MONWABISI THETHE BRINGS “THE ART & BUBBLES AFFAIR” TO JOHANNESBURG - A WEEKEND OF LUXURY, CULTURE & CELEBRATION OF SOUTH AFRICAN WINE

Johannesburg is primed to shine as hospitality entrepreneur and cultural curator Monwabisi Thethe introduces The Art & Bubbles Affair, an end-of-year celebration that pays homage to South Africa's exquisite wines, captivating art, and the magic of human connection. Renowned for his innovative hospitality ventures such as The Prawnery and Kanpai restaurants, Monwabisi is now set to bring a fresh cultural experience to the city, seamlessly blending luxury with storytelling and creativity with community.

For Thethe, hospitality goes beyond just serving exquisite meals or exceptional wines; it’s about the stories that are exchanged. That’s why incorporating art is essential, as art tells these stories, infuses the space with energy, and fosters meaningful connections between everyone involved

I’ve always felt that hospitality is about stories and relationships. Creating the Art & Bubbles Affair was a natural progression for me, a weekend where art, wine, and celebration unify to spark true connections,” he explains. “Working in hospitality feels like an adventure. That unpredictability and magic form the perfect foundation for a luxurious, sparkling experience that celebrates beauty and togetherness.”

This weekend will showcase a selection of contemporary artists through the partnership with premium Keyes Art Mile galleries. The exhibitions on showcase will revolve around themes of transformation, cultural narratives, and emotional depth - all values that resonate with Monwabisi’s hospitality approach.

This will be further expressed through investment opportunities and masterclasses, opening up new markets to chances to bid on prized art items and learn about what goes into these fine crafts. “We have artists who infuse boldness, soul, and freshness into their canvases,” he notes. “Guests can expect pieces that do more than just adorn a space; they provoke thought and evoke emotions. I aim for attendees to leave with not only new stories about the art and the artists but hopefully a piece or two to take home.”

Not only will guests have the opportunity to appreciate a remarkable collection of artworks, but they will also indulge in exquisite sparkling wines from top-tier wineries across the world - from South Africa’s Cap Classique to France’s Champagne, Italy’s Prosecco, Spain’s Cava and beyond

The carefully curated programme promises to transport guests into a multi-sensory world filled with elegance, rhythm, texture, and taste. Highlights include:

- Immersive art installations

- Sparkling tastings

- Masterclasses

- Food vendors

- Live music and performance art

More than just a weekend celebration, The Art & Bubbles Affair embodies Monwabisi’s larger mission: to elevate South African hospitality into an art form that honours local storytelling while meeting global standards.

“Art, like food and hospitality, is fundamentally about relationships. It turns spaces into narratives. It becomes part of the memory, part of the toast. That’s what we aspire to curate.”

The Art & Bubbles Affair is set to wrap up the year with a celebration of culture, beauty, creativity, and connection, Johannesburg’s new calendar event for those who appreciate the elegance of a moment and the stories that shape them.

This event will take place at Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, from 5 - 7 December 2025.