How does booking a vendor on Gigster work?

Browse vendors at /browse or submit a brief at /brief describing your event. Send an enquiry to a vendor you like. They respond with a quote (usually within 24–48 hours). You accept the quote - a binding booking agreement is generated. You pay a deposit (typically 50%) to confirm, then the balance before the event. After the event, you're prompted to review the vendor.

How does Gigster protect my deposit?

Client funds clear into Gigster (not directly to the vendor). For new vendors with fewer than 3 completed Gigster bookings, the deposit is held until 72 hours before the event - protection against ghost cancellations. For established vendors, the deposit is paid out 1–2 business days after receipt. The balance is held until 48 hours after the event (24 hours for Pro Plus vendors) so disputes can be raised before payout.

What does it cost to book a vendor on Gigster?

The vendor sets their own fee. Gigster adds a single commission on top - between 10% and 15% depending on the vendor's subscription tier - and the client sees one total. The commission is inclusive of card and EFT payment-processing fees. There are no hidden charges. If a Pro Booker (qualified booking agent) is involved, an additional 10% referral fee is added; this is disclosed before you accept the quote.

What payment methods does Gigster accept?

Card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex via PayFast) and instant EFT. Both clear through Gigster. PayFast is South Africa's leading payment gateway and handles all card data - Gigster never sees your card details.

Can I cancel a booking? What happens to my deposit?

Each vendor sets their own cancellation policy, attached to the booking agreement before you pay. Typical policies are 50% retention 14+ days before the event and 100% retention within 7 days, but it varies by vendor. The policy is visible on the quote - read it before accepting. Gigster mediates disputes if there's genuine cause (e.g. no-show, late arrival, technical failure).

Are Gigster reviews real?

Yes. Reviews can only be submitted by clients who completed a confirmed Gigster booking. The platform automatically prompts the client to leave a review after the event. There is no y to write a review without a real booking, which is why Gigster reviews are generally more trustworthy than open-rated platforms.

What if something goes wrong on event day?

as soon as practical (or within 48 hours of the event). Gigster mediates between client and vendor and can freeze the balance payout while the dispute is investigated. Common dispute grounds: no-show, late arrival, performance materially different from what s quoted, technical failure caused by the vendor. The booking agreement and quote set out what s agreed.

Who can list on Gigster?

Any South Africa-based event services vendor. Apply at /vendor/apply. Each application is manually vetted by Gigster - typically within 24–48 hours. Vendors must have a professional online presence (website or social profiles), at least one piece of media (photo or video), and a working address.

How much does it cost a vendor to list on Gigster?

The Free tier is genuinely free - no listing fee, no per-booking fee on the marketplace. Gigster earns from the client-side commission. Pro is R299/month and Pro Plus is R499/month, both subscriptions add more photos, videos, categories, provinces, search ranking, and a lower marketplace commission rate (so the vendor's quoted price is more competitive on the client total).

What's the difference between the Gigster marketplace and Gigster Direct?

Marketplace = vendors get inbound enquiries from clients browsing Gigster; Gigster takes a commission on the client total. Gigster Direct = vendors use Gigster's quote/contract/invoice/payment system with their own existing clients (clients sourced outside Gigster); Gigster takes zero commission. Both are included in every account. Most active vendors use both.

When do vendors get paid?

Deposit payout timing depends on the vendor's booking history (protection against new vendors taking deposits and ghosting): New (0–2 completed bookings) = held until 72 hours before event. Established (3–9) = 1–2 business days after received. Trusted (10+) = within 24 hours. Balance payout timing depends on subscription tier: Free = 7 days post-event, Pro = 48 hours, Pro Plus = 24 hours. Gigster Direct payouts are 2 business days regardless of either tier (or instant if EFT - funds go straight to the vendor's bank).

Can vendors take their clients off-platform to avoid the commission?

Vendors who already have a client should use Gigster Direct, where the commission is zero (subscription-funded). Taking a Gigster-sourced enquiry off-platform loses the vendor: the booking agreement, dispute protection, payment infrastructure, post-event review (which only counts when the booking ran on Gigster), and ranking signal. Most vendors find the trade-off isn't worth it.

What is the Pro Booker programme?

Pro Bookers are qualified event-industry agents (PCOs, corporate bookers, wedding planners) who refer clients to vendors on Gigster. They earn a 10% referral fee on confirmed bookings - paid by the client (not deducted from the vendor). Applications are reviewed by Carina personally and require business verification. Apply at /become-a-pro-booker.

What is Gigster Direct?

