PEOPLE OF ZOUK @peopleofzouk - Tumblr Blog

‘’Feeling inspired by this magical moment, I eventually decided to embark my career as a DJ.’’

I first came to Zouk as a clubber when I was 18 and Andrew Chow was spinning at Zouk main room. At the time I was also beginning to learn to DJ. I was extremely intrigued, almost in awe! The music was so loud & clear. The energy it brought the crowd was immense! In return, the crowd partied & danced hard. Feeling inspired by this magical moment, I eventually decided to embark my career as a DJ. Fast forward to 2015, I started to get ad hoc DJ gigs at Zouk & finally in 2016, I was appointed as a Zouk resident DJ. The best feeling ever was to have a completion to my journey - from the place that inspired me to pursue my passion to now, working and contributing to it. The collage photo above was me DJ-ing 7 years ago when I just started; and in 2015 when I got my first Zouk gig.

This brown-ish photo shows me finally feeling in one with my element in year 2016.

LeNERD Resident DJ

#ZoukDJs

“ This was where I found true love….a dream job, a beautiful wife, lifelong friends and unadulterated aural pleasure. “

I was drawn to music ever since I was young. In 1991, I was super stoked about the opening of a new club pushing forward thinking dance music called House music. No local clubs played that sort of music at that time. This new revolutionary club was Zouk.

Back in the days, there was nothing like Zouk. I was immediately hooked from the get go. This was where I expanded my mind. I was busting my sweaty moves on the podium every exhilarating weekend to the futuristic beats of top international or local resident DJs. I was already buying dance records at that time so it was a natural progression for me to pick up DJ-ing. Using money I saved up, I got myself a cheap pair of second-hand turntables and mixer. There was no YouTube and places to learn how to DJ so, it was all pretty much self-taught.

In 1996, I graduated from my studies and was offered an opportunity to join Zouk as a resident DJ. Just before this, I recommended a talented SIA air-steward/ part-time mobile disco DJ to join the club, he is Aldrin. Although I accepted the offer, my residency in Zouk did not last long. I thought Zouk might be like the many clubs that come and go. Furthermore, I also have a Honours degree and disappointed parents to deal with so, I left the club for a day job and became a typical Singaporean. In late 2007, Aldrin called and asked if I was still interested to join Zouk. The rest was history. Started from the podium, now I am in the DJ booth. You can say that my entire adult life practically revolved around Jiak Kim Street. This was where I found true love….a dream job, a beautiful wife, lifelong friends and unadulterated aural pleasure. Respects to the founder, Lincoln Cheng - for creating Zouk and thus, giving me a life.

Hong Resident DJ

#peopleofzouk #zoukdjs

Dear Zouk,

I am in love with you. For that, I regularly question my judgement. Aren’t you just a business? And aren’t businesses meant to just generate profit? How did I, a living, breathing, human entity, end up falling in love with an abandoned warehouse? You lured me in with the promise of fun. I was 18 and you were beautiful. I was immediately hooked. Perhaps it was just a case of young love. Misguided infatuation. As I approach the 26th year of my existence, I now know for sure that, no, it was definitely not. As I got to know you, I realized that behind this polished exterior, lies a beautiful soul. Isn’t it strange how a business can have a soul? Most businesses are devoid of soul, devoid of love. But you did. You did because of your people, because of your tribe. You reflected and embodied the people who have contributed to your legacy. They were beautiful, and thus, so were you. They cared, and thus, so did you. They loved, and thus, we loved too. You were a club, but now you are an institution. You were a business, but now you are family. You were an abandoned warehouse, but now you are home. Here’s to 25 years of you, to a quarter century of memories, and to the bonds that will last a lifetime. One World, One Music, One Tribe, One Dance.

Lincey Resident DJ

#peopleofzouk #zoukdjs

“My journey in Zouk is something which cannot be bought or experienced elsewhere.”

It was an unintended journey that started in 1997 when I met the “culprit” who changed my life, Arun Low. That was the year I stepped into Zouk as a part-time service crew.

ONE TRIBE - RESIDENCES OF ZOUK The surroundings of Zouk were completely different - no Grand Corpthorne Waterfront hotel, no condominiums, no jogging tracks, no street lights, no fences, etc. Stray dogs roamed around our makeshift staff area and mud roads surrounded the complex. On rainy days, the river would flood and we would be place sandbags at the entrances to prevent water from flowing into the club. Despite that, the entrances of Zouk were always filled with long lines.

