The streets of Lower Woodstock and Salt River, not far from Cape Town's city center, turn into desolate places after dark, with cars passing by on the main road and few pedestrians. But on Saturday and Sunday evening it is this area between Woodstock and Salt River train stations that attracts a massive crowd. Car guards are on the lookout for the public, luring clients into their parking spots, and beyond lies Amadoda Braai, one of Cape Town's nighlife hot spots (check it out here during daylight on Google Street View).
‘Braai-ing’ (barbeque-ing) is a typical South African activity in the weekends and on any other occasion actually. Amadoda offers both braai-ed meat and funky music from deejays and live-acts. While the combination of braaing and partying originates in the townships, Amadoda first made the concept available for people staying near the city centre. But Amadoda made a name for the outstanding quality of their music, and nowadays township dwellers make their way to the club to dance the night away.
The kwaito music and African house on Saturdays tends to bring a young black crowd to the club, while the 2-weekly dub step evenings on Sunday have a diverse audience, with a tendency towards the English and Afrikaans speaking youth. Kwaito is often considered music of black South Africans, but Amadoda's kwaito and house evenings have started attracting a mixed crowd, which may have to do with the club's proximity to town and its ever pumping parties.
Every Saturday night, from 10 PM local time, TIA's African Hit Radio broadcasts live from Amadoda Braai with Dj Brian controlling the decks. playing the hottest African house tunes. Tuning in, you will hear the cheering of the crowd (400 to 500 people on a typical saturday night). Expect to hear the screaming of the dancers as they form circles showing off their latest moves. One goes even more wild then the other performing typical kwaito dances which have their roots in the gumboot dances from colonial times. It’s mostly feet work, but the ladies may throw in their hips to spice up the scene.
Amadoda Braai can be found on 1 - 4 Strand Street, Woodstock (Cape Town). Check out their website: www.amadoda.co.za
Tune in to the sounds of Amadoda on saturday night at 10 PM local South African time - listen via your mobile phone or the TIA website! Click for options for web & iphone or Android & Blackberry.
