Since 1995, Funkademia has been packing them in. This is no mean feat.
The venerable club night has survived recessions, downturns and a pandemic, not to mention the club scene wasteland that is the summer nearly 30 times over. As many a Manchester promoter will likely attest, that last one might almost be the most impressive.
They’ve set up shop at venues from the Boardwalk (RIP) to Mint Lounge, but from this month – 21 September – their new home will be the iconic Deaf Institute.
Founded by DJ David Payne all those years ago, it’s known for its encompassing music policy, taking in all ears of soul, hip hop, funk, disco and R&B. All the good stuff, basically, with more than a liberal scattering of party bangers.
Speaking of which, we asked the Funkademia crew to choose their top 10 bangers – the ones that have made the club what it is today – and ask them why they’re so special…
Diana Ross – Upside Down
Diana Ross is Disco! She features on so many of our favourite soul and disco tunes. Upside Down is timeless and if you want to lift the energy on the dancefloor, this will do the job.
Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough
Jacko had to be in our top ten, it was just hard to pick which tune. We sometimes also play a 1992 remix by Roger Sanchez that doesn’t get enough love in our opinion.
Chic – Good Times
A true disco classic! Nothing else to say. ‘These are the good times. Leave your cares behind’.
Wild Cherry – Play That Funky Music
Another classic Funkademia tune. Played from the very start of Funkademia at the Boardwalk and in every venue that we’ve ever been at since.
Donna Summer – I Feel Love
High energy disco that is perfect for that 1am moment when the lights are low and the smoke machine is on high. There is a remix with Moloko’s Sing it Back over the top, which is also a winner!
Dr Dre – Next Episode
A Mint Lounge classic that is usually played around midnight as the venue is filling up. You will literally see people running down the stairs and straight onto the dancefloor for this tune.
Earth Wind & Fire – September
Not a tune that will feature in every DJs top ten picks for Funkademia, but the Funkademia crowd loves a track that they can sing along to, and this works every time.
James Brown – Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag
A tune that is usually played at either the beginning or the end of the night and is often requested to be played again and again! So many James Brow tunes to pick from and every DJ has their own favourite.
Stevie Wonder – Sir Duke
It’s hard to pick just one Stevie Wonder tune for a top 10 as we play so many Stevie Wonder tunes! Superstition, Signed Sealed, Delivered and Living For The City are also big hits for Funkademia.
Arrested Development – Everyday People
A classic from the One Central Street days! The original version by Sly & The Family Stone was always a cool warm up tune, but this version works at any time in the night.
Funkademia returns at The Deaf Instititute, 135 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1 7HE, on 21 September.
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