by Leah Reed Forbes
Johannesburg’s nightlife has always been electrifying, with clubs that bang all night long, cocktail bars with intriguing ingredients, and events for every taste. There’s really no reason to stay home all weekend. The underground nature of Joburg’s nightlife is exactly what makes it so enticing; if you know, you know...and we're here to make sure that you know. Really, you have no excuses. Here's an insider's peek into Joburg's hidden party scene.
Jazz Nights in Braam
The newest kid on the nightlife block is Hugh’s in Braamfontein. If you lamented when the Orbit shut down, this'll become your new favourite spot. Here, the energy of Braamfontein meets the soul of Hugh Masekela. Exclusively open on Thursday nights, you'll treat your ears to a divine lineup of South African jazz icons and rising newcomers, set to the thrum of the inner city.
It’s the perfect date night spot for a jazz lover in Joburg. The space is plush and glamorous; it looks like it's been taken straight from a movie about the prohibition era. You can enjoy a glass of something fancy alongside a tasty meal, and let your ears do the work. You'll find Hugh's on the 13th floor of the Play Braam building at 73 Juta Street in Braamfontein.
8 The Nightclub
Born from the same creative mischief as The Wild Side in Craighall, 8 is the exclusive nightclub that might be...the worst-kept secret in Johannesburg. You'll find 8 tucked away behind its front-of-house restaurant, The Naked Woolf in Rosebank Quarter. The restaurant itself serves up an eclectic menu of food and cocktails that we keep going back for.
8 is technically a member’s club, but they’re open to the public on Friday and Saturday nights. Entry is strictly 25+, subject to a strict dress code, and if you’re wondering why you’ve never seen photos, it’s because they're strictly prohibited.
Vogue Nights Jozi
Between the 1960’s and 80’s, New York drag competitions known as balls transformed from elaborate pageantry to vogue battles. Chronicled by the legendary documentary Paris is Burning, Black and Latino voguers would compete for trophies and the reputation of their Houses.
This scene has greatly influenced LGBTQ+ culture around the world, and DJ Lelo What’s Good started Vogue Nights Jozi in 2018. Now a staple in Joburg’s queer party scene, they’re hosting niche events that blend electronic and live music for the culture with VNJ Bodega.
Raver’s Delight
Upcoming cultural curator and DJ Koyame, aka Mr Fagwinter, runs several underground parties in Joburg. First, there's Fagwinter, which creates bridges between multiple music scenes (like bringing alt-gqom to Mieliepop Festival). Yes, it's as alternative and interesting as it sounds. There's Raver’s Delight, which describes its purpose as “to share compassion and joy as a community where it matters most.”
His latest project, C’est Du Son, is a celebration of disco, house, electro and tech house and has featured the likes of Atmos Blaq and Julien Gomes at their current home at Rita’s Cocktail Club in Fourways.
EDEN: Eat The Fruit
For those curious about the spicier side of life, there’s EDEN The Fruit. Described as a garden of earthly delights by founder Leah Jazz, it’s a sexy party, not a sex party. Each event features a lineup of incredible DJs, live performances, sensory stations, and a literal fruit feast. You haven't seen anything like this before. We promise.
EDEN follows a strictly kinky dress code, with no photos allowed inside the garden. As a guest, you've also got the option to opt out of professional photography to remain completely anonymous. This sex-positive space is a chance to explore sensuality expressively at some of Joburg’s most iconic venues. Strictly 21+.
The Breakfast Club
If you’ve never seen an early morning runner on your way home from the club, you’re probably doing it wrong. Introducing The Breakfast Club: the brainchild of DJ Orwell that goes until 6 in the morning at Club AM.
This is an addition to Joburg's party scene that we didn't know we needed. Intentionally curated to have you dancing all night long, it's a sonic and visual celebration that focuses on femmes and thems.
Your Weekly Touch Up
Be there before they blow up: Your Weekly Touch Up is a live music event series hosted by Normvl - a creative agency driven by ByLwansta.
Platforming alternative and underground artists, this is where Joburgers with impeccable taste in music find new music before it bubbles into the mainstream. It's every Wednesday at creative hub Mamakashaka and Friends. Check them out at 5 De Beer Street, Braamfontein.
Joburg’s underground nightlife and party scene is driven by those who live on the frontlines of the underground itself; we have Queer, Black, and Femme folk to credit. It’s no secret that these identities have always shaped our culture, and Joburg is brimming with creative talent in abundance. Mainstream parties are fun and all, but we're here to encourage you to dive a little deeper. When we step out of our routine and explore something new, we open ourselves up to discovering the best life has to offer. If you know where to look, you'll find a hidden treasure trove of creativity, music, dance, and art that deserves to be seen, loved, and supported.
Are you ready to dive into something new? It's worth it.
