Club Galaxy is Cape Town’s oldest nightclub and this weekend they are throwing a bash second to none to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
The popular Rylands jol, aka the Gala, opened its doors on 14 December 1978, and over the years, patrons have flocked there to see local and international stars like Angela Bassett, Danny Glover, Forrest Whitaker, Tyrese Gibson, and American rappers Phat Joe and Coolio.
On opening night 40 years ago, singer John Paul Young popped in after his show at the Three Arts Theatre to sing his iconic hit Love is in the Air.
Galaxy has been closed for renovation for the past five months, but owner Kanthielal Patel, promises mense can look forward to an exciting new-look venue with added features.
“Expect a brand-new WOW Galaxy with super sound, lighting, bars, a beer garden and VIP rooms,” says Patel.
Work is taking place on the club's brand-new archives room, which will be launched early next year, and Galaxy is inviting jollers to share their clubbing experience and contribute to the project by sending their memories and photos to [email protected] .
The club was originally owned by Kanthielal’s dad, Jeram Patel, who died in 1982.
DALA INNIE GALA: Dancers kap dit nat on the Galaxy dance floor. Photo: Phando Jikelo/ANA
Kanthielal, who was 25 at the time, took over and according to him, the Gala remains the only club in Africa to have stayed at the same address for such a long time.
Club Galaxy started out as a 5-star restaurant but the owner soon realised that patrons didn’t really come there for the a la carte menu.
“We had a small dance floor and the original restaurant could accommodate 200 people. As the place became more popular, we started buying up other shops in the Cine 400 centre and in the late ’80s, we extended so much that we could accommodate 1 000 people,” said Kanthi.
Forty years ago, the cover charge was R2.50 during the week and R3 on weekends. These days patrons pay R50 to get into one of the most popular clubs in town.
For Saturday’s birthday bash, Kanthi says they have chosen a line-up that will make young and old happy.
“It’s going to be an old-school, new-school theme. We cater for people up to the age of 80 and our oldest regular is 82 years old.”
LANDMARK: Club Galaxy has seen it all. Photo: David Ritchie/ANA Pictures
For R60, you can jol to the sound of the Legends Band comprising Vernon Castle, Ian Smith, Sammy Webber, Naz Brown and Celeste William.
For the younger crowd, there’s Karin Kortje, Ryan the DJ, Dr Jules, Easy B and DJ Willy.
Tickets are available from Computicket.