the clothes people wear.” From bold prints to sleek streetwear, the crowd reflected a kaleidoscope of African identity. This wasn’t a uniform gathering; it was a celebration of difference.

Abantu Abantu Wine

Among the vibrant mix were young trailblazers like Phanoramic, who continue to question the very structure of South African townships while also setting Cape Town alight with their buzzing coffee raves. Their presence was a reminder that creativity is not just art—it’s also action, vision, and community building.

In attendance was also Mhlonishwa Zulu, a recent graduate navigating and trying to make sure that his art speaks volumes and brings people joy in their spiritual journey. Mhlonishwa Zulu was with Mas Genesis sharing artistic insights and revelations between each other.

Chef Shumba with attendees from Battora and KultureSet

The conversations went deeper than plates and glasses. With Battora and KultureSet listening closely, the night became a space to understand where African creatives face friction—and how best to ease it. Because the strongest platforms are born when they carry the heartbeat of the people they serve.

In the end, Shumba’s voice echoed louder than the music itself: hunger is not just for the stomach—it is for growth, for expression, for becoming.

✨ Stay hungry, Africa—the rhythm of our dreams is the song of our future.