Manga: The Final Chapter

Some clubs struggle to make it past their first night, so when you hear of a club approaching it's 12th year you know that this really must be a force to be reckoned with. Manga's 12th birthday looms and a buzz always goes around the Scottish scene at this time of year to see what the promoters will pull out of the bag. But forget about that for a second; the news is not all good. While a celebration will be had, and while turning 12-years-old is mere adolescence in human terms, the people behind Manga have decided to put the club into a gracious and well-earned retirement.

Manga stands out in the Scottish scene as the ultimate pioneer and catalyst of Scottish drum'n'bass. We're talking here of a 12-year-old club in a world scene that spans no longer than a few years more than that. The club's founder members, DJ G*Mac and visual artist Dr Strangelove, were later joined by DJ Kid, The General and MCs Feelman, Sonny and AJ, amongst many others who have come and gone, and have together worked furiously through the trials and tribulations of club promotion. While initially crowd numbers at their fortnightly gigs dwindled, a change to monthly events and a push on promotion saw the club become a fundamental fixture in the UK's new underground clubbing movement. This status was underlined when Radio 1's One in the Jungle event broadcast live from the night in October 1997. Additionally, the club's affiliation with Manga films allowed it to present exclusive pre-club showings of the latest features from the film company, a bespoke idea that today's clubs should really be looking to emulate. From this point the club's reputation escalated and bookings included the influential live act Reprazent through to the USA's Dieselboy; making it a firm building block in the global drum'n'bass scene. Its end will mark the loss of a true player in the genre.

So what now for the people who put the club together? Well, The General and MC Feelman will never be too far away from the scene and will be showing their faces and skills as guests at various nights throughout Scotland. DJ Kid continues to head up his own imprint Restless Natives Records and DJs throughout the south of England as well as the occasional Scottish show. And G*Mac, as well as DJing at and promoting the clubnight Bass Syndicate, has recently played at Fabric in London and can be seen lurking behind the counter at Edinburgh's premier independent store Underground Solu'shn.

Hang on though, we've still got one last Manga to go, and you would expect nothing less from the club but to go out in style. Commix and DJ DIE are set to close the final chapter on 19 January with a mighty bang. The production duo Commix have recently released their album Call to Mind to critical acclaim, an album which presents deep soul-led drum'n'bass with elements of house and techno. Commix are tipped for great things and this chance to catch them as relative newbies is a chance not to be missed. DJ DIE on the other hand made his Scottish debut at Manga many moons ago and remains one of d'n'b's worldwide authorities. He started his career alongside Roni Size and together they formed the massive Full Cycle Recordings. Releasing numerous tracks and albums under various pseudonyms there is no doubt that DJ DIE is set to take the roof off the Liquid Room in an event to end all events. Resident DJs G*Mac, DJ Kid and The General will be joined by MCs Feelman and AJ along with VJs Topsoil Projects and A-DAN. So, if you have never been to Manga, this really is your last chance, and the advice is to get in early because the tickets are sure to be in high demand. Farewell Manga.