November 29, 2002
By Mandisi Majavu
JOBURG'S newest night spot opened on a very high note with a guest list that comprised high-profile guests and a "fashion-conscious" crowd - people described by one of the founders, businessman Gavin Pieterse, as "beautiful people ranging from international delegates, government officials, socialites and celebrities to industry leaders".
There are also plans to open a membership club for interested individuals. The target market is "movers and shakers" of Johannesburg as well as international visitors. Just to get into the club one must pay a R120 on a Friday night and a R150 on a Saturday night. And for dinner, people need to book; reservations can be made through Computicket.
The stylish interior of the Kilimanjaro
The Kilimanjaro, a multi-million rand project, is located at Melrose Arch, in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. Although the Kilimanjaro was founded by five individuals, big companies like Johnnic Entertainment and International Development Corporation have also invested in the affair.
Entertainment is a mix: an in-house band as well as disc jockeys, with solo acts every Friday and Saturday night. Live acts consist of a variety of African talents carefully chosen by joint-founder Lebo M, best known as the voice and spirit of Disney's Lion King.
The music at the club is "hip grinding fusion of the world", house music, 80s disco and R&B.
Kilimanjaro Johannesburg is a descendent of a Washington, DC club which opened in the early Eighties. One of the founders of that club, Seedy Lette, wanted to bring the experience to the African shores, says Pieterse.
The result, he says, is a unique African experience: "It meshes together the culture of old and the new cosmopolitan Africa in a contemporary atmosphere where the music, décor and exquisite African cuisine allows the public an opportunity to express and enjoy themselves in an environment close to their hearts".
The club opens Wednesday to Saturday from 8:30pm and closes when the last guest leaves.
