Welcome to issue 33 of Melville Untold! New week, new chance to fall back in love with our hood. This week we celebrate Melville's festival culture once again!

In today’s newsletter,

• The Melville Mardi Gras: A Dive into Melville's Festival Legacy 🎏 

• Art In Melville’s Alive 🖼️

• The Museum Of Broken Hearts Leaves Melville 💔

Let’s go. 

— Aubrey Moloto, Kele Jackson, Sihle Delport-Wetselaar

The Digest

The Melville Mardi Gras: A Dive into Melville's Festival Legacy 🎏 

This week, we decided to dig into Melville's past and celebrate its history. We love these types of articles because we get to meet Melville's biggest icons, discover the richness in its history and the reason why you can't talk about Johannesburg's culture scene without mentioning Mellies!

We went down the festival wormhole to uncover the gem of Melville Festivals, the biggest there's ever been, the original fiesta, a maker of legends with close to a hundred thousand in attendance at its prime, the one and only Melville Mardi Gras!

The Legends Behind the Festival

We have been extremely privileged to connect with not only Melville's biggest icons for this one but South Africa's as well—people making waves on the biggest stage.

We had to dig the deepest we've ever had to, but eventually spoke with Dean Ebden of Mi Casa Su Casa, who fell in love upon arrival in Jozi and formed a strong bond with the festival. He tried to resurrect it in the 2010s.

We then spoke to actor, national icon and Bassline co-owner Frank Opperman, who attended the early festivals and has been a part of the Melville fabric for decades. Finally, we got to the source. Frank generously connected us with his good mate, Bassline co-owner and founder, the Melville Mardi Gras organiser, Brad Holmes.

The Man Who Shaped Melville

Brad is probably one of the biggest candidates for the people who contributed the most to making Melville one of the country's most well-known suburbs and one of Jozi's biggest culture and artist hubs. Born in a then extremely racist and conservative Krugersdorp in the late 60s, Brad had to GTFO as early as he could and find his tribe.

He was drafted into the South African army and ran away for 8 years, settling in Melville. He lived on 7th Avenue and worked at De La Créme when he was 19 in '86, which he refers to as the Krémlin – "we all called it the krémlin back then." Brad has a deep connection to the number 7; he remarked on how it was the name of the road he lived on for most of his life and the street he worked at and loved, 7th Street.

The Birth of Bassline

Brad came of age at a pivotal time in South Africa as the country was changing. At the age of 27 in 1994, he opened the now super famous club called The Bassline, on the strip, where Jo’anna Meltbar is. It was a small Jazz club Frank refers to as "a total hole in the wall."

Small and intimate, it drew hundreds of musicians from across the city and served as an intersection for young people of different races and cultures to connect and jam out. It was there that both Brad and Frank had their most memorable moments in life, with Brad exclaiming, "Frank and I should have died there, it was just a crazy time!" You cannot talk to a cultured person from Generation X who doesn't know or have fond memories of Bassline.

Bassline opened its doors four months after Madiba's inauguration, in 1994, at the Melville Mardi Gras festival. Brad was not the original Mardi Gras organiser, but he took over from the organisers in the mid-90s. It was a monumental moment in South Africa as the country opened up, and major cultural shifts were happening.  Many say that both Bassline and Mardi Gras played a pivotal role and helped drive that change.

The Peak of Mardi Gras

Brad says that the 1998 Mardi Gras was the most culturally diverse one of them all. It was at that festival that Melville became known as one of the most diverse suburbs in Johannesburg. He thinks that there were close to a hundred thousand people there.

The festival took place in most of the suburb at its peak in '98. Melville was shut down and closed off from 1st Avenue, down 7th Street, all along 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue to Main Road and then down 7th Avenue. Cars were parked up to Wits!

