AT A GLANCE:
WHAT: The Artivist, restaurant & bar.
WHO: Kenny Nzama and Bradley Williams.
WHY: Because it's a mixtape of all the things you love.
WHERE: 7 Reserve Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
FULL REVIEW:
They've known each other for years; since they were both DJs coming through the ranks of Joburg's Hip Hop scene in the late '90s and early 2000s. And while they've collaborated on music events and corporate projects, The Artivist, a restaurant/bar/art gallery space, which they opened in Braamfontein six months ago, is Kenny Nzama and Bradley Williams' most ambitious collaboration yet.
As Nzama (known to many partygoers and radio listeners as DJ Kenzhero) describes it: "We decided to do something but we didn't know what it would be until two years ago when we started to get serious about it. We started looking at locations that would dictate what the place might look like and who it might serve."
The target market for their space wasn't hard to establish because, as Nzama sees it: "We are the target market; myself and my audience who have been growing with me musically. People my age have kids now and responsibilities, and they don't come out at night as much, so the understanding was to have a space where people could come without having to make a night-time appointment."
The pair found their location in Reserve Street, a stone's throw from The Orbit and the influencer/student hangouts of Kitchener's and Neighbourgoods Market.
The venue features a selection of food that Williams describes as, "a mixtape" of a menu. "It's a combination of things because we feel that we can't get the food we want at most places. The menu is designed in a very personal way, but it works because there's a gap for this kind of food."
Items include Magodo and Skop served with Dambolo (steamed bread) and veggie bowls such as the Afro Beats Dub Plate.
Williams says: "The approach is about the quality of the product; that was a big deal for us. We use only organic meat, though our veg is not organic, but it's not GMO and our chicken is not American and it doesn't have antibiotics. We made an effort with that."
Designed by Themba Mekwa of Magi Architects, the space is dominated by the marble bar at its centre and, for Williams, "the bar brings people together to discuss ideas and do some revolutionary shit. The surroundings are designed to inspire, while the food is made to energise people."
The double-level space also serves as an art gallery, reflecting the pair's own interest in art buying and currently playing host to new works by Kudzanai Chiurai on its long walls.
They also have an events venue downstairs, Untitled Basement, where they throw parties and host functions. Williams says: "We've managed to do some really cool stuff with music, things we've always wanted to do like the Hip Hop Jazz series and projects that Kenny's been developing over the years."
It's been a learning experience for both the owners and their supportive friends but it's one that's yielding results. For Nzama, "the highlight is that I like the place. I'm proud of what we've done and I like being here."..