Zouk Nightclub. Zouk opened in March 1991 in three converted godowns built in 1919 on the banks of the Singapore River. The name ‘Zouk’ is derived from a French Caribbean term for ‘party’.

This 2,000- capacity nightclub comprises four distinct spaces: Zouk, Phuture, Velvet Underground and the Wine Bar. Zouk is where the main dance floor is located, and is the central part of the club; Phuture, which was opened in 1996, has a long bar, and has windows overlooking the main dance floor; Velvet Underground was launched in 1994, caters to young executives, and has its own sound system; the Wine Bar provides both indoor and outdoor seating.

In 2000, the club started hosting ZoukOut— an outdoor dance party featuring international disc- jockeys. This annual event has been held at Sentosa most years. The 2005 ZoukOut event was attended by about 18,000 people.

In 2004, Zouk opened an outlet in Kuala Lumpur— Zouk KL. And in October 2005, the original nightclub in Singapore underwent major refurbishment costing $7 million. A new sound system was installed, the club’s interior was expanded, bar tops were overhauled and the building’s facade was transformed with the installation of modular, curved concrete shapes.

Photo credit: Zouk