AND Club: Inside One of Joburg’s Underground Electronic Music Institutions

Johannesburg has no shortage of places to go out, but finding a club where the music genuinely takes centre stage is a different story. In Newtown, on Gwigwi Mrwebi Street, AND Club has carved out its place in the city’s underground electronic music scene.

With a stripped-back interior, a focus on sound quality and a dancefloor that puts the music ahead of the usual nightclub distractions, AND Club offers a different kind of night out. It’s a space for people who appreciate electronic music, whether that’s discovering local DJs, catching international artists or losing a few hours on the dancefloor.

There’s more to the club than its physical space, though. Its history, music programming and connection to Johannesburg’s underground scene have helped shape what it is today. Here’s what you should know before visiting AND Club.

AND Club and TOYTOY: Understanding the Connection

AND Club is the physical venue in Newtown. TOYTOY is the established underground electronic music night that calls it home. The relationship between the two is a big part of the story behind the club.

TOYTOY began in 2008, initially as a monthly club night. Over time, it developed into one of Johannesburg’s recognised underground dance music nights, building an audience around its uncompromising music policy and commitment to exposing local clubbers to a wider selection of electronic music.

The night eventually found a permanent home at AND Club, becoming a regular fixture in the venue’s calendar. Its focus on techno, quality sound and a carefully considered selection of local and international artists helped establish the identity that many people now associate with the club.

TOYTOY is therefore more than just another event on the calendar. It is an important part of AND Club’s history and ongoing musical identity.

If you’re researching AND Club because you’ve heard about TOYTOY, this is the distinction to remember: you visit AND Club, and you experience TOYTOY when attending its club night.

Finding AND Club in Newtown

AND Club is located at 39 Gwigwi Mrwebi Street in Newtown, Johannesburg.

Newtown has a distinct character compared with the city’s more conventional nightlife areas. It is an inner-city cultural precinct with a history tied to Johannesburg’s arts, music and creative communities. AND Club fits into that setting with a venue that feels more focused on the music than on creating a polished, mainstream nightclub atmosphere.

The entrance is relatively understated, so don’t expect a large street-facing club frontage. It is worth checking the venue details and event information before heading out, particularly if this is your first visit.

Because of its inner-city location, it’s also sensible to plan your transport before the night begins. Know how you’re getting there and how you’re getting home, rather than leaving those decisions until the early hours.

The Sound of AND Club: Where Johannesburg’s Underground Comes to Life

Music is central to the AND Club experience. The venue is associated with underground electronic music, with techno and house featuring prominently across its programming.

The TOYTOY connection is particularly important here. The night has built its identity around a strong music policy, bringing together established local residents, emerging South African artists and international guests.

Rather than sticking to one narrow sound, the wider programming at AND Club can also make room for other electronic styles, depending on the promoter and event. House, drum and bass and other underground sounds have featured at the venue.

For anyone interested in the South African electronic music scene, the combination of local talent and international bookings is part of what makes the club worth keeping an eye on.

The best approach is to check the lineup before attending. Different nights can offer different sounds, and knowing who’s playing will give you a better idea of what to expect.

The Sound System: Built Around the Music

A club can have the right DJs, the right crowd and an interesting space, but if the sound doesn’t deliver, the experience can fall flat.

AND Club has developed a reputation for taking its sound seriously. Its association with Void Acoustics is part of that identity, with the club’s sound setup designed to give electronic music the presence and clarity it needs on a dancefloor.

The focus on sound is also part of the wider TOYTOY story. The night has long placed importance on sound quality and production, treating it as a central part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

The venue’s sound system has been discussed in South African music coverage, including reporting on the earlier Void Acoustics Air Motion installation associated with the club’s history. That system was described at the time as the first of its kind in South Africa.

For electronic music fans, this attention to sound matters. A good system allows you to experience the detail, atmosphere and physical impact of the music without needing unnecessary distractions.

A Different Kind of Clubbing: The No Phone Policy

One of the most recognisable parts of the AND Club experience is its no-phone approach.

The venue has a strict policy around photography and video, with phones and recording discouraged or prohibited on the dancefloor and in designated areas. The intention is straightforward: keep the focus on the music and the people sharing the space.

It is a refreshing change from the usual nightclub environment, where much of the night can end up being experienced through a phone screen.

At AND Club, the idea is to be present. Watch the DJ, listen to the music, enjoy the atmosphere and spend time with the people around you.

If you’re used to recording every set or taking photos throughout the night, it’s worth knowing about this policy before you arrive. Check the specific event information for the current rules and follow the venue’s instructions.

The Space and Atmosphere

AND Club keeps things relatively stripped back. Rather than relying on elaborate décor or a conventional VIP-led nightclub setup, the focus is on the dancefloor, the music and the people in the room.

The venue also has an outdoor garden area, giving people somewhere to step away from the main dancefloor for a breather and a change of pace.

The overall experience is more underground club night than mainstream nightlife. You are there to dance, discover music and spend time in a space where the DJ and sound system are central to the night.

The crowd can vary depending on the event and lineup, but the venue’s reputation is closely tied to people who are interested in electronic music and the culture around it.

What to Know Before You Go

If you’re planning your first visit to AND Club, a little preparation will make the night easier.

• Check the event lineup: AND Club hosts different events and promoters, so the music and atmosphere can vary from one night to another.
• Bring valid identification: Event listings have specified an 18+ entry requirement. Check the details for the event you’re attending and bring an accepted original ID.
• Wear closed shoes: Closed-toe shoes have been listed as a requirement for entry at TOYTOY events. Check the event information before leaving home.
• Respect the phone policy: Photography and video are restricted. Be prepared to enjoy the night without recording it.
• Plan your transport: Newtown is an inner-city location, so arrange a reliable way to get to and from the venue.
• Look after yourself and your friends: Keep an eye on your belongings, stay aware of your surroundings and make responsible decisions around alcohol and transport.

Frequently Asked Questions