Zambian born, London educated and Paris trained, now Sydney based, jazz-soul singer Major Zulu recently released her new EP, 'The DIY Project Called Life'.
The EP tracks Major Zulu journey of self-discovery as she travelled the world finding adventures until she found herself (and her voice) in Paris, playing the late night Parisian venues with a rich history of jazz."'The DIY Project Called Life' is about being my own personal saviour and living life on my own terms," Major Zulu says.
Major Zulu and her band will launch 'The DIY Project Called Life' (as well as performing other material) at Foundry616 in Sydney on Saturday (9 July).
Here, Major Zulu shares a few of her favourite places to hang with friends while enjoying an adult beverage or two.
"There is no better way to understand a country's people and culture than to hangout in the cool spots frequented by the locals."
Aux Trois Mailletz (Paris)
Forget all the touristic places like Moulin Rouge. If you want a good time and get to know the real locals, go to the cabaret club Aux Trois Mailletz, in the Latin Quarter of Paris.This club where Nina Simone relaunched her career, is so traditionally French and rustic that they still serve wine in jars and everyone sits around the same table. Be prepared to dance on the tables after midnight!
Troy Bar (London)
Situated in artsy and trendy Hoxton, this is London's best kept secret. Troy Bar is a hip yet unpretentious bar with the most amazing open mic nights on Tuesdays. The singers and musicians are all uber talented.Prince used to be known to sneak into the place and have a jam with the house band while on tour in the UK. They serve Caribbean food and I must say, I've had the best jerk chicken here.
Kreuzberg (Berlin)
I love Kreuzberg, a multicultural area known as the alternative and bohemian heart of the capital city of Germany.There is this little grungy bar called Franken Bar on Oranienstrasse Street. It's like an old faithful friend. There is a strong sense of community and you never feel alone in Berlin when you drink here.
O'Hagan's in Lusaka (Zambia)
There is nothing like an African sunset. Imagine an open, rustic Irish style bar underneath it. This place is a vibe. It's got it all: happy people, tasty pub grab, live music and a good Mosi (local beer).O'Hagan's have branded themselves as a place where good friends meet and have a good time. I agree with that, it’s really hard to leave.
Sydney
I'm still discovering Sydney's cool spots. The lockdowns may have had something to do with it, but I kept my hang outs local for a while and discovered the independently and locally owned One Drop Brewery in Botany.It's a reggae themed bar with a taproom and a beer garden. The vibe is good and the music is always on point. I'm not a big beer drinker but they got me started on the mango craft beer.