Guests who came early would hang out at the MTV bar for pool or darts; and at would proceed to Zouk around 11pm. Phuture was not created yet but there were the Zouk boutique and Deli Cafe. There were also no advance Point of Sale systems thus, all guest checks had to be handwritten and money was collected using a printed cash register.

ONE WORLD - FRIENDS OF THE CLUB Till this day, the staff are proud to be associated with Zouk and many are curious/ envious of the people that work at Zouk. Back then, The Zouk Privilege Card was always the talk of the town and many wanted get their hands on it.

On event nights, all guests would be dressed to the nines to gain entry into the club. Zouk’s founder, Lincoln Cheng, would be hanging out at his favourite spot which we named as “The Lincoln Area”.

ONE MUSIC - THE ONE PERSON WHO CONNECTS EVERYONE

My first encounter with Lincoln was pretty silly. It happened when I was cutting across the dance floor to head out for my break. Lincoln signalled me to his table and asked for a bubblegum. Being a newbie, I panicked. I nodded and ran back to my bar to get help from my captain.

Me: Die! I think Boss saw me eating chewing gum, and is asking for bubblegum. How?

Captain: Then you give him one bubblegum lah!

Me: But I don’t have bubblegum. I only have chewing gum.

Captain: Jia Lat, no choice. Go tell him that you only have chewing gum. I’ll check with the other staff if they have bubblegum?

My heart was pounding so hard when I went back to his table. I thought to myself that I would be fired for sure. I took out one piece of chewing gum and apologized. I explained that I did not have any bubblegum but only chewing gum. However, he replied with a smile that he was actually referring to the drink named Bubblegum!

Lincoln, Adeline and our then GM, Esther, were like fatherly and motherly figures to many of us - reaching out to all and keeping everyone united.

ONE DANCE

Through my years in Zouk, I have watched many people get older. Parents who used to party at Zouk have brought their children here as they claimed that it feels safer partying at Zouk. Many whom I have met at Zouk eventually became my close friends.

I am certain there are many others who like me, have fond memories at Jiak Kim Street. Given the chance again, I will definitely still make the same decision as I have done back in 1997. My journey in Zouk is something which cannot be bought or experienced elsewhere.

Diana Chong Outlet Assistant Manager (Velvet Lounge)

#peopleofzouk #thezoukfamily

“Singapore clubbing industry would never be the same without Lincoln & Zouk.”

My special thanks and deepest gratitude to Lincoln - Singapore’s Godfather of House music. Thank you for introducing me to House music; giving me an opportunity in 2000 that paved the way for my DJ career which I adore; nurturing and giving me opportunity to share my music internationally including playing in renowned clubs like Ministry of Sound, Green Valley, Pacha & Space Ibiza. Singapore clubbing industry would never be the same without Lincoln & Zouk.

djB aka FORMATIVE Resident DJ

#zoukfamily #zoukdjs

“Being at Zouk is like being at home...”

Zouk indicates a special kind of friendship and bond. It is more than the typical club-customer relationship as everyone at Zouk treats each other as friends - from the security team to bar and floor staff to even some of the cleaners. Being at Zouk is like being at home and that is why I do not go to other clubs. At Zouk, I feel safe as I know the guys will always have my back.

Music at Mambo resonates with me as I grew up listening to retro music. It was through dancing at Mambo Jambo that got me my Zouk and Velvet Membership and eventually my ‘Mambo King’ title. Mambo Jambo is truly one of the nights that inculcates ‘one world, one music, one tribe, one dance’.

Gerald Wee Mambo King

#peopleofzouk #zoukicons

“Zouk at Jiak Kim Street will always be like home to me.”

This is the exact spot where we met in 2011. It was a week after my 21st birthday and I remember vividly that it was a Tease Night at Phuture with DJ Ghetto.

My girlfriend and I were having a blast dancing on the dance floor. We were used to just enjoying the company of each other and we know damn well how to protect ourselves. However, that particular night, we got unlucky as we were surrounded by a group of guys. We are not interested in dancing with guys and would usually move away as soon as we see them approaching. However, no matter how hard we tried to move away, we were still surrounded by them. At that moment, a tall (and I mean 190cm tall) guy with Justin Bieber’s signature long hair, tapped my shoulder with his awfully long hands from the back. He signaled to us and asked if we were okay. I shook my head and he held out his hand for me to hold. He subsequently pulled my girlfriend & I out from that circle of wolves. It was like Prince Charming saving the damsels in distress. I know it sounds super corny but that was exactly what I felt. My girlfriend and I were both relieved and grateful to the guy with the then super famous Bieber’s hair.

