Legendary London nightclub Madame Jojo’s shut down forever

Madame Jojo’s, one of London’s long-established iconic music and entertainment venues, has been forced to close for good.

Located in Soho, central London, Madame Jojo’s was famous (or possibly infamous) for the risqué entertainment hosted there as part of the seedier side of the district, which has been known for its pornography shops since the 1950s.

However, Madame Jojo’s also booked some of today’s chart-topping acts, ranging from Lorde, The xx, The Horrors to Anna Calvi and Adele, during the early stages of their careers.

What fascinated people was the way the venue’s operators accommodated performers destined to be mainstream rock and pop acts with the burlesque, strip and alternative-cabaret shows that took place over the decades.

Madame Jojo's closure was triggered by losing its licence, which was reportedly revoked by the local authority Westminster Council following a violent incident outside the club on 24 October.

That move has shocked the venue’s cult followers and admirers who have associated the site with the wilder side of Soho’s history. They allege the closure is actually part of the council’s strategy to “gentrify” the whole of Soho.

The popular White Heat club night at Madame Jojo’s on Tuesdays, where the latest in techno, electronic, alternative and indie music is played, has had to change venues and reschedule for this week’s show.

[Juliana Koranteng]