Plae is about raising awareness for underground culture and honouring the insane capacity art has to heal, to hold, and to connect. Our approach has always been inside-out. Our central character – The shadow player - the ghostwriters, sound engineers, behind-the-scenes crew, the people whose work often goes unseen.
Throwing events is an intricate art that leaves an imprint in hearts and minds. That’s a privilege we don’t take lightly – which is why we always prioritise quality sound, premium presentation, and community upliftment from the inside out.
What makes Plae unique?
Plae is rooted in theatre, mindfulness, and rave. We aren’t just a collective focused on one type of event – underneath it all is a creative philosophy. That’s why we celebrate the collective act – the samples, the references, the mashups, the echoes. The Washing Machine project embodies this: recycling, reimagining, reusing, creating consciously, and always in community.
Every event leads to the next – the story keeps unfolding. Our aim is to deepen awareness and appreciation for the craft behind electronic music and rave culture. Right now, we’re moving into exhibition spaces, where there’s an opportunity to spotlight creatives who create because they must. For them, it’s not about acclaim – it’s a gift they offer to the world.
When curating lineups, what considerations do you keep in mind?
We seek selectors who align with the Hidden Hands concept. Many start by performing anonymously – a way to test if they’re in it for the right reasons, for the community rather than the ego. From there, we encourage producers to play their own work. Our focus is always on celebrating creativity and uplifting local voices.
What does the partnership with TMS Sound System and what that means for Plae?
The TMS partnership is huge for us. These guys have developed an incredible rig, and South Africa is missing sound system culture right now. Our Washing Sub project was a conversation starter, and it worked – we’re already talking about sound clashes, sculptures, and new formats. Right now, it’s about building the connection and letting opportunities reveal themselves organically.
Plae is not a brand. It’s a cultural engine. A creative system built on movement, myth, and collaboration. To be Powered by Plae is to enter a space of intentional world-building, where each activation is part of a larger narrative arc. It’s a methodology rooted in subculture, shaped by ritual, and elevated through design. We work across disciplines, bringing together artists, dancers, designers, and dreamers to create experiences that feel alive, layered, and meaningful. Plae doesn’t simply promote events, we prime audiences. We don’t market, we myth-make. Every detail becomes part of a story. Every encounter, a thread in the larger weave.