We continued to dance and enjoyed the rest of the night undisturbed. When the lights came on, we went to thank the guy again and exchanged numbers. Needless to say, things developed and he proposed to me, on the exact dance floor we met in Phuture! Many presumed our relationship would not last as we met in a club plus, he is 2 years younger than I. But I guess we proved them wrong. In face, we just celebrated our 5th year as a couple together! The guy who saved my girlfriend and I 5 years ago is now my fiancé and we are still very much in love.

Zouk means a lot to us and we just HAVE TO get our pre-wedding photoshoot done at the venue where we first met before it moves out of Jiak Kim. Therefore, we went ahead with it earlier this year at Phuture, despite us only tying the knot 1 year later.

Even though I do not frequent the club as much as what I used to, Zouk at Jiak Kim Street will always be like home to me.

Goh Shi Qi

#relationshipgoalsatzouk #peopleofzouk

“Working in Zouk is an important milestone in my life as the place and people here have taught me many life lessons.”

I first joined Zouk in late September of 2010. Back then, it was a part-time job to support my expenses as I was still undergoing my tertiary education. However, it soon became a passion. Working in Zouk is an important milestone in my life as the place and people here have taught me many life lessons.

I was not known for great PR skills so my goal was to be efficient and support the rest of the team; and providing the best customer service experience. I can still remember explaining & demonstrating the procedures of drinking "Red Hot Ferrari" (flaming drinks) to my first group of customers (Shisei, Issey, Edmund, Ruth & Grace). I supposed my explanation was good as they were impressed and have eventually become our regulars.

It was a great pleasure to have worked under Mr. Lincoln Cheng & Mrs. Adeline Cheng. They have always extended their graciousness to the team and treated every staff like family which I have decided to carry forward.

My greatest memories were forged during my 3 years stint as part-timer. Since then, I have been promoted from a part-time waiter to the In-Charged of Member's to Part-Time Captain (Crew Leader) of Zouk. The bonds forged and work chemistry within the team are irreplaceable. Despite the sweat and madness in our busiest nights, it will always be filled with laughter and fun.

Regulars are always pleased to come back as the staff have became friends, making Zouk more of a second home to them. In order for this to be accomplished, it is the effort and teamwork of the Zouk Family.

I appreciate the many help I had gotten along the way. Colleagues who fought with me through the countless overwhelming nights and long hours - Exe, Hamid, Wei Ling, Wenxi, Ariel, Felicia and many more; Seniors and Superiors who moulded me - Jeremy, Benny, Max, Charles, Eric, Bryant, Dennis, Diana, Onn, Pin, Tarah; Mentors like Arun, Francis, Bryant and Dennis who constantly encourage and bring out the best in me.

I converted to become a full-time staff 3 years ago and it was a gruelling and tough journey as I had to learn and manage an outlet. It was not easy managing such a large team but I firmly believe that one should lead by example and naturally, the team will be a cohesive one. Today, I am the Assistant Outlet Manager of Zouk because of all the great people whom I worked with.

Gabriel Ling Assistant Outlet Manager (Zouk)

#peopleofzouk #thezoukfamily

“EVERYONE IS JUST BONDED BY THE ZOUK MAGIC”

Dancing as part of a performance at a private event in the club at 17.

Partying at my very first Mambo Jambo post-JC prom (which I had no idea it was the famous #MamboJambo).

Queuing up for Phuture as early as 9pm just to get the Phuture stamp when I turned 18.

Having crazy epic party nights with apple shooters, sour plum shooters and jugs after jugs of Long Island Tea.

Being part of my freshman bash at the club.

All these were but just a prelude to my love and relationship to Zouk.

During my freshman year at NUS, I knew I had to take on a part time job to sustain my standard of living for the next three years through university. I wanted to take on something that would not disrupt my hall and social life and yet would be fun at the same time. As such, I randomly decided to write-in for an interview with the best club in Singapore - Zouk, to be a door host. Fortunately, I was granted an interview and later on accepted as a Front Office Assistant (door host in short and for easy understanding, NOT bouncer) despite my long blonde hair (HAHA!).

Although most of the hosts are part-timers, it was not easy to get that position. You either had to know someone working in the club or have some connections within the Front Office Department to be offered the job. I must say I was pretty lucky as I knew no one.