Gigster Direct is a turnkey back-office booking tool that any vendor can use with their own clients (clients sourced outside Gigster). The vendor gets AI-assisted quote creation, branded invoice and contract PDFs, online card or EFT payment, automatic payment reminders, and a post-event review request - all in one workflow. The client receives professional s and a secure payment link and never needs a Gigster account. Learn more.

How much does Gigster Direct cost?

Direct is included in every Gigster subscription. Free vendors get one lifetime Direct booking. Pro (R299/month) includes 3 Direct bookings per billing cycle. Pro Plus (R499/month) includes unlimited Direct bookings. On card payments the client pays a 4% surcharge (3% PayFast pass-through + 1% Gigster service fee). On EFT, Gigster takes nothing - the client pays the vendor directly.

Does the client need to sign up for Gigster to pay a Direct invoice?

No. The client receives the invoice and booking agreement by and pays via a secure link. They never need to create an account or log in.

Gigster is South Africa's event services marketplace. We connect people planning weddings, corporate events, conferences, awards, product launches and other live events with vetted vendors - musicians, bands, DJs, MCs, speakers, comedians, dancers, specialty performers, photographers, videographers, content creators, event planners, production and technical, styling and décor, hospitality, transport, security and more. Gigster also offers Gigster Direct, a turnkey booking system any vendor can use with their own clients.

What types of vendors are on Gigster?

All event service categories, organised into four groups: Live Entertainment (musicians, bands, DJs, comedians, dancers, specialty performers, digital and virtual acts), Speakers & Facilitators (MCs, hosts, keynote speakers, trainers, auctioneers), Creative & Media (photographers, videographers, voice artists, editors, graphic designers, content creators), and Event Services (production and technical, styling and décor, hospitality, transport, event planning, security, beauty, gifting). Browse the full list at /browse.

Is Gigster only for South Africa?

Gigster is South Africa-first - vendors are listed across all 9 SA provinces and pricing is in ZAR. Some Pro Plus vendors are also flagged as available internationally for clients booking SA talent for events abroad. There is no separate international platform; the same vendor profiles travel with the right tag.

Who is behind Gigster?

Gigster Online (Pty) Ltd is a South African company founded by Carina Bruwer, who conceptualised the platform to bring trust, structure and modern payment infrastructure to the African live event industry. The technology stack is built from the ground up as a turnkey marketplace, payments and booking system - designed to scale beyond South Africa, and engineered with international partnership, white-label and acquisition opportunities in mind. For commercial enquiries, contact . For day-to-day support, .

Gigster

Musicians & Bands in South Africa | Gigster

Western Cape, Cape Town

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Gigster

Western Cape, Cape Town

Gigster is a Cape Town-based South African event services marketplace specialising in connecting clients with professional musicians, bands, and a wide range of live entertainment options. The platform offers vetted talent across genres and styles, facilitating bookings for various event types including weddings, corporate functions, private celebrations, festivals, and brand activations.

Beyond live entertainment such as DJs, comedians, dancers, and specialty performers, Gigster also provides access to event support services including event planning, photography, videography, styling and décor, catering, transport logistics, guest management, and technical production. The platform supports the entire booking process with itemised quotes, contracts, secure payments, and escrow protection, ensuring a clear and secure experience for both clients and vendors.

Gigster's comprehensive service offering extends to corporate event services, virtual acts, MCs and hosts, and digital event solutions, making it a versatile resource for organisers seeking multiple suppliers for a single event. The marketplace is designed to streamline event management by providing a centralised hub for entertainment and event supplier bookings across South Africa.

Services

Live entertainment booking
Musicians and bands
DJs
Comedians
Dancers
Event planning
Photography services
Videography services
Styling and decor
Catering services
Transport logistics
Guest management
Digital event solutions
Technical production
MCs and hosts
Specialty performers
Virtual acts
Corporate event services
Wedding entertainment
Private celebration services
Brand activations

About this supplier

Gigster is a South African event services marketplace built to make professional entertainment and event supplier bookings clearer, safer and easier to manage. The platform connects clients with vetted talent and service providers across the country, with the whole process handled on-platform from first enquiry through to final payment. Vendors are manually reviewed before going live, and bookings are supported by itemised quotes, contracts, secure payments and escrow protection.

For live entertainment, Gigster covers a broad range of performers for events that need atmosphere, audience engagement or a memorable show element. Categories include musicians and bands, DJs, comedians, dancers, live artists, specialty performers, and digital or virtual acts. Featured examples on the platform include magicians, illusionists, mentalists, keynote speakers, one-man-band entertainment, avatar DJs, styling and décor specialists, and audio-visual production suppliers.