It ran from noon til 7 pm as a family event. After that, people would go into the restaurants, and it was "one big party from there," says Brad. There were tons of bands playing across the many stages. There was a stage at the top at 1st Avenue, one on the corner of 3rd Avenue and 7th Street, another at the park which is now Joburg Artist Market (27 Boxes, I almost forgot there was a park there!) and another stage on the corner of 7th Street and 4th avenue, which was moved to the corner of 5th by the 2002 event.

A Cultural Fiesta

This was a mega festival, one of the biggest Johannesburg has ever seen. Described as: "a cultural fiesta", with people who attended saying "it was just exceptional", "a great vibe" and "a beautiful space to be in". It created a whole atmosphere in the neighbourhood with a great spirit amongst the people who attended, residents and traders. Dean describes it as a beautiful time in Melville and compliments the execution saying, "beautiful, beautiful event that was executed professionally".

The festival showcased a diverse range of artistic talents, featuring emerging young artists from Johannesburg in a variety of music line-ups, visual art exhibitions and even theatre performances. It was a true celebration of the arts.

Behind the Scenes

One major reason it was such a great success was due to a Mr Charles Van Niekerk, an ex-cop who was responsible for disaster management. He ran a tight ship and handled all the Joint Operating Committee requirements (JOC) with the city.

The event also wouldn't have been possible without close collaboration with the Melville Residents Association. Brad says that it was a tough balancing act to get residents, businesses and the event team to pull together and stay optimistic, considering the magnitude of it all and the many possibilities that something could go wrong. 

There was one extremely unfortunate tragedy at a Mardi Gras when a person fell off a giant slide at the Park and unfortunately lost his life.

The Decline

From there on, the festivals got tougher and tougher to hold. Brad feels that it was extremely difficult to put together something of this magnitude because it needed tons of cash, cooperation from businesses and buy-in from the residents. After that unfortunate incident, it became harder to achieve those things.

A Lasting Legacy

Ultimately, the Mardi Gras meant so much for those who experienced it. It was such an intrinsic part of the previous generation, the people who experienced Melville in that golden era of the 90s-00s. I grew up hearing the legends and have always fantasised about what it could have been like to be there.

It left a significant legacy for the suburb and its community. A "brilliant catalyst" to unite the community through the arts, food and fun activities. It had multiple purposes beyond just entertainment; it showcased Melville not only as a cultural hub but a tourist destination.

Crucially, the Mardi Gras Festival showcased Johannesburg, with Melville acting as a "microcosm of South Africa's multi-racialism and multiculturalism," said Dean. This aspect is demonstrated profoundly through the diverse artists, traders, attendants and organisers involved. It was about bringing people together, celebrating the arts, diversity and fostering inclusivity.

The Melville Mardi Gras took Melville's strengths – its arts, music and food – and delivered them on a much larger scale in a world-class festival format. The previous generations did a lot to make Melville the culture hub it’s known as today. There aren’t many people who don’t know of Melville or haven’t experienced the Melville Magic. 

We hope this story and other stories of Melville’s legends and icons can inspire the current generation. We want to encourage them to be bold and leave their mark like Brad, Frank, Charles, Ebs, Thys, Ellie, Jannie, Jacquelin, Wendy, Nicky, Marie-Lais, Deon, Dean, Lochner and many, many more did as we navigate through the biggest transitional period Melville has ever had. 

It’s time to define its new identity and build upon the legacy that the golden era built, but make it our own! This is not the end of Melville’s story, but a new beginning. The question is, what are we going to make it? 

And If you enjoyed today’s blast from the past consider buying us a coffee. 

What’s Happenin’ 🤔

Here's the fun section, events! Check out what's going on this week.