First day of work opened me up to a whole new world within Zouk which was pretty ‘’WOW’’ and my third day of work was the sold-out ZoukOut 2010 which was total chaos and madness! Up till today (5.5 years later), I can still remember it vividly!

In July 2012, Sofie, who heads the Marketing Team, approached me to help her out with TGIW (the current Wednesday nights at Zouk which replaced Mambo Jambo). I subsequently ended up as a Marketing intern under her for around 8 months (yes, even during school term because I skipped lectures - oops!). Gradually, I took over the management of school sponsorships and assisted in the planning for TGIW and Members Party during my internship. I suppose I did a good job as I was offered a full-time position in Business Development upon graduation from NUS.

Here I am, 3 years into my full-time stint in Zouk, handling most of the partnerships and sponsorships for the club; of which I had no idea that my part-time job 5.5 years ago would land me in.

I feel super blessed coming to work every weekday (in the day) and looking forward to what I do for the club. The last 5.5 years has been nothing but amazing from the start of my awesome career, to having awesome colleagues that became friends and family to me, to forging new friendships and forming my crazy #ChaiArmy clique/family, to meeting some crazy clients and other wonderful business partners that became friends as well, to crazy long hours working at ZoukOut, to the awesome goosebumps sunrise moments at ZoukOut over the past 6 working years, and the list goes on and on. To be very honest (not just because I work for the club), Zouk is still the only place I would want to party at even though there are so many choices out there right now because home is indeed and truly where my heart belongs.

The Zouk Family is indeed an amazing one to be a part of. There is never a dull moment with everyone within the Zouk Family, be it my own Marketing & Business Development team, or the Admin or Operations team and even our super friendly cleaners - everyone is just bonded by the Zouk magic.

Till today, I am still very proud to be part of this awesome Zouk Family, part of this magical icon at Jiak Kim, part of this legacy, part of “One World, One Music, One Tribe, One Dance.”!

Red Seo Assistant Business Development Manager

#peopleofzouk #thezoukfamily

“WORKING AT ZOUK FEELS LIKE BEING IN A PARTY - YOU KNOW ALMOST EVERYONE”

Mention ‘Zouk’ and chances are, almost everyone would know what you are referring to. Zouk is the most long-lived club in Singapore and has been recognised as one of the leading nightlife establishments in the world.

My journey with Zouk began in 2010 when I chanced upon a job opportunity on the newspaper. No doubt I had heard of Zouk and the reputation that precedes it, I applied for the Junior Bartender position with a hopeful heart. The interview was conducted by the Supervisor then, Ms. Thai Yin Lee, who called me back a few days after to inform that I got the job. Concurrently, i was also offered a position at Shang-ri-la hotel as Captain. Even though the latter had a more attractive opening, I found myself drawn to the colourful nightlife industry of Zouk and decided to take the plunge. It has been six years and five ZoukOuts, and I never looked back, not once.

I am always thankful and proud to be associated with Zouk. Every time I mention that I work at Zouk to someone new the reactions i get are raised eyebrows with a brief pause followed by an inquisitive, “Really?!. I can almost see them visualising how a typical work day would be like.

It has certainly been a unique and rewarding experience working at one of the best clubs in the world. Working at Zouk does have its benefits! Definitely, we get to enjoy music mixes by world class DJs, and we also become friends with most of the members and regulars due to Zouk’s longevity and family-like atmosphere. Working at Zouk feels like a party where you know almost everyone. Just as every interaction with a customer is unique, there is no typical day at Zouk.

Zouk aims to provide the best ultimate party experience - no expense is spared and no detail is overlooked. During special nights like Halloween, Christmas, and Anniversaries, the entire complex is given an elaborate make-over! As a result, even the staff look forward to these crazy nights. The best working day for us is ZoukOut indefinitely. Indeed, the planning and preparation may be hard work, but on the event day, we try to have as much fun as possible and live vicariously through all the party-goers.

One of my best memories at Zouk would be meeting the four time Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler. Zouk plays host to many events and festivals that attract thousands of people, and even celebrities.

The Zouk team is made up of quirky individuals and there is never a dull moment. Even under the most intense situations, we count on one another for subsistence and motivation. I am thankful to those who have nurtured me - Francis, Suzy, Arun, Darren, and those who have worked with me, making these six years a truly memorable journey. Cheers to many more years of fun and reaching greater heights in the nightlife industry! Happy Silver Jubilee, Zouk!

Nehru Baskaran Assistant Bar Manager

#peopleofzouk #thezoukfamily