The platform is also useful for events that need strong presenters, expert voices or professional facilitation. Its speakers and facilitators section includes MCs and hosts, auctioneers, speakers, influencers and brand talent, and facilitators and trainers. These services suit corporate functions, conferences, awards evenings, galas, product launches, brand activations, educational events and other occasions where polished delivery and confident crowd management are important.

Beyond entertainment and speakers, Gigster lists creative, media and event support services. Clients can browse photographers, videographers, voice artists, editors and post-production professionals, animation and motion graphics providers, graphic and visual designers, content creators, production and technical teams, styling and décor providers, beauty services, transport and guest logistics, security and guest management, gifting and branded merchandise, hospitality, and event planning and coordination. This makes it a practical starting point for organisers who need more than one supplier for the same event.

Gigster caters for a wide range of occasions, including weddings, corporate events, private celebrations, conferences, awards and galas, festivals and public events, luxury events, product launches, productions and broadcast, content production, online and virtual events, brand activations and educational events. Users can browse by event type, category, province and budget, view profiles with photo galleries and video reels, and send enquiries with their event details so vendors can respond with clear, itemised proposals.

One of Gigster’s main strengths is its structured booking process. The platform highlights verified vendors, plain-English quotes, contracts and escrow-protected deposits, with mediation available if a no-show issue arises. With more than 2,000 bookings facilitated, over 160 vetted talent profiles and more than two decades of South African events industry expertise behind the team, Gigster offers a trusted y to discover and book entertainment, creatives and event services through a centralised marketplace.

More about the business

Gigster connects clients with professional musicians and bands for various events in South Africa. They offer a marketplace for vetted talent across genres and styles, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Opening hours

Monday	09:00 – 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 – 17:00
Thursday	09:00 – 17:00
Friday	09:00 – 17:00
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed

