Why?Not Zanzibar Club Damaged by Fire Weeks Before Season Opening

In a devastating turn of events, just three weeks before its much-anticipated season opening, Why?Not Zanzibar, one of the region’s most cherished electronic music venues, was severely damaged by fire.

The club team confirmed that the blaze broke out late at night, when no one was inside the venue. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the material damage is extensive.

In an emotional statement shared with their community, the Why?Not family wrote:

“This is a message we never thought we’d have to write. Just three weeks before our long-awaited season opening, our beloved club caught fire. Thankfully, no one was inside, and for that, we are deeply grateful. But the damage left behind has shaken us to our core.”

The fire destroyed crucial technical infrastructure, including the full rack for the sound system (DSP, amplifier), the entire electrical installation, roof, air conditioning, and power sockets. Additional losses include a broken window (damaged during firefighting), 190 meters of heavy cabling, soundproofing, flooring, and internal cabling. All key components in a venue renowned for its high-fidelity sound and atmospheric design.

Yet even as smoke cleared, the Why?Not team made one thing clear: they intend to reopen as planned on November 1st.

“Some may call that crazy. But to that we say: why not?”

For years, Why?Not has stood as more than just a club. It’s a cultural heartbeat, perched by the sea, where countless ravers have shared sunrise moments and danced until the waves outside reflected the morning light.

Now, that same community is being called upon to help rebuild it.

“We’re not just trying to fix what was,” the team added. “We’re rebuilding something deeper, a symbol of resilience, community, and the pure joy of coming together. With your help, we’ll bring the fire back where it belongs. On the dancefloor.”

Support the Rebuild:
You can help Why?Not recover by contributing to their official fundraising campaign. Every donation — no matter the size — brings the club one step closer to reopening its doors.

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👉 https://www.gofundme.com/f/revive-whynot-and-keep-the-fire-burning