By Wanique Block
For decades South Africa’s party scene [or groove culture as we know it today], has seen the rise, fall and resurgence of various artists, music genres and dance styles.
Embedded in South Africa’s rich cultural and diverse heritage, groove culture has not only led to the adoption of new sounds and styles but it has too intersected through various spaces and communities in South Africa and abroad.
It’s no secret that groove culture has always dominated South Africa’s entertainment landscape, but thanks to viral Amapiano dance challenges like the #UmlandoChallenge, Dbn Gogo’s #DakiweChallenge and the viral video that introduced us to Uncle Waffles, many abroad now got their first glance and taste of South Africa’s groove culture in its entirety; the music, the vibe and the dance moves.
Although currently at its peak, South Africa’s groove culture dates all the way back to the upbeat tempos of disco, electro and house music, not to mention the chest-thumping beats and rapid-fire lyrics of Hip-Hop and Kwaito music.
South African groove, is more than just about the vibes, it’s a cultural revolution and movement that is rooted in community and transcends time, space, language, race and borders.
This movement is one that wouldn’t be possible without the planners, organisers and curators because they are the ones who are not only responsible for planning and bringing events to life, but are essentially the ones who are at the forefront of South Africa’s nightlife culture.
It is for this reason that we at Kaya 959 shine a light on one of South Africa’s groove game changers, Amahle Jaxa.
Born in Queenstown and raised in East London in the Eastern Cape, Amahle-Imvelo Jaxa is a creative entrepreneur and the Chief of Operations at music and entertainment production company called Until Until.
Created out of boredom, Until Until is a music and entertainment production company that has successfully curated and co-ordinated events like Sunday Roast, Genesis, Bacardi Holiday Club and Good Morning just to name a few.
“A group of friends and I wanted to throw a party out of boredom. We always wanted to throw a party, because we were partiers in Joburg. It was June 16, that Friday was a long weekend. And we decided to call it ‘High School Cool’. We themed it because were obsessed with themes. We themed it Uniforms, so people came with their school uniforms”, Amahle shares with Kaya 959.
When speaking to Amahle I get the sense that despite the ongoing success of Until Until, creating spaces that are safe, inclusive and enjoyable remains to be an important priority for her and the Until Until team.
“It isn’t more about inclusivity than it is about making sure anyone and everyone can come to our events. We are deliberate about protecting not only women but people from the LGBTQI+ community. This is a priority, because why not? We’re talking about a human life”, Amahle expresses.
As my team and I walked into Until Until’s newly acquired restaurant, The Royale, despite being preoccupied with Until Until’s administration, Amahle cheerfully greeted and welcomed us.
She exudes a warm and welcoming energy, not to mention very hilarious too.
“I always say to customers, ‘Welcome Home!’”, she tells me.
She then continues by noting that she wants all customers to feel at home and comfortable.
“I want you to feel at home! I want you to feel comfortable! I want you to wear whatever you want, drink whatever you want! I want you to have delicious cocktails and I want you to have 10 tequila’s! Our spot is not the fanciest spot, but it is a spot where you can make this your home and you’ll always get taken care of”.
When asked about what keeps Until Until going, Amahle explains that apart from the passion they all have, creating experiences that are safe, inclusive and fun is what keep them all going.
They are more than just the groove starters of Joburg, they are the personification of South Africa’s groove culture, cultural innovators, they are Until Until.
