How virtual reality could revive South Africa's nightlife
In recent years, nightclubs and live venues have struggled to draw crowds back after COVID-19. Rising crime, shifting social habits, and economic pressures have kept many would-be patrons at home. If the trend continues, South Africa could face a future with far fewer (or no) vibrant nightlife options.
Some venue owners are already closing up shop. Others are looking for creative ways to survive, and one solution is coming not from a DJ booth, but from a headset: Virtual Reality (VR).
In Johannesburg, the legendary Marabi Club in Maboneng closed its doors in May, citing increased crime in the area. Once a hotspot that hosted the likes of Jay Z and Beyoncé, the venue now stands silent. The owners are considering reopening in a more affluent part of the city, but admit it won't carry the same cultural weight as its original location.
Cape Town faces a similar crisis. Beloved live music spaces, which are crucial for emerging musicians, are struggling to sell enough tickets to survive. A mix of post-pandemic caution and Gen Z's waning interest in traditional nightlife has left promoters and artists scrambling.
Michael Balkind, founder of Sodaworld, believes Virtual Reality could be the solution. His platform connects audiences in physical spaces with those joining from virtual environments.
Last year, Sodaworld hosted a South African music festival at Constitution Hill and its virtual twin online. People anywhere in the world could join the event via VR headsets, exploring the venue, interacting with others, and watching performances in an immersive environment that beats a flat, 2D livestream.
This hybrid approach could keep live music alive by allowing venues to sell tickets both in-person and virtually, expanding their audience beyond geographical and safety limits.
For many, going out will always be part of the nightlife experience. But for those who can't or won't leave home, VR offers a new way to be part of the crowd without the risks or costs of a night out. By embracing this technology, South Africa's live music scene could not only survive but also reach more people than ever before.
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