last week when we spoke with founder of The Antidote(Shanghai) Michael Ohlsson, we could tell that he was very enthusiastic, excited even, to be bringing Shanghai (via. Guizhou singer/MC ChaCha), and The Antidote party to Wuhan and for the first time, Chongqing.  Now that my first Antidote experience is over and done with, I understand why.

Local producer/DJs X76 and Red Apple, started the night off, warming one of the largest crowds Nuts Club has seen in its current incarnation.  Antidote's DJ Ozone took to the decks at about the same time most of the crowd usually leaves a show at Nuts, and was limited to an extremely short, but good eclectic set of the type of tunes lacking in Chongqing's nightlife/party scene.  Feeling Ozone's grooves I was a bit let down when his set was finished, but this disappointment was shortly overtaken by extreme joy once headliner Cha Cha took the stage backed by DJ Drunk Munk. 

Their largely reggae inspired set,with doses of hip-hop and dub-step had the crowd dancing and smiling from front to back well into the night.   Cha Cha's skills as an MC, and voice as a songstress were captivating ,and before the first song was over, it was evident why, according Ohlsson, 
"She's been recording in the studio with -- no exaggeration -- some of the world's top producers of reggae, dub, dubstep -- absolute legends.  her releases are getting excellent   critical reviews in UK, Europe, etc., so this is quite special to have her come to Chongqing..". 

Special indeed.  As a newcomer to the live house setting Cha Cha had the poise and confidence of a seasoned vet., putting on a memorable performance.

 The night rolled on as Cha Cha left the stage for DJ and owner of Shanghai night club staple Shelter Gaz Williams, aka Drunk Munk to continue the irie vibe.  Unfortunately, as is typical at Nuts,  the crowd began to thin out as soon as he was just getting going, missing out on what of China's best imported DJs.

Though Chongqing has a while before it can catch up to the scene's in Beijing and Shanghai, it is definitely on its way there as  westablished brands such as The Antidote and Split Works* making their way to Chongqing with increased frequency, can only bode well for the Chongqing scene.  And with the success of the past weekends Antidote, we can only expect better the next time around when they bring Reptile and Retard to Nuts, May 8.

-sidewalkspew

*Split Works made their Chongqing debut last winter with Hollerado, and return tomorrow, Tuesday the 16th with Dead Elvis.

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