Pierre Ngung is not a musician, but considers himself a music lover with ties that have led him on his current career path after working in corporate sales.
He cites the music of his upbringing in Africa, as well as the role MTV Europe played in his exposure to diverse genres from around the world, as his original influences in music. He was also around music through his older brother, a songwriter in Europe, and his younger brother, a music producer in New York.
“I chose the corporate path for a while, and now I’m coming back to my passion, which is music,” Ngung said. “I think there’s more power now in music to connect people, especially with live music.”
Ngung said his eclectic love of music, world travels and his background in sales led him to start his own company, Vibe Oasis, and become the local producer for Sofar Sounds San Diego.
Ngung was born in Ethiopia and grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium and New York. After high school graduation, he moved to Portland, Ore., to attend college and started his sales career there. In 2021, he moved to San Diego with his wife.
“After COVID, my wife and I found out we both could work remotely, so we looked for places where the sun shines,” Ngung said. “We tested out a few places and then landed in San Diego, and by day two, we were like, ‘yeah, this is the paradise for us.’”
A couple of years ago, Ngung founded Vibe Oasis, a startup seeking to introduce local businesses to local musical talent, and he created an app where they can each create profiles and press kits to make connections.
“So instead of having to go through a talent booking agency, I’m empowering the local businesses, and I’m empowering the local artists to be able to connect through that app,” Ngung said.
Right after Ngung founded Vibe Oasis, he came across a live show with Sofar Sounds San Diego, which organizes intimate music concerts from up-and-coming artists at various nontraditional concert venues across the county, such as coffee shops, rooftop bars and residential backyards.
“My motto for my business (Vibe Oasis) is human connection,” Ngung said. “It is at the forefront of what we do. So, in that mindset, going to a Sofar show and really feeling that intimacy, feeling that connection (and) the attention that the guests give to the artists is what attracted me to Sofar.”
Ngung began as a volunteer and support staff crew to enhance the guest experience through finding better venues and improving customer service. Now he is the local producer and leads his team in finding regional talent and overseeing the whole Sofar Sounds San Diego chapter, which recently expanded shows into North County for the first time.
When he is not working for Sofar Sounds or Vibe Oasis, he is exploring South Park, a neighborhood where he enjoys spending his time near where he lives.
“South Park stands out as one of San Diego’s most charming, community-driven neighborhoods,” Ngung said. “It has a blend of laid-back energy and vibrant culture (that) creates the exact type of authentic human connection that drives the experiences I love to build.”
Here are his recommendations to check out while in and near South Park.
Pierre Ngung is the local producer for Sofar Sounds San Diego and the founder of Vibe Oasis. (Pierre Ngung)
Q: Where is your favorite dining option?
A: Juan Jasper Kitchen + Wine. It’s my go-to for wine and dining in South Park. The atmosphere is small and intimate. The wine selection is thoughtfully curated, and the overall experience feels elevated yet welcoming. My go-to is the burgers and fries. It’s a safe bet. The fries are thin and crunchy and the burger meat always tastes fresh and the secret sauce they use is quite unique.
Q: What is your favorite small retail business or pop-up vendor to support?
A: The Rose Wine Bar. A great neighborhood spot that feels both cozy and intentional. It’s the kind of place that highlights community and quality, making it easy to support.
The general view of Bird Park at Morley Field on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 in San Diego, CA. (Michael Ho / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Q: Where is your favorite open space?
A: Morley Field. It’s always perfect for a run and a quick workout. It’s also great for picnics, and then you can see the sunset just coming down from there.
Q: Where is the best piece of artwork?
A: The murals throughout South Park perfectly reflect the neighborhood’s artistic and cultural spirit. My personal favorite is the Fern Street piece (at the intersection of Juniper Street), which is a nostalgic glimpse into San Diego’s history featuring a man on a vintage bicycle. It’s a beautifully subtle tribute to the past.
Outside The Rose Wine Bar in South Park on May 15, 2026. (McKenzie Patterson / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Q: Where is your favorite entertainment attraction or historic landmark?
A: The unique shopping scene in South Park. The neighborhood is filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops and retail spaces that reflect the area’s creative and local-first spirit. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon discovering unique pieces while supporting small businesses.