Bassline

Bassline is a live music, poetry and comedy venue, founded by Brad Holmes in 1994.

Founding and early history
It was originally opened as a small, live music venue in Melville, becoming a prime venue for Jazz and Afro-beat, later including poetry readings, comedy and impromptu jam sessions. Among the many artists performing there were Vusi Mahlasela, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa, Zim Ngqawana, Paul Hanmer, Jimmy Dludlu and Tumi, and The Volume.

Current status
In 2003 the original Bassline closed, but was resurrected in 2004 in the downtown Newtown Cultural Precinct, at 10 Henry Nxumalo Street. Here it has a 1000-capacity concert venue and an intimate 150-seat performing space, as well as rehearsal rooms, recording and other facilities for artists. Besides becoming a prime venue for concerts (by 2015 it had hosted over 3000 concerts) and a concert production agency, the venue also seeks to develop young performers of Kwaito, Hip-Hop, Rock and Afro-pop.

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