It had been so long since I had attended an urban music event...
My events career initially started as a promoter for a popular RNB event in Australia. Since that was some time ago I knew writing this piece was going to be a challenge. But I'm always up for a challenge…
As I arrived at the club I was immediately taken back by its awe-inspiring beauty. The outer structure is a beautifully crafted glass pyramid that is decorated with live exotic plants growing on the entire structure. One can imagine a sunrise would be a visual feast from the inside.
Es Paradis felt exclusive, although queuing was effortless. The Staff at the front desk were efficient and took care of patrons with minimal fuss.
As I walked inside the venue, I felt nostalgic and somewhat emotional.
The DJ played Mark Morrison's ‘Return of the Mack'. It took me back to a special place; it reminded me of some of the best moments I had experienced with friends and family over the years. It's amazing how one song can bring back an exact moment, an exact feeling, and an exact sensation. All of a sudden, Es Paradis felt like home.
The DJ's played a mixture of new and old tracks that included the likes of Fat Joe and Ashanti's ‘What's love', Mary J Blige ‘Family affair', old school Usher tracks, Snoop Dogg's ‘Drop it like its hot', a touch of what sounded liked Spanish reggaeton along with loads of new stuff I was not familiar with.
The night really kicked off though when MC Minx graced the stage. She was a professional that really knew her art form. She worked the crowd brilliantly and effortlessly brought another element to the music the DJ played. She chanted along with the crowd and at one point reminded everyone of their friends back in the UK who will be waking up to miserable weather today while they were partying in Ibiza. That sexy Minx really knew how to work that room!
The night included DJ's such as Tinchy Stryder, Steve Sutherland, Ibz, DJ Sci and MDK.
The venue inside boasts numerous bars including a cocktail bar called ‘Mojito'. Inside, the venue is plush, white, multi-leveled and features a catwalk that rises above the dance floor. The central focus is a circular dance floor that is surrounded by gigantic pillars and an amphitheater seating arrangement almost like something out of a Greek Ancient history lesson.
Twice as nice was loads of fun. The vibe is exactly what you would expect from an urban music event; loads of sexy attitude, patrons with swagger, bootylicious glamours, dance-offs and snap backs as far as the eye could see. (Don't you just feel like ripping those stickers off?)
It was a change from my usual night out. I loved it. Over the season, Twice as nice will play host to Fatman Scoop, Wretch 32 and many other special guests including a live performance by J Cole Next week.
