Afrika dies, Shindig lives
Out of Afrika
Once we binned Afrika, it enjoyed a major, though short lived resurgence, as 'Shindig', Newcastle’s major House promoters of the next three decades, started out there & had great success.
But with spiraling debts, the Club’s owners just couldn’t hold it together for much longer & Afrika was repossessed by Scottish & Newcastle Breweries in early 1993.
Kaput..! That was the end of Afrika…
Which was a great place to start with, a groundbreaking little Club in lots of ways. But towards the end of our run, it was among the most bizarre, at times dangerous, volatile & out of control places that we have ever played music.
But Shindig lives on
With Afrika gone, Shindig then moved on, adapting & evolving, to carve out a scene in Newcastle night life that they held strong for many years, at many different venues.
'Foundation' - another Newcastle ex Club that's now flats, where Shindig rocked it for years.
They were a real force in the city, putting on great parties since way back in the day. Most of the major House music acts on the Planet were promoted in Newcastle by Shindig over the years. So despite its rollercoaster existence, Afrika remains a part of Newcastle Clubbing's overall evolution as their birthplace.
Scott Bradford - One of the founder members of the Shindig Crew, clearly demonstrating the big hand they had in the evolution of House Music in Newcastle. He's the younger brother of our dear friend Peter, from way back in the Rockshots days.
Throughout 2010/11 they were moving again & we hooked up & they put some really great nights in WHQ @ Curtis Mayfield House, before moving on to a big warehouse at the far end of City Road for a while.
Yet another of Shindig's homes.
When they celebrated their 21st birthday a few years back & we sent them roses. They were then back here in WHQ once again, spinning some fab parties on our fly Soundsystem.
Respect
Shindig were crew we had a great deal of respect for, as we know exactly what it takes to last the length of time they did in Clubland.
They too rode the highs & lows, ensuring they always worked with the most talented people & stayed smack on point.
Haven't heard much from them in a while but there is always a chance that they may pop up somewhere else different soon, with a big, new, fly party.
Shindig upstairs in WHQ @ Curtis Mayfield House a while back
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