Around The World in 80 Raves: Early Friday, Cape Town

Around The World in 80 Raves takes you into the basements, warehouses, and back rooms where the magic happens—from Caracas to Calgary and back. Photos courtesy of Early Friday.

NAME: Early Friday
CITY: Cape Town, South Africa
RESIDENTS: There are no resident DJs. They book different local DJs for every event. Previous guests include Barefoot, Darnyill, Puppy Club, JUNGLE FEVER, and Crazy White Bitches. 
RECENT HEADLINERS: Anyone and everyone—Early Friday keeps it local and in the family for now.
VIBE: Cute college students playing hooky drunk on tequila.
VENUE: The Waiting Room
COST: Free
WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN: Every Friday, 4-8PM

WHATS THE DEAL THO:
In the heart of Capetown's party central, Long Street, The Waiting Room hosts Early Friday, an evening party thrown by students at nearby Michaelis School of Fine Arts to fund their graduation show and catalogue. Reaffirming the "not so starving artist" stereotypes and making some of their own, patrons are encouraged to come kick back in style, sipping beer and tequila after work or university. "We've learned people love hip-hop. And disco clears the dancefloor. Go figure," says Cape Town party princess and host Jana Babez.

Each week a bottle of tequila is given to an artist or collective to decorate as they please. When partygoers are at their most vulnerable and drunk, raffle tickets are sold, and the lucky winner gets a bottle of tequila—a #rare work of art that also contributes to the students' fund.

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT:
"We have a regular old guy called Max who comes to every Early Friday. He has literally been coming for years and years. He has a huge Gandalf-style white beard and always awkwardly sits in the corner and watches girls gyrate. If you're not careful he'll totally trap you in a conversation about his dog. Sigh. He's like that awkward uncle you can't kick out of the Christmas party because he's family."

Every week the party is themed—sometimes themes relate to current events or specific dates or holidays. Themes can range from traditional and campy to downright scandalous and offensive. Some of this year's most fun themes have been Las Vegas, Ballin' and Cultural Misappropriation. A team of art students is in charge of the decorations, often finding DIY solutions, but often opting for the traditional balloons and streamers route. They take what they can get. Early Friday adds to the vibe by commissioning VJs and video art that matches the theme.

Keep in touch with Early Friday on Facebook.

Lina likes popsicles and walruses. Follow her - @linalovesit