FAQ

How does booking a vendor on Gigster work?: Browse vendors at /browse or submit a brief at /brief describing your event. Send an enquiry to a vendor you like. They respond with a quote (usually within 24–48 hours). You accept the quote - a binding booking agreement is generated. You pay a deposit (typically 50%) to confirm, then the balance before the event. After the event, you're prompted to review the vendor.
How does Gigster protect my deposit?: Client funds clear into Gigster (not directly to the vendor). For new vendors with fewer than 3 completed Gigster bookings, the deposit is held until 72 hours before the event - protection against ghost cancellations. For established vendors, the deposit is paid out 1–2 business days after receipt. The balance is held until 48 hours after the event (24 hours for Pro Plus vendors) so disputes can be raised before payout.
What does it cost to book a vendor on Gigster?: The vendor sets their own fee. Gigster adds a single commission on top - between 10% and 15% depending on the vendor's subscription tier - and the client sees one total. The commission is inclusive of card and EFT payment-processing fees. There are no hidden charges. If a Pro Booker (qualified booking agent) is involved, an additional 10% referral fee is added; this is disclosed before you accept the quote.
What payment methods does Gigster accept?: Card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex via PayFast) and instant EFT. Both clear through Gigster. PayFast is South Africa's leading payment gateway and handles all card data - Gigster never sees your card details.
Can I cancel a booking? What happens to my deposit?: Each vendor sets their own cancellation policy, attached to the booking agreement before you pay. Typical policies are 50% retention 14+ days before the event and 100% retention within 7 days, but it varies by vendor. The policy is visible on the quote - read it before accepting. Gigster mediates disputes if there's genuine cause (e.g. no-show, late arrival, technical failure).
Are Gigster reviews real?: Yes. Reviews can only be submitted by clients who completed a confirmed Gigster booking. The platform automatically prompts the client to leave a review after the event. There is no y to write a review without a real booking, which is why Gigster reviews are generally more trustworthy than open-rated platforms.
What if something goes wrong on event day?: as soon as practical (or within 48 hours of the event). Gigster mediates between client and vendor and can freeze the balance payout while the dispute is investigated. Common dispute grounds: no-show, late arrival, performance materially different from what s quoted, technical failure caused by the vendor. The booking agreement and quote set out what s agreed.
Who can list on Gigster?: Any South Africa-based event services vendor. Apply at /vendor/apply. Each application is manually vetted by Gigster - typically within 24–48 hours. Vendors must have a professional online presence (website or social profiles), at least one piece of media (photo or video), and a working address.
How much does it cost a vendor to list on Gigster?: The Free tier is genuinely free - no listing fee, no per-booking fee on the marketplace. Gigster earns from the client-side commission. Pro is R299/month and Pro Plus is R499/month, both subscriptions add more photos, videos, categories, provinces, search ranking, and a lower marketplace commission rate (so the vendor's quoted price is more competitive on the client total).
What's the difference between the Gigster marketplace and Gigster Direct?: Marketplace = vendors get inbound enquiries from clients browsing Gigster; Gigster takes a commission on the client total. Gigster Direct = vendors use Gigster's quote/contract/invoice/payment system with their own existing clients (clients sourced outside Gigster); Gigster takes zero commission. Both are included in every account. Most active vendors use both.
When do vendors get paid?: Deposit payout timing depends on the vendor's booking history (protection against new vendors taking deposits and ghosting): New (0–2 completed bookings) = held until 72 hours before event. Established (3–9) = 1–2 business days after received. Trusted (10+) = within 24 hours. Balance payout timing depends on subscription tier: Free = 7 days post-event, Pro = 48 hours, Pro Plus = 24 hours. Gigster Direct payouts are 2 business days regardless of either tier (or instant if EFT - funds go straight to the vendor's bank).
Can vendors take their clients off-platform to avoid the commission?: Vendors who already have a client should use Gigster Direct, where the commission is zero (subscription-funded). Taking a Gigster-sourced enquiry off-platform loses the vendor: the booking agreement, dispute protection, payment infrastructure, post-event review (which only counts when the booking ran on Gigster), and ranking signal. Most vendors find the trade-off isn't worth it.
What is the Pro Booker programme?: Pro Bookers are qualified event-industry agents (PCOs, corporate bookers, wedding planners) who refer clients to vendors on Gigster. They earn a 10% referral fee on confirmed bookings - paid by the client (not deducted from the vendor). Applications are reviewed by Carina personally and require business verification. Apply at /become-a-pro-booker.
What is Gigster Direct?: Gigster Direct is a turnkey back-office booking tool that any vendor can use with their own clients (clients sourced outside Gigster). The vendor gets AI-assisted quote creation, branded invoice and contract PDFs, online card or EFT payment, automatic payment reminders, and a post-event review request - all in one workflow. The client receives professional s and a secure payment link and never needs a Gigster account. Learn more.
How much does Gigster Direct cost?: Direct is included in every Gigster subscription. Free vendors get one lifetime Direct booking. Pro (R299/month) includes 3 Direct bookings per billing cycle. Pro Plus (R499/month) includes unlimited Direct bookings. On card payments the client pays a 4% surcharge (3% PayFast pass-through + 1% Gigster service fee). On EFT, Gigster takes nothing - the client pays the vendor directly.
Does the client need to sign up for Gigster to pay a Direct invoice?: No. The client receives the invoice and booking agreement by and pays via a secure link. They never need to create an account or log in.
What is Gigster?: Gigster is South Africa's event services marketplace. We connect people planning weddings, corporate events, conferences, awards, product launches and other live events with vetted vendors - musicians, bands, DJs, MCs, speakers, comedians, dancers, specialty performers, photographers, videographers, content creators, event planners, production and technical, styling and décor, hospitality, transport, security and more. Gigster also offers Gigster Direct, a turnkey booking system any vendor can use with their own clients.
What types of vendors are on Gigster?: All event service categories, organised into four groups: Live Entertainment (musicians, bands, DJs, comedians, dancers, specialty performers, digital and virtual acts), Speakers & Facilitators (MCs, hosts, keynote speakers, trainers, auctioneers), Creative & Media (photographers, videographers, voice artists, editors, graphic designers, content creators), and Event Services (production and technical, styling and décor, hospitality, transport, event planning, security, beauty, gifting). Browse the full list at /browse.
Is Gigster only for South Africa?: Gigster is South Africa-first - vendors are listed across all 9 SA provinces and pricing is in ZAR. Some Pro Plus vendors are also flagged as available internationally for clients booking SA talent for events abroad. There is no separate international platform; the same vendor profiles travel with the right tag.
Who is behind Gigster?: Gigster Online (Pty) Ltd is a South African company founded by Carina Bruwer, who conceptualised the platform to bring trust, structure and modern payment infrastructure to the African live event industry. The technology stack is built from the ground up as a turnkey marketplace, payments and booking system - designed to scale beyond South Africa, and engineered with international partnership, white-label and acquisition opportunities in mind. For commercial enquiries, contact . For day-to-day support, .

Location

Cape Town, City of Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa

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Google reviews

3 ★★★☆☆ on Google

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★★★★★ 2 years ago

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★★☆☆☆ 6 years ago

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★☆☆☆☆ 7 years ago

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★★★★☆ 8 years ago

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Keywords

jazz-bandsGigsterWestern CapeCape TownSouth Africaparty

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