The club scene in Cape Town is ever-growing and ever-changing. Perhaps compared to other metropolitan cities around the world, our Mother City still has some way to go in terms of creating its own club culture, and a unique dance identity.
Genres like Gqom and amapiano have done a lot, but it’s often the fiercely independent events and spaces that breathe new life into the scene. Parties like The Death Of Glitter, BUMBLE and CHAOS! each boast a bold and visionary ethos that celebrates the many sub-cultures of dance, whilst simultaneously building a community of club-goers who are daring to change the scene.
And now, there’s a new party joining the ranks.
Bathhouse is Cape Town’s newest queer party that’s all about one thing – celebrating how good it feels to be gay. Their goal is simple: to bring back real rave culture, whilst making it as inclusive as possible.
“Traditionally, bath-houses were spaces where mostly queer men would meet, socialise and network,” says Bathhouse co-founder Michael Daniell. “Our hope is to replicate this, but in a way that is accessible to all queer people.”
There’s a certain freedom of expression that has always been associated with these kinds of all-queer spaces. A place where you have the freedom to move your body however you want, and dress however you want, and kiss whoever you want, and be whoever you want to be. And this is the true ethos of Bathhouse.
“You can expect a room full of smoke and flashing lights and sweaty people,” says Daniell. “Bathhouse is a celebration, as all raves should be, of how good it feels to dance and to sweat and to be sexy.”
“Kissing a stranger is encouraged!” adds Daniell, “So long as it’s consentual!”
The party was started by Daniell and rising Cape Town-based DJ Tactix in response to the lack of queer-friendly parties in Cape Town. This and a lack of diversity in the kinds of music being played. “In general, I think the party scene here is dominated by straight men, but it’s often queer DJs who are playing the most progressive and most danceable sets,” says Tactix.
“We have an all-queer lineup and the brief is simple: Go crazy!” they add.
Bringing a mix of house, jersey and techno, Bathhouse will feature Tactix alongside Singlemotheroftwo, as well as DRAGMOTHER, Athi Maq and Justyn Nell.
Known for their dynamic, high-energy sets, Tactix will be going back-to-back with Singlemotheroftwo (aka Björn Thomas) for a live electronic performance that promises to be fun with a capital FUCK YES!
D.O.G founder and creative director, DRAGMOTHER (and regular Texx And The City contributor might we add) also joins the lineup alongside the sensational, genre-fluid selector Athi Maq, and Cape Town native Justyn Nell, whose atmospheric sets are inspired by a deep appreciation for ’90s techno.
Bathhouse will also be equipped with a safety awareness team who’s first priority is the safety and comfort of queer and femme individuals, whilst contributing to a fun and consentual space for all.
The first edition of Bathhouse will take place on Saturday the 1st of March at EVOL, 69 Hope St.
Tickets will be available at the door for R100.
All photos courtesy of Jem Rose.
