Did you know that Bassline is the same age as South Africa’s modern democracy?
It opened in 1994 in Melville and it quickly became well-known as a prominent venue to experience live South African jazz music, stand-up comedy and poetry readings. The venue became so popular that it was difficult for performers at the urban club not to rise to stardom having performed there. It catapulted the careers of Paul Hanmer, and Tumi and the Volume, among others.
In 2003, Bassline in Melville was closed down and the jazz club was reborn in the growing cultural precinct that is Newtown.
The new venue has room for 1 000 people for concerts and 150 people in a more intimate setting, with top class lighting and sound.
Sculptor, Angus Taylor, built a life-size sculpture at the entrance of the venue of the lady who was dubbed the Queen of African pop, Brenda Fassie.
The venue has hosted more than 3 000 shows and numerous performers including Mi Casa, Zonke and a number of prominent international artists.
This cultural facility recently held the first heavy metal music festival in Africa, which lasted three days and featured the likes of Cannibal Corpse, Hatebreed and Skinned.
Details: Bassline on Facebook
