'Playlists, culture, community': Johannesburg's social scene just levelled up with a new spot in place of Great Dane

• Braamfontein landmark Great Dane has officially closed

• A new spot has opened in its place.

• Spotify branded the restaurant in July to celebrate South African food and music in a limited pop-up experience.

Most Millennials who either partied in Johannesburg or went to university in the city made memories at Great Dane. They were also devastated to hear that the venue was closing this year after 11 years.

Many people know that Great Dane began as a hot dog joint that offered vegetarian options. It also had a different address, 34 De Beer Street. Some years later, it moved down to 5 De Beer Street and became a landmark on the Johannesburg social scene. 

Brothers Gert and Stefan Schoonraad founded Great Dane in 2012 and are said to have handed the management reigns to someone new in recent years. 

If you go to 5 De Beer Street now, you will no longer find Great Dane. In its place, you will find a new establishment called the Spotify Greasy Tunes cafe. 

Celebrating South African food and music

The cafe is a month-long experiential pop-up which pairs South African food with music.

It kicked off in Johannesburg during the Durban July weekend, with influencers and media gathering on Saturday for the launch. 

Food at Spotify Greasy Tunes Cafe.

Supplied

"Greasy Tunes celebrates Spotify’s leading playlists, culture, community, conversation, creators, fans, and most importantly, greasy South African meals."

"Greasy Tunes attaches itself to various Joburg cultural communities, from the aesthetics down to the menu. The venue’s setup borrows from the township kota cafes with outdoor table tennis placed strategically in the venue while mini pool tables and Jenga adorn the tables." 

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At the launch, guests sat at cafe-style-decorated tables to snack on nuts served in a jar, rainbow mielie pops famously known as "skopas", pap infused with cheese, and slap chips served township-style. 

They enjoyed the snacks while listening to DJ sets and artist performances by artists like Yolophonik and Cornelius SA. 

Skopas

Supplied

Now, the public can have their own Spotify Greasy Tunes cafe experience. The first week's activities will celebrate house and dance music culture under the theme Mint: Feast on South Africa's Best Electronic Dance Music, House and Afrotech.

"The Pantsula dance craze usually seen on the streets of Johannesburg was brought to life on stage by a group called Spirit in Motion known for spontaneous and passionate dance routines." 

At the launch, Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Director Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy said, "Spotify has witnessed the undeniable power of audio in spreading South African culture and trends, both within the continent and worldwide. Greasy Tunes, with its embodiment of South African culture and trends, represents an expansion of this influence by blending music and cuisine in a beloved city that resonates with countless individuals."

Spotify Greasy Tunes runs every Wednesday to Sunday until 30 July. For tickets and the lineup, head to the Greasy Tunes website. 

This information was supplied by Irvine Partners on behalf of Spotify.