QTIPOC night Jungle Kitty founder talks their upcoming Halloween Ball
For those who don’t know, tell us about Jungle Kitty – what’s the vibe?
Jungle Kitty is a fun, colourful & upbeat Afrobeats, Dancehall & Reggaeton party aimed at the QTIPOC community, and our Allies. A safe space for Queer Black & Brown Kitties to be their authentic selves and be able to express themselves freely, however they please without judgement or needing to water our culture down, but most importantly to music that we’ve grown up to at home with our families; which normally only get the smaller “room 2” (if that) at more mainstream Queer events.
How did it get started?
It actually started last year as a one off “end of summer” day party, at The Deviant & Dandy in Hackney Central! Hardly anyone actually came to it as it was one of the hottest days of the year and everyone just did other things, but the few people who did come encouraged me to make it more of a regular club night, but in a more nightclub venue. I knew it had the potential to be something amazing, so I contacted Dalston Superstore as I noticed there weren’t many events there or in East London that were aimed at QTIPOC that are run by Black Queer Promotors. I was quite pleased with how they responded to it and it officially launched there in March this year.
The name itself came to me after Bebe Zehara from RuPaul’s Drag Race released a single “Jungle Kitty”. The name really resonated with me and I just started having all these visions of “Jungle Kitty” and what she would look like and be. The rest is history.
What would you like people to take away from it?
I want everyone to leave having lived their best lives, to music that isn’t necessarily the obvious Pop, House or Commercial R&B. There are so many other genres out there that the Queer Community, especially the QPOC community miss out on because nobody really wants to put world music of Black Origin at the forefront. So expect to hear music mainly from the African, West Indian & Latino community. You’ll get a taste of everything from Afrobeats & Afroswing, to Dancehall & Bashment, Reggaeton, Kuduro, Baille Funk, Uk Funky & Garage, but also Hip Hop, R&B and lil bit of House. All mainly played by DJs who are from these communities, which I think is important.
Who’d be your dream Jungle Kitty booking?
My dream Jungle Kitty booking would have to be the Queen of Dancehall herself “SPICE OFFICIAL”, we play her songs religiously and know she would turn the party upside down and have us all brucking out on our head tops.
What are your plans for this next party?
So our next party is our fancy dress Halloween Special “The Monster Ball”. We’ve got a fantastic line up of some of Jungle Kitty’s favourite DJs including Jordss, Mi Tryb, 7oel, Conrad Kira, Not Just Jade and Attitude Magazine’s Nick Byam. It’ll be hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race “Brit Crew” member Ashraf Ejjbair, who will be serving up his finest gogo boy moves alongside the devilishly handsome Flash McLightning. There will be a few special performances plus competitions and give always through the night; for those who dare to dress up… JUNGLE KITTY STYLE.
And finally, what are your goals for 2020?
2020 is looking exciting already, there are a whole new batch of DJs that I’ll be introducing to the regular line ups. We are already the officials VIP hosts moving forward for Urban World at Scala, which is great family collective to join. “Jungle Kitty Radio” will also be launching on Keakie.com, plus we’ll be at Birmingham Pride. There are so many other exciting things I cannot reveal just yet, but hold tight and keep your eyes peeled for JK2020. She’ll definitely be back starting with our first party of the year at Dalston Superstore on Friday January 3rd 2020.
Jungle Kitty: The Monster Ball is on Friday 1st November at Dalston Superstore, 117 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB. 9pm – 4am. £8 all night or £5 before midnight if you’re in fancy dress. Follow Jungle Kitty at @junglekittyclub on Instagram & Facebook for all the latest.
