At the forefront of making dancefloors and lineups more inclusive are underground minority and LGBT collectives. Prior to the COVID19 pandemic, these peer-led spaces were frequently at risk, nighttime venues were particularly vulnerable to financial instability, cultural stigma, racism and violence—especially those serving black communities.
Public and government perception that clubs and festivals are uncontrollable, unsafe and without cultural value are magnified when black and LGBT communities make space for themselves at these events. One example of this is the Ugandan government backlash against celebrated music festival Nyege Nyege Festival. Still the shutdown of nightlife due to the pandemic represents an opportunity to reimagine nightlife as expansive and inclusive spaces that benefit all. Venues have been forced to expand the diversity of their offerings, which in some cases has led to better financial sustainability. Expansion in the use of technology and online platforms has challenged artists, promoters and audiences to explore new aspects of connectivity and performance, and has helped democratize accessibility in clubbing and nightlife.
DJ and founding member of the Nyege Nyege collective, Kampire curates a week-long a week-long residency on nightlife at Gessnerallee; a celebration of inclusive nightlife, with workshops, a sober day rave and a club night featuring internationally recognized DJs.
Expanding the possibilities of “night”life, the sober day rave will feature movement workshops, body adornment, art therapy, healing spaces and of course, dancing.
| Sun3.4. |
This two-day workshop will expose participants to the principles and processes of wearable technology.
| Mon4.4. | |
| Tue5.4. |
Ancestory in the making is an afternoon to thank, remember and honor the ones who came before us. The Black Bodies who held space, who opened dancefloors and community centers, hosted dinners and gatherings. It is an attempt to close a generational gap and draw an ancestral map in this city.
| Wed6.4. |
