Updated 15 October 2026
The year end function is the one night the whole team remembers. Here are entertainment ideas that work for South African companies of every size, the themes they suit, and how to book them before the December rush.
When to book your year end entertainment
Most South African companies hold their year end function between late November and mid December, and the Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in that window are the first to go. In 2026, 16 December falls on a Wednesday, so most functions will happen on or before Friday 11 December.
Event planners advise locking in the venue and entertainment by August or September. Popular DJs, MCs and bands are often booked for several functions in the same week, so the earlier you confirm a date, the more choice you have. If you are reading this in October or November, start now rather than waiting for sign off on every detail. You can agree the final quote and set times with the artist’s team afterwards.
12 entertainment ideas that work
1. A DJ who reads the room
The safest crowd pleaser. A good function DJ plays to every age group, from dinner music to old school favourites to Amapiano when the dance floor fills up. Browse DJs for hire by city and sound.
2. An MC to run the programme
Speeches, awards, lucky draws and the CEO’s toast all run on time when a professional MC holds the microphone. A good MC also keeps the energy up between items. See MCs and hosts for hire.
3. Sax over the DJ set
A saxophonist playing live over the DJ’s mix turns a normal dance floor into a moment. It works especially well with soulful house and Afro House. See saxophonists and instrumentalists.
4. Live music for dinner, DJ for the dance floor
Start with a singer, an acoustic duo or a band during dinner, then hand over to the DJ. Guests get a classy start and a proper party later. See singers for hire.
5. A surprise headline performance
A short set from a known artist is the moment people talk about in January. Keep it a surprise and slot it at the peak of the night, after speeches and before the dance floor opens fully.
6. A dance crew
Open the night with a choreographed performance, or have a crew teach the team the latest Amapiano moves. It breaks the ice for teams that do not dance easily. See dancers for hire.
7. A throwback night
Book a DJ who knows the Kwaito, house and R&B classics of the 90s and 2000s, and ask guests to dress the part. Nothing fills a dance floor across age groups faster.
8. An Amapiano day party
Not every function has to be a formal dinner. An afternoon event at an outdoor venue with an Amapiano DJ suits younger teams and summer weather.
9. A gospel choir or vocal group
For faith based organisations, or as a moving opener before the formal programme, a choir sets a warm tone. See gospel singers and choirs.
10. String players for arrivals
A violinist or string duo playing as guests arrive and find their tables makes a gala dinner feel special from the first minute.
11. A celebrity host for the awards
If your function includes awards, a well known presenter as MC raises the profile of the evening and keeps a long list of winners moving.
12. A sing along with a live band
Live band karaoke, where staff sing with real musicians behind them, is the kind of fun people talk about for weeks. Ask a band or singer whether they offer it.
Popular themes and the entertainment that fits
A theme makes planning easier, because it tells your entertainment what kind of night you want. These are among the themes South African venues and planners report as popular for year end functions:
| Theme | Entertainment that fits |
|---|---|
| All white party | A DJ playing soulful and Afro House, with a saxophonist |
| Great Gatsby or Old Hollywood glam | A jazz band or singer for dinner, then a DJ |
| Casino Royale or black tie gala | String players for arrivals, a polished MC and a DJ |
| African chic or heritage | Maskandi or traditional performers, dancers and an Afrobeats act |
| Beach party or tropical | An Amapiano or house DJ and a dance crew |
| Shebeen, Sophiatown or throwback | A Kwaito and old school DJ, with an MC running retro games |
| Masquerade ball | String players for arrivals and a DJ for the dance floor |
Many companies now combine a team building activity, awards, dinner and an after party in one event, so plan the entertainment for each part of the day.
Matching entertainment to your team
- Small teams (under 40 people). A DJ who can also handle a microphone, or a DJ and MC pair, is usually all you need. A single live performer over dinner adds a lot for little extra effort.
- Large functions (100 people or more). Plan a proper running order with an MC, a stage, sound and lighting, and consider a headline act or dance crew for the peak moment.
- Mixed ages. Ask the DJ to plan the night in phases, from easy listening at dinner to classics, and then current hits.
- Venue rules. Check sound limits, curfews and setup times with the venue before you book, and share them with the artist.
Planning your year end function? Find your DJ, MC or live act on Discover and send a booking request straight from their profile.
What affects the cost
Every artist on GigFinder sets their own booking fee, shown on their profile. What moves the final quote:
- The date. Peak December weekends cost more and book first.
- Length. A one hour performance costs less than a DJ playing from dinner to close.
- Number of performers. A solo act costs less than a band or crew.
- Travel. Artists from another city may add travel and accommodation.
- Sound and lighting. Confirm whether the artist, the venue or a supplier provides them.
For a full breakdown, read how much DJs charge in South Africa and artist booking fees in South Africa.
Year end booking checklist
- Confirm the date, venue, headcount and budget.
- Decide the running order: arrival, dinner, speeches, awards, dance floor and close.
- Shortlist acts on GigFinder and compare their profiles and booking fees.
- Send a booking request with your date, venue, timings and type of event.
- Agree the final quote, set times, sound, arrival time and any travel in the chat.
- Pay through GigFinder so your money is held in escrow until the event is done.
- Share the final running order with your MC and DJ a week before.
- After the performance, share your 4 digit confirmation code so the artist is paid.
Frequently asked questions
When should we book entertainment for a year end function?
Planners advise booking by August or September. Most South African year end functions happen between late November and mid December, and popular acts book up quickly for those weekends, so book as soon as your date and venue are confirmed.
What entertainment works for a small team?
A DJ who can also handle the microphone, or a DJ and MC pair, covers most small functions. Add a singer or saxophonist for dinner if you want something special.
Can we book a DJ and an MC for the same function?
Yes. Send a booking request to each on GigFinder, share the same running order with both, and agree their set times so the handovers are smooth.
Is our payment safe if we book early?
Yes. When you pay through GigFinder your money is held in escrow and only released after the event, when you share your 4 digit confirmation code. Cancel within 48 hours of paying for a full refund.