Voom Voom, We're Outside

It's 2023, and we’ve been steadily sneaking our way out of a pandemic that slowed down the movement of things, the resurgence of safe mobility around the globe has meant that we’re back to being allowed to tap into some of our favorite recreational activities. This July, The Telegraph Travel Awards gave Cape Town their Best City in The World ranking, this general appeal even abroad, allows us to average about 200 million dollars monthly in tourism revenue (CEIC Data).

An open eye to our internal socio-economic and political ails should have you think we have bigger issues to deal with, and that we do! Beneath the glitz and glam that brings in a great deal of our tourism there also exists the internal investment into the creative and recreational culture. On the ground and often in the pockets of our metros are the creative spaces keeping us entertained, informed, and for the most part moving, despite the complexity we live within.

And like most good things in the city of Cape Town, access is everything. The arts and creative space play a pivotal part in our social lives, helping us process the ideas and feelings of the time and that’s just a gift we should all enjoy.

In Observatory, Cape Town, France-born musician, and entrepreneur Fred Jacquier or Fred Spider runs a welcoming and quaint record store called Voom Voom Records. Frank has managed to collect a great deal of records since the early 1980s as a DJ in Lyon. His success as a music producer and collector meant a record store would be a good business decision to pursue when he moved to South Africa in 2008.

Sonically, Frank might hold a leaning toward soul, jazz, funk, and electronic music but any visit to Voom Voom Records will prove that the sound range is expansive. The street that Voom Voom Records is found on accommodates an urban culture that appreciates an alternative creative taste. Thrift stores, which Frank owns two himself, are a big pull to “Obs” for vintage fashion lovers and creatives alike. Nearby thrift stores, like Voom Voom, are known to host live music shows for upcoming musicians as well as rent out space for upcoming clothing designers to showcase their merch. Music and fashion are a big part of any culture's creative expression and we play a big part as participants in supporting the culture.

With the regained privilege to move and be outside again, it is only fair we go out and engage with some of the creative content curated for our engagement. If your favorite jazz band or artist is in town sometime, make the effort and move, go out, and support, it only furthers the industry.