GRYNDING INTO GREATNESS: Our YFM GRYND 2025 Experience

Where creativity, culture, and the future collided — 28 June 2025, Johannesburg.

By VibeCheck | Certified Energy Only

Let’s talk about GRYND. Not just the hustle — but the YFM GRYND Experience that popped off on 28 June 2025, and left every young creative in the room walking away a little more inspired, a little more empowered, and whole lot more ready to boss up in their lane.

Hosted at a vibey, modern urban venue in Joburg, this wasn’t just another panel session. This was a masterclass meets live experience. A creative summit for the bold. A playground of innovation. A living, breathing conversation with the culture itself.

And VibeCheck was in the building. We got schooled. We got fed. We got down. Let’s break it all the way down.

Sibu Mabena x Ntando Zikalala: A Masterclass in Vision

The day kicked off with the ever-so-graceful Sibu Mabena, and let’s just say — she did not come to play. With her usual class and clarity, she led one of the most powerful conversations with the sharp, strategic mind that is Ntando Zikalala.

Every word? Pure gold. From building a brand with purpose, to staying rooted in your “why” as a creative entrepreneur, this segment felt like a keynote for every future CEO in the room.

“Ideas mean nothing without execution,” Ntando reminded us. Whew. Put that on a billboard.

Hope Ramafalo: Dancing Across Borders, Owning Her Power

Then came a wave of artistic fire from none other than Hope Ramafalo — the internationally acclaimed choreographer and creative genius. Stunning. Grounded. Dynamic.

She shared stories of dancing across global stages while staying deeply connected to her roots, and reminded every performer that discipline and soul go hand-in-hand. She didn’t just speak — she moved the room. You could literally feel people sitting up straighter when she dropped her gems.

This wasn’t just performance talk — this was about being intentional with your gift and showing up fully in it.

Onezwa: Cooking Up More Than Just a Meal

Next up, we were blessed by the brilliant Onezwa, who took the kitchen to the stage in the most unexpected way. With heart, humour and hella skill, we watched her whip up a meal while schooling us on creativity in the culinary space.

But this wasn’t just a cooking demo. This was a lesson in ownership, culture, and making sure our traditions are celebrated, modernised, and monetised. Food is storytelling, and Onezwa told hers beautifully.

OKWASABI: The Fu-Tech Prophet

And then the room shifted again.

OKWASABI came through with Future Tech (Fu-Tech) talk, and when we say mind-blown, we mean it. From digital storytelling, to how creators can start thinking ahead and owning tech tools — this wasn’t just a segment, it was a download.

With humour and bold clarity, he reminded us that our future is coded in creativity, and we have the power to shape it. We’re not waiting for the future — we’re designing it.

Our Hosts: Ayanda MVP & Sinaye — Energy Kings & Queens

What’s a proper GRYND without the right hosts?

Ayanda MVP and Sinaye came through with unmatched charisma, sharp commentary, and authentic energy. They were the perfect glue for this electric lineup. Their chemistry and flow kept the room alive and buzzing in-between the sessions, and that alone is a skill.

And Then Came the Afterparty...

After the learning?The turn up.

And yho, did we turn up.

It was a vibe you had to be there for. The beats? Crazy. The crowd? Lit. The energy? Charged. Nothing like celebrating the hustle with a solid groove to match the vision. Shoutout to the DJs, dancers, and good vibes crew who made that afterparty a real moment.

Final Word from VibeCheck: GRYND Was the BluePrint

If you missed this edition of GRYND, don’t say we didn’t warn you. This was more than an event — it was a cultural touchstone for any creative, hustler, or young mind trying to make it in this evolving world.

VibeCheck rates this a strong 8/10 — and trust us, we don’t hand that out easily.From soul food to soul talks, high-level tech drops to dancefloor bangers, this was the kind of weekend that feeds your passion and reminds you why you started.

Big ups to YFM for curating this space. We’ll be back. Until then, keep grinding, keep growing, and remember:

It’s not just about the hustle. It’s about the heart behind it.

#GRYND2025#YFMGRYND#VibeCheckApproved#SibuMabena#NtandoZikalala#HopeRamafalo#OnezwaCooks#OKWASABI#FutureReady#CreativeSummit#JoburgVibes#AfterpartyEnergy