Check out the events calendar for regular events - The Melville Pulse Events Calendar 

Melville Weather For The Week 🧣

Wednesday 

15° 🌡️ 2°  | ☀️ |  🌧️ 0% | SSW 17 km/h 💨

Thursday  

20° 🌡️ 4° | ☀️ | 🌧️ 0% | ENE 11 km/h 💨

Friday 

20° 🌡️ 5° | ☀️ | 🌧️ 1% | ESE 4 km/h 💨

Saturday 

20° 🌡️ 5° |☀️ |  🌧️ 1% | NE 6 km/h 💨

Sunday

19° 🌡️ 4° | ☀️ | 🌧️ 1% | N 6 km/h 💨

Monday 

18° 🌡️ 5° |☀️ |  🌧️ 1% | N 4 km/h 💨

Tuesday 

17° 🌡️ 3° | 🌤️ |  🌧️ 1% | SWS 4 km/h 💨

Live & Music Events Lowdown 🎸

Keen for some good music to dance to and warm your body up? Here are the music jols.

21/05 | Wednesday | Smoking Kills Bar | 800 Gondomar from Portugal ft. Shameless and Dynasty House | R180

23/05 | Friday| 7 pm | Smoking Kills Bar | RÊVERIE Presents World Goth Day ft. DJ Tenrapid, DJ Paradiso, DJ MaTthew Fink, DJ Darla Dark, Goth, Post-Punk, Darkwave, and Alternative | R50

23/05 | Friday | 7 pm | Coca Restaurant Lounge | World Goth Day at The Batcage ft. hexotericko, DJ Charlie, DJ Kieth Hex, and DJ Bootboi Izzy | R100

24/05 | Saturday | 7 pm | Chiesa PAZZO LUPI | Jonathan Crossley, Carlo Mombelli and Jonno Sweetman | R200

24/05 | Saturday | 7 pm | Smoking Kills Bar | We Are Thirsty by Mosh - LEFOKOLODI Debut EP Launch ft. No closure, P**sy Heaven and Dizzy Brains | R100

25/05 | Sunday | 6 pm - 2 am | Auto Spiders | The Garage Show ft. Art, Bands, Rave all in one night | R80

For more updates as the week goes on, visit our instagram page @snapson7th or our new Melville Pulse event calendar

Civil Matters 👷‍♀️

We're Still Not Logging!

We're still not logging enough council issues to the municipality. Too many residents are posting in the WhatsApp groups about issues they see around the area which can only be handled by the municipality; they aren't logging these issues through the correct platforms.

People get discouraged to keep logging through the correct channels because sometimes Joburg Water or City Power close tickets before fixing the issue. Jonathon Thompson of the Ward 87 council wants us to let residents know that they should give the municipality a few days before escalating.

If the ticket is closed and the issue hasn't been fixed within 2 days, then you should escalate the matter to the council—JT or our councillor Kyle Jacobs. If the issue is still unfixed in 7 days, then you have to log again.

There's a new updated platform to log all issues on; find the link in the info below.

STEPS for you to LOG/REPORT & then ESCALATE most City of Johannesburg issues in COJ Ward 87, RegionB in 2025 📣

💦 Joburg Water 📱 Call: 011 688 1400
📧 Email: [email protected] 🛜 https://customer.forcelink.net/joburg_water/login

💡 City Power 🛜 https://citypower.mobi/login 📱 Phone: (011) 490-7484

🍃 City Parks 📱 Phone: 011 375-5555 / 0860 562 874

🛣 JRA (Roads/Stormwater/Traffic Lights) 📱 Call: 0860 562 874 (option 5)
📧 Email: [email protected]

🚔 JMPD (Bylaws/Traffic) 📱 Call: (011) 375-5911

🧾 Revenue Department 📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 Call: 0860 562 874 (option 1)

📊 E-Joburg (Billing and Services) 🛜 https://www.e-joburg.org.za

All other City of Joburg queries - Call 0860JOBURG, 011-375-555 or visit www.joburg.org.za

How to Escalate these matters AFTER Logging

ONCE YOU HAVE A REFERENCE NUMBER: Please send directly to Councillor Kyle or Jonathan Thompson on WhatsApp with details as follows:

ONE message please in Escalation Format & NO screen grabs* Councillors won't escalate unless in this format as this is how we have to send them to the various Depots.

