Raman to celebrate in style

LEKOPANYE MOOKETSI
Correspondent | Thursday July 24, 2008 00:00

 

Raman runs four nightclubs - Satchmo's Jazz Cafe, Grand West, Ozone and The Shebeen. Raman, who is originally from South Africa, has spent almost half of his life in this country running 'showbiz'. He is one of the rare breeds that have survived in this dog-eat-dog industry.

He started running show business in the early '80s when he opened Nightshift in Broadhurst. Nightshift became one of the most popular nightclubs in the city. The nightclub used to boast an upstairs and downstairs dance halls. 

In the early '90s, Raman opened another nightclub at Maruapula shopping complex, which was known as Sinatras. At all his nightclubs, Raman, who is also a chef, has always offered eateries. 

In 1995, he opened Dukes restaurant at the African Mall where you could listen to jazz and indulge in some intellectual chats with friends. Raman was running Sinatras, Dukes and Nightshift simultaneously.

Running a number of nightclubs must have overwhelmed Raman as all his three businesses collapsed. The Nightshift was taken over by new management. Raman disappeared from the scene for quite sometime while he put his act together.

He reappeared at the African Mall where he was running the Shebeen. The Shebeen started on a good note, offering jazz, especially the township beat. And all of a sudden it became the talk of the town. 

But as the Shebeen became more popular it was also attracting the anti-social mob, especially after opening the upstairs section. The upstairs, which played disco, was attracting the youth. At times people from the upstairs section would wander downstairs to ignite a mini civil war. As times went on, the Shebeen became a security nightmare.

Criminals from neighbouring townships, used to waylay patrons outside the club. They also used to break into customers' cars. Raman later closed the joint.

This time he decided to relocate to Gaborone West where he opened another nightclub called Grand West. The Grand West has now become the flagship of Raman's empire. The club operates for seven days and every night there is a party. Even on Monday night, you might feel that it is a weekday at the club as the patrons are always having a good time. 

Raman also opened the jazz joint, Satchmo's, adjacent to Grand West. Satchmo's has been a hit with jazz lovers. It has indeed, become the Mecca of local jazz. The club has hosted a number of jazz artists, including South African musicians like Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse. 

Satchmo's has turned into a home for local acts like Lister Boleseng, Ndingo Johwa, Banjo Mosele, Shanti-Lo and Punah Gabasiane. The list is endless. Recently, the club also introduced folk and traditional music to its list of entertainment. 

Raman expanded his empire as he established Club Havanna at the Maruapula shopping complex, Gaborone. This was at the same spot where he used to run Sinatras. But this time he also spent a fortune to refurbish the building, which has not been occupied for sometime. The idea of opening Club Havanna was to offer Latino music and later night eatery. But since patrons were not used to this type of music, business was slow. Raman has now re-named the club as The Shebeen, which has been hosting local artistes like Clement Jackson.

In 2006, he came up with Ozone, which is located on the banks of a river bordering Tlokweng and Gaborone. The Ozone is catering for the younger clients. Just like with other clubs, it has also featured both local and South African artists like Mafikizolo. Last year there was also a festival, which featured jazz artists. 

The club also organised beach volleyball tournament, which is expected to develop into an annual event. 

A hands-on entrepreneur, Raman is always availing himself at his establishments to give a helping hand. You could see him replacing an electric bulb or helping in the kitchen.  Raman also interacts with his customers and even shares drinks with them. Many of them have become his personal friends. Some regulars take advantage of his presence to 'squeeze a free drink' from him.
At all the nightclubs that he is running, the emphasis has always been on security.