May 4th, 2012
The opening of Zouk in Singapore in 1991 signaled the transformation of the dance music scene in Asia, launching an innovative concept for clubbing and nightlife on a grand scale not previously contemplated in the region. Occupying a row of three restored warehouses on the river front of central Singapore, Zouk comprises four distinct “concept” clubs – each with a different decor and music concept- and with a combined capacity of 4,000 patrons.
Having introduced a world class clubbing experience to the Singapore nightlife scene, Zouk has been embraced by generations of local and regional clubbers, and in the process evolved its own distinctive dance music subculture. Acclaimed internationally by both mainstream and dance culture media, Zouk has consistently been ranked among the Best Clubs in the World. The name “zouk” derives from the Creole word meaning “village party”. And the club’s guiding principle- stated simply as- “One World, One Music, One Tribe, One Dance”.
The wild success of the Singapore club led to the opening in 2004 of a second Zouk, in neighboring Kuala Lumpur. Also built on the impressive scale of the original Zouk, the KL club has established its position at the pinnacle of the dance club scene in Malaysia. A further extension of the “Zouk” experience was the launching of the ZoukOut annual outdoor dance music festival in Singapore, commencing in 2000. The ZoukOut festivals feature a wide range of music genres- House, Tribal,Progressive, Techno, Trance, Electro, Indie, Hip-Hop, ‘live’ performances and Mambo Jambo. The event attracts huge turnouts of up to 30,000 party goers from both Singapore, and visitors from around the region.
A significant factor in the enduring popularity of Zouk has been the diversity of the different rooms within the overall complex- with each room having a distinctive decor theme and music style. Velvet Underground, which after a major refurbishment in 2011 now consists of two rooms- Lounge and Dance – features luxurious contemporary furnishings, and original art collections in an exclusive Lounge setting, and the adjoining Dance room- fitted out for all-night partying and dancing. Phuture is a compact space for about 200 guests with a futuristic theme of bright colors and playful shapes, a spectacular LED wall and a music policy focused on urban, hip hop, and R & B. And finally the Wine Bar is an indoor / outdoor chill out space- for pre-club drinks or laid-back evening hangout. ( Note : separate feature article on Velvet Underground, Phuture & the Wine Bar will be published soon at asia-bars.com )
The street facade and entrance to the main Zouk building
The main Zouk room is a cavernous, multi-level space with a capacity for 1,500 party-goers. The stunning interior design was inspired by the distinctive works of the renowned Catalan architect Gaudi- famous for blending Modernism and Moorish architectural influences with dramatic effect. The expansive dance floor dominates the room and spreads across several levels, punctuated with podiums. Overhead state-of-the-art lighting systems combine with the customised Gary Stewart sound system for a totally enthralling dance floor experience.
Numerous bars are located within the contours and levels of the main room, with a separate Members Lounge area on the upper level overlooking the dance floor.
The main room of Zouk- looking back towards the entrance staircase
Zouk have always pushed the boundaries of the local dance music scene- introducing new music genres and hosting a constant stream of famous international guest DJs and live performers. The Zouk team of 8 resident DJs bring their diversity of style and music to the various rooms for the regular weekly and monthly club nights. The main Zouk club opens on Friday and Saturday nights for a continuous weekend party featuring the best and latest in dance music- House, Techno, Trance, Electro, Indie, and Hip-Hop; and then on Wednesday nights the mid-week Mambo Jambo party with an eclectic blend of hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and current.
In the 20+ years since its opening, Zouk has regularly undergone major refurbishments to the club interiors in order to refresh the clubbing experience for subsequent generations of clubbers, and maintain its edge as the leading innovator in the regional dance music scene. Additionally, the Zouk resident DJs make regular international tours to play at many of the leading clubs in Europe, USA , Japan, Australia, etc. and release their tracks on major labels- while in turn keeping abreast of the latest trends and developments in global dance music and clubbing, and to promote to an international audience the Zouk culture and sounds. This constant process of renewal has served Zouk well for over 20 years, and looks likely to ensure its continued relevance to future generations of party goers in Singapore and around Asia.
Zouk main room- DJ station with member’s lounge area above
Zouk main room dance floor with state of the art sound and lighting systems
Bar on the main dance floor level- adjacent to DJ’s station
Upper level- the member’s bar and lounge area
Lounge seating in the member’s area
Upper level passageway overlooking dance floor- featuring curving shapes and intricate mosaic tiling
Communal washing fountain in centre of bathrooms lobby
Upper level bar near entrance – overlooks the main dance floor
Zouk – the club
Address: 17 Jiak Kim Street, Singapore 169420
Reservations: +65. 6738 2988
Website: www.zoukclub.com
Facebook Page: Zouk Singapore
Twitter: @zouksingapore
Opening hours:
Wednesday, Friday & Saturday ( and eve of Public Holiday) 10.00 pm ~ late
