It’s just after 5 PM in West Silvertown, a somewhat obscure stop on the DLR line in East London’s docklands. Not the most glamorous time or location, but as I enter The Cause nightclub with a friend, I’m greeted by a vibrant crowd singing along to Joe’s sultry 1996 hit “All The Things (Your Man Won’t Do).” The DJ effortlessly shifts into SZA’s “Snooze,” and the atmosphere transforms – phones rise in the air as everyone readies to join in on the chorus: “I can’t looooose, when I’m with yooooou!”
Welcome to SlowJamsWithA, a burgeoning trend where club nights cater not to high-energy pop, house, techno, or rap, but instead focus on slow, sensual R&B that typically finds its place in headphones or intimate settings. While it may seem counterintuitive for a club environment, this format is resonating deeply within the Black British nightlife scene.
I spoke with a few attendees, and many shared how mainstream venues in areas like Mayfair or Soho often feel exclusionary, marked by subtle discrimination or outright racist door policies. In stark contrast, R&B and slow jam events like this are inclusive, often Black-led, and filled with music that profoundly connects with Black audiences. “It’s just good vibes all around,” a participant says while waiting in line for food. “You can sing along to all your favorite tracks, and no one’s being stuck up.”
SlowJamsWithA has hosted events all over London, attracting a dedicated, cross-generational audience with a blend of timeless R&B hits alongside newer artists like Odeal, JayO, Summer Walker, and Giveon. Founders Ty Hinds, one of the people behind this movement, recounts how their first party in 2021 came to fruition after the success of their Slow Jams with AAA show on No Signal Radio during the pandemic. “We were curious to see if there was interest in actual events,” he explains, noting that the opening gathering attracted such a large crowd that it was shut down by security.
As the DJ kicks off the night, he humorously warns the crowd, “I don’t want to see anyone crying in the club!” While R&B slow jams often delve into themes of heartbreak, the DJ also underscores the importance of respecting women’s boundaries. Although I observe a few men mingling with women, the prevailing vibe seems to lean toward friendship rather than romantic pursuits. Tasha, a long-time listener of the radio show, emphasizes that it’s all about sharing good times: “Me and my girls always sing our hearts out.”
Another initiative, R&B & Slow Jams, was launched in 2022 by DJ Chuckie Online and podcaster Tazer Black. Lacking a permanent venue, they host events across the UK, Ireland, Germany, and Dubai. Moreover, Room 187, inspired by the Whitehead Bros’ song “Your Love Is a 187,” started as a room in the online community Clubhouse in 2021 before holding its first live event that August. The goal was to create a relaxed atmosphere where attendees could sing along to their favorite tracks without the typical party pressure, which co-founder Benjamin Bennett elaborates on: “That’s why we introduced a gameshow element.”
I attend Room 187’s third-anniversary celebration at Islington Assembly Hall in North London. The experience contrasts with SlowJamsWithA; alongside the gameshow format, the playlist centers exclusively on R&B and hip-hop tracks from before 2008. On arrival, I receive a karaoke card with a QR code that unlocks a playlist of classic R&B songs. Tempted to join in, I hold back, still needing a bit more liquid courage. At the bar, the mood shifts as DJ Kopeman spins nostalgic tracks like Ja Rule and Ashanti’s “Always on Time,” and the atmosphere buzzes with energy.
The host introduces two competing teams, including UK R&B singer Shae Universe, prompting a lively audience interaction as they guess altered song titles, with the crowd gasping in disbelief at wrong answers. The karaoke rounds spark even more excitement, especially when they call for a song by an artist with braids, leading one team to belt out Mario’s “Just a Friend” from 2002, hitting both theme and vibe perfectly.
“It’s nostalgic for my journey with music growing up,” shares Leoca, celebrating a friend’s birthday at the event. “Hearing music I haven’t heard in years romanticized my night and brought back fond memories. It’s always a great night when you can sing your heart out and dance with your friends.”
These parties resonate deeply within the Black British community, tapping into nostalgia for a time when this music shaped our lives. More than just a night out, it’s a return to the sounds that defined our youth – all on our own terms. “These spaces are so important for our community,” Ty Hinds asserts, “providing a place where we can feel safe, relax, and enjoy the music we love.”
