Interview: Roberto Mukai (Bobby Brazuka) - Ponsonby Social Club 15th Birthday

Keeping Tāmaki Makaurau's inner city nightlife buzzing with a diverse programme of musical delicacies for over a decade and a half, Ponsonby Social Club are toasting their 15th birthday in style with a smörgåsbord of events happening all throughout March. A space for the community to enjoy high quality music, comedy, food, beverages and more, all served up with the utmost commitment to good vibes, PSC are wrapping up this month's anniversary celebrations with live performances by Leonard Charles Trio with Tyra Hammond, Keshia, Adrian Brown, Ijebu Pleasure Club, and Cori Gonzalez-Macuer and Friends — plus this Sunday's bash featuring jazz, hip hop and soul super crew Opensouls, friends and whānau DJs, special guests, and yum food courtesy of Baby G Burger. We got on the line with co-owner / director Roberto Mukai (who first arrived in Aotearoa from São Paulo, Brazil in the '90s), aka Bobby Brazuka of Latinaotearoa, who reflected on PSC's growth and challenges over the past 15 years...

Ponsonby Social Club's 15th Birthday Celebration — Auckland

Thursday 23rd March - Cori Gonzalez-Macuer and Friends
Friday 24th March - Ijebu Pleasure Club
Saturday 25th March - Keshia Live
Sunday 26th March - Ponsonby Social Club Sunday Bash with Opensouls w/ Friends & Whānau DJs Hudge, Bobby Brazuka & Vee... plus special guests Manuel Bundy, Nathan Haines (DJ Set), Carlotta, Lucky Lance, Katya, Jaimie Webster-Haines, Gin, Onny Kaulima, Wattsson, Frank Booker
Thursday 30th March - Leonard Charles Trio with guest Tyra Hammond
Friday 31st March - Adrian Brown Live

Tickets available HERE via UTR

Chris Cudby: Hi Roberto — please tell us how Ponsonby Social Club came to be? Who was involved with starting up PSC? Was PSC founded with any specific aims / goals in mind?

Roberto Mukai (Bobby Brazuka): Ponsonby Social Club came to be back in 2008. It was a great idea by my former business partners Tony McGeorge and Rodney Gower. They also involved by current business partner Sharr Berzati to be part of it. I came up as the music programmer for the bar bringing some of the best DJs and musicians to to the space — from music programmer I was offered shares and become shareholder, then made my way to become owner / director around 2017.
Our goal was always to be a community joint. A place where people could hang out, listen to some great music, drink some cocktails and have fun. Your local joint.

How have you seen the space and community grow over the past 15 years?

PSC has become one of the most iconic bars in Auckland city. Once a venue passes 10 years it’s normal to get the title of iconic. Our punters, just like the venue, grew older and we have a wide demographic of good people hanging at our place.

How did you decide who to invite to perform at PSC's month-long birthday celebrations?

We just went after the people that helped us be where we are, musicians that gave us their time, talent and energy in the last few years.

Do you have any standout memories of PSC?

I think the most standout moments of Ponsonby Social has been the last three years. Those years were very challenging and we smash them like bosses.
We had to deal with Covid and the restrictions that came with it, we changed from more of a Dj bar style to a live music venue to survive. At the same time we saw the original business partners leaving, making me and Sharr 50/50 owners and hands on directors of the business.
Then we had staff shortage floods… But our regulars, family, friends, musicians and community never let us down.

Have there been any notably challenging times for PSC in the past? What challenges do you feel are facing inner city venues at present?

I think all mentioned above have been the challenges but being an inner city music venue, a place for locals and visitors to feel the vibrant Auckland City has made us face those challenges like champs.

Do you have any specific vision / hopes for PSC's growth over the next 15 years?

We just keep fighting the good fight. Bringing community together.
For another 15 years of your social club, a place for all. Your local joint.