If your knowledge of Latin music starts at Jennifier Lopez and ends with Gloria Estefan, gurl, you need to learn about Exilio London’s world famous LGBT Latin club…
Exilio started back in 1996 in Latimer Road, underneath a flyover, in a very remote venue that resembled a bingo hall, with old carpets, old furniture, a sound limiter and no sound system.
Those were difficult, but exciting times for an event that was quite innovative for its time as a club aimed at the LGBT Latin community. Exilio was created due to the frustration of promoter, Gloria Lizcano, and many other LGBT Latinos living in London.
There were few Latin places in those days, and same sex couples dancing in straight venues would be asking for trouble.
The people that came to Exilio back in the day were either curious, or relieved to have found a corner in London where they could express their feelings towards their loved ones, enjoy a drink and gossip with friends that were gay. Some were even married and living a double life. All this contributed to the club’s success as truly unique…
QX: What does Exilio mean?
GLORIA LIZCANO: Exilio means ‘exile’. The reason: being gay or lesbian meant that we had to exile ourselves from our country as we were not wanted. We found that from a negative feeling such as this, Exilio came to be the light, the place to be free and to free that Latin feeling. It’s so hard to know what it feels to be rejected for your sexuality and to find Exilio just meant that we belonged.
How would you describe a night at the club?
It’s like when you watch a funny movie in a foreign language, you don’t understand what they are saying but it’s still funny! Exilio is a universal language: fun, exhilarating, and exciting. You might not know what the music is about, but you understand the body language. It brings the London LGBT scene the best alternative night out, bringing the exotic Latin rhythms at an amazing venue in Archway.
The music is quite different for the gay scene…
Trying to define the music policy in Exilio is not that simple. Latin music changes as you move around the globe: South America, Miami, New York, Puerto Rico. We can also say that the music is sung in Spanish, but we also have some in Portuguese. The genres? Well, resident DJ G plays Salsa, cumbia, merengue, reggaeton, bomba, Latin house, Merengue electronico, vallenato, bachata, a little samba and tango. You will either love it or hate it but one thing is for sure, you will not find a LGBT venue in London or the whole of Europe that plays Exilio’s music.
What kind of crowd does it attract?
While Exilio attracts a Latin crowd, it’s very cosmopolitan. Of course, you do not have to be Latin to enjoy the drink specials, drag queens or the Latin music. Over 18s and the sky is the limit.
You’ve just moved to a new venue as well…
This is the best venue that Exilio has been at. It’s so Latin, from the deco that takes you to a tropical island to the wooden floor that makes it a perfect venue in which to dance. The sound and lights are perfect for the surroundings.
You have plenty of theme parties, too. What’s coming up?
Saturday 1st March is a Karaoke and Haircuts Party. Come and sing your heart out to some Latin songs and win a haircut! Then on 15th March is Flower Power. We want to welcome spring with a celebration full of colour, music and gogo vibes. And on Saturday 29th March there is a Tabasco Party at Juanchito in Adulis Bar at 44-46 Brixton Road. Juanchito brings you the original salsa sounds and is not like Exilio that plays crossover Latin music. Juanchito is all about the hot salsa!
Top 5 Exilio Anthems
- ‘Vivir Mi Vida’ (‘Live My Life’) – Marc Anthony
This is new salsa. This is a celebration and a hymn to life in the style and unique voice of Marc Anthony. - ‘Propuesta Indecente’ (‘Indecent Proposal’) – Romeo Santos
This is bachata. Like many Latin songs it talks about love and infidelity. This is the sexiest dance to come from The Dominican Republic. Holding each other very tight and moving your hips very slowly. Sex on legs! - ‘Eres Mi Sueño’ (‘You Are My Dream’) – Fonseca
This is Latin Pop. No need to have a partner, just feel the music and dance. Love it! - ‘Papi esta loco’ (‘Baby You Are Crazy’) – Thaira feat. Mr Jordan
This is Merengue Electronico. This has a lot of rhythm, from Cuba. New kid on the block. Sounds sexy. - ‘Voy a Beber’ (‘I’m Going To Drink’) – Nicky Jam
Reggaeton is sweeping the Latin music world with its irrepressible blend of tropical Latin and reggae rhythms. This is Perreo at its best. This dance has captured the hearts of urban Hispanic youth the world over. Lust all over!
• Exilio is fortnightly at The Latin Groove, 1 Archway Close, N19 3TD. 10pm-4am. The next event is Saturday 1st March.