Council Escalation Format 1️⃣ Name 2️⃣ Address 3️⃣ Contact no 4️⃣ Ref no 5️⃣ Details of issue 6️⃣ Date & time of log 7️⃣ SMSed Link if CityPower

Using this Escalation Format will improve comms & efficiency when working with the Depots to try and resolve your problem.

❌ Escalations are not a magic wand guaranteeing urgent resolution but one more tool available, after SLA time frames.

The Tail End 🐾

Lost & Alone

We believe every pet deserves a loving home. That's why we need to help a kitty find a family and also a dog find his way back home.

Being lost or alone sucks! Charlie was last seen running through Emmarentia towards the Melville koppies, yesterday. He is brown, a mixed breed and has a chip, so if you have seen him or know where he may be, please contact 0817903149.

Tigey, who is formally feral and fully recovered from a mouth extraction, needs a home. He loves everyone, even other cats. He would need to be kept indoors, or in a pet-proof garden. He is looking for a loving family with patience that can help him settle.

Home checks and adoptions will be through RC Ferals. Please contact Kim on 0839407225 for more details on Tigey.

Send your pictures to [email protected] to enter the Pet Winter Wear Contest, or enter in-store at Ziggy's Pet Pamporium and stand a chance to win the awesome prizes!

Markets Watch 🎪 

Melville Market

The birthday Market this past weekend at Kruis church was a hit! There was a record-breaking 45 stalls of artisans offering all sorts of yummies and goodies. Vendor sentiment was extremely positive. Some stalls sold out while many felt it was their best ever market day in terms of sales. There were stalls from the entrance, round the back and packed into the hall as well. Families came out to sell together, making it an all-round wholesome experience!

Patrons had a blast too. There was a wonderful atmosphere as buskers set the tone and people giddily bounced from stall to stall, losing each other and reconnecting in a maze of amazing artisanal offerings.

It ended with a delightful moment - the Market director Ernest Korkie presented a full hamper put together by all the stalls contributing. A winner was randomly drawn from names of people who entered by making a purchase.

The Market was very happy about this turnout and are now intensely focused on keeping this standard and maintaining it.

Art In Melville 🖼 

So many galleries, so little time to see them all! Art in Melville is well and truly alive.

AA Gallerie

A new Gallery opened at Joburg Artist Market at the end of last year called AA Gallerie and it has been buzzing with activity, openings and events like nobody's business this year!

They're preparing for a massive opening on the 16th of June that we'll keep you informed about and are currently running an open call for artists. Check them out, AA Gallerie is based on the top floor of Joburg Artist Market (27 Boxes).

Artists are encouraged to reach out.

They'll also be hosting a paper making and book binding workshop on Wednesday the 31st from 12 noon. Tickets are R200.

Contact Abby - 071 854 7853 or Zee - 067 842 6296 for more information.

Gordart Stokvel Gallery

The legendary Stokvel Gallery has a one weekend only exhibition coming up this weekend called Art Love You Long Time - "An exhibition of past present and experimental art works by Ryan Arenson." The show will be on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. See you there?

We covered these events in the gig guide and have added them to the Melville Pulse Calendar too. Click the link, bookmark and add your favs to your personal calendar!

Extra Sprinkles 🧁

Museum Of Broken Hearts Leaves Melville

We're sad to announce that the Museum Of Broken Hearts has moved out of our hood. The house the Museum was at on 2nd Avenue is being sold, which has forced the Museum to find a new home.

Luckily, Georgia has managed to find a new HQ a stone's throw away in Blairgowrie and is yet to announce a date for the relaunch. We'll keep tabs on it and let you know.

Thank you! 🙏

If you made it this far, thank you, thank you, thank you!

If this read has just made your week, consider buying us a coffee.

You can also support by partnering with us and sponsoring the Melville Untold newsletter, reply to this mail if you’re interested, or if you just want to show us some love.

Till next Tuesday Melville,

Stay festive, stay friendly and stay fiery.

Ka kite ✌️