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Raymond Jaravaza
One would need to build a team of the most competent and popular people, like a supermodel and a good looking male bartender with a hundred friends a�� thata��s a social network to run a pub.
That has been the formula for the past 18 years for CafA� Baku a�� a modest bar in the heart of Bulawayo.
It stood the test during turbulent economic conditions to become a mainstay in present day Bulawayoa��s nightlife.
a�?We specialise in a�?who knows whoa�� for our core revellers but obviously we get what we call walk-ins, that is people who dona��t necessarily make Cafe Baku their home,a�? said Shadreck Mukaha, the puba��s manager.
The bar launched in 1998 when Bulawayoa��s flagship shopping mall in the central business district, Bulawayo Centre, opened for business.
In no time it became a a�?go toa�? place for young professionals and college students.
a�?That is still our target market up to now. We realised that we had a good thing going so we introduced a set for the most popular DJs in town to exhibit their skills and young people with disposable income love that,a�? added Mukaha.
Survival in the pub and nightclub industry is tough. Every spot fights for territory, like in a snake pit where ita��s do or die.
The evolution of CafA� Baku can be traced to the turn of the century when the establishment introduced poetry and hip hop sessions.
Local upcoming talent that somewhat became part of the urban grooves movement was nurtured there.
Since it is not a nightclub, hence closing its doors at 10pm, it is the mainstream feeder to nightclubs. When Cafe Baku closes shop- nightclubs scramble for its revellers.
derick.khumalo