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Havana 808 had opened back in February 2014 after the closure of Cabanas, a club that had a reputation for promoting underground music.

Its opening was greeted with mixed feelings, with some unhappy that a club focused on contemporary hip hop and trap was opening in an area known for electronic music, while others welcomed the change.

The fast mixing by the DJs, coupled with the strong use of effects, horns, sirens and the microphone, was also new for most Maltese clubbers.

However, shortly after its official opening, the club began packing out on a nightly basis, becoming a success.

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It was opened with two resident DJs, Siconix and Supre.

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From left to right: Dyan Azzopardi, Knuckles, Debris, Supre, and Siconix

A number of prominent young and up and coming DJs also spent time on the decks in 808, such as Debris, Knuckles, Stef, Miggy, Daniel Testa, Ant, Daniel Veloso, and more.

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As one of the DJs myself, I knew how important it was to have a central location within one of the most popular areas for clubbing in Malta if we wanted to play songs nobody had heard before.

With the relative freedom to try and introduce new styles and genres into the general public’s listening realm, the DJs had the tough job of walking the thin line between commercial music for the masses and introducing new genres and tracks.

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It wasn’t always easy – back in 2014, no one had even heard of trap, and while it may be one of the biggest genres in music today, influencing most popular modern genres, it wasn’t always so easy trying to play trap remixes for people who just wanted to hear the latest Chris Brown song.

But, somehow, it worked, and 808 quickly became one of the main places for Paceville revellers to head to every Friday and Saturday.

It was known for its focus on hip hop and RnB music, with strong trap influences.

808’s mix of commercial and underground hip hop and RnB was mattressed with everything from house music to reggaeton, depending on the crowd that would walk in from the wild streets of Paceville.

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However, it quickly developed a reputation for switching to more underground music from 3 am onwards, with newer and lesser-known music being played in the last hour before closing.

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Lots of emerging Maltese talent, from rappers to dance troupes to producers, performed at 808.

Everyone from 215 Collective, Owen Leuellen, Concept of Movement, and more took the stage and dance floor of the Paceville club over the years.

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The news of its closure was met with hundreds of comments waxing nostalgic about the club.

“The one club you could go to and get the perfect music to dance to, you will be missed,” said one local dancer. Others tagged friends and shared memories, and a few couples even thanked the club for being the place they met their partner in.

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With a totally new club set to open within a few months time, Havana 808’s youthful vibe will live on in our memories… and probably some un-postable photos and videos on our phones as well.

Tag someone who was at Havana 808 on the regular.