Mabu Vinyl spins Cape Town right round baby

Disco, jazz, metal, ‘80s singles, reggae, blues… you name it

Last updated: 12 February 2024

This little vinyl store has a lot of history and a big reputation (it was even featured in the Oscar-winning Searching For Sugar Man). Mabu Vinyl is a portal into a world of old memories, forgotten decades and new discoveries. And it’s hidden at the top of a staircase on Long Street.

HIDDEN VINYL STORE 

In the year 2000, Mabu Vinyl graced audiophiles everywhere with a space for musical escapism. It has since moved to Long Street, hidden behind a yellow gate (you could be forgiven for driving right past it without noticing). It’s tucked between South China Dim Sum Bar and The Waiting Room's entrance, across from Marvel bar. 

Mabu Vinyl has been around for 24 years. Image: Mabu Vinyl

FIND IT UP THE STAIRCASE 

Up the narrow staircase you’ll be surprised by an intimate room filled with posters of music icons, and rows of countless records on display. Jazz, blues and rock ‘n roll plays in the background as you start to scavenge for the perfect vinyl. The entire experience is drenched in nostalgia and captures the spirit of eras long passed. 

The friendly staff are extremely knowledgeable, and always ready to answer any questions you may have. Image: Mabu Vinyl 

VINTAGE RECORDS AND CASSETTES

What does its shelves hold, you might ask? Disco, boogie, jazz, metal, hundreds of ‘80s singles, soul, indie, reggae, blues… you name it. You can spend hours browsing through the old records, books, comics and even cassettes. 

And occasionally, there’s refurbished record players for sale. There’s also regular clearance sales on the stoep, with some records selling for under R20. The vintage and pre-owned vinyls are all of great quality. 

You could spot gems like Frank Sinatra or a first edition record of Sugar Man. Image: Mabu Vinyl

VISIT MABU VINYL

Mabu Vinyl is open: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm
Find it: First Floor, 285 Upper Long Street, Gardens
Contact on: 079 922 8585, website, @mabuvinyl

By Lara van Zyl

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