History of House is a high-energy fusion of dancefloor anthems, powerhouse gospel vocals, and a DJ set for the ages. From disco funk to millennial electropop, this electrifying journey through three decades of dance music will have Auckland Town Hall pulsing—and the party spilling onto Queen Street.
Imagine stepping into a space where the energy of a nightclub collides with the soul-stirring power of a gospel choir, all while a DJ spins an electrifying set that spans decades of dance music. That is the essence of History of House, a show that takes audiences on a journey through 30 years of house music, fusing the infectious beats of club anthems with the soaring vocals of the renowned Soweto Gospel Choir. From the moment the first beat drops, the audience is moving, and by the time the show ends, the energy is still pulsating through Auckland Town Hall and spilling out onto the streets beyond.
The concept behind History of House is deceptively simple: a live DJ set, powerhouse vocalists, and a curated selection of house music classics. But the execution is where it truly shines. The pairing of African gospel singers with the pulsing rhythms of electronic dance music might seem unexpected at first, but it quickly becomes clear that these musical traditions share common roots. Both rely heavily on rhythm, call-and-response vocals, and an undeniable drive that compels people to move.
At the helm of the experience is Australian DJ Groove Terminator (Simon Lewicki), a long-time collaborator with Ministry of Sound. On the other side of the stage, the Soweto Gospel Choir, renowned for their work with legends like U2, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder, deliver stunning vocal performances. The chemistry between the two elements is instant, creating a relentless, high-octane atmosphere that keeps the audience engaged—at least for the most part.
From the opening beats, the show is a non-stop celebration of house music’s evolution. It kicks off with high-energy adaptations of '90s club anthems, setting the tone for the night before rewinding to the genre’s origins. The journey begins in the disco era of the 1970s with Chic’s Le Freak, before moving into early dance floor staples like Dan Hartman’s Relight My Fire and Donna Summer’s I Feel Love. These tracks establish house music’s strong ties to disco, showcasing the deep grooves and pulsating beats that laid the foundation for what would become one of the most influential music genres in club culture.
The '80s section of the show delivers club classics like Dead or Alive’s You Spin Me Round (Like a Record), Prince’s 1999, and the Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), each given a house-infused twist. This era also highlights the genre’s connection to soul and R&B, with powerful renditions of Aretha Franklin’s Respect and Think. The energy remains at a fever pitch as the show transitions into the '90s and early 2000s, a period often considered the golden age of house music. Songs like Rozalla’s Everybody’s Free and Let Me Show You by Anton Powers and K-Klass provide some of the most exhilarating moments of the night, drawing massive crowd reactions.
The performers’ stage presence is undeniable. Throughout the show, individual members of the Soweto Gospel Choir take turns at the front, each one showcasing vocal brilliance, commanding the stage with flair, or hyping up the audience with dance moves. The show’s format ensures there is never a dull moment—until it slightly loses momentum.
While the energy remains mostly high, the show does experience peaks and troughs. At its best, History of House is an unstoppable force, with the crowd fully immersed in its pulsating beats and soaring melodies. However, at times, the performance leans too heavily into gospel influences, shifting from an exhilarating club experience into something more sermon-like. The encore performance of Hallelujah, for instance, serves as a reminder of house music’s deep gospel roots but also slows the momentum built up over the previous 90 minutes. There are moments where the show feels a little too “preachy,” losing some of the raw, uninhibited energy that makes house music so electrifying.
Despite these occasional dips, the night remains an unforgettable experience. The show’s ability to transform Auckland Town Hall into a makeshift nightclub is no small feat. Even those seated in the balcony—where standing space is limited—are encouraged to get on their feet, a testament to the performers’ ability to engage every corner of the room. The atmosphere is one of inclusivity, celebration, and pure joy, echoing the essence of house music itself. The genre has always been about creating a safe, liberating space for people, particularly those on the fringes of society, and this show honours that legacy.
Logistically, the event runs smoothly, though it is worth arriving early. The opening night was delayed by 30 minutes due to the process of getting all 1,700 attendees through the doors, with the usual bag checks and restrictions on outside food and drink causing minor bottlenecks. With no intermission, the show demands stamina—coming well-rested and hydrated is highly recommended, as is bringing a friend to share in the experience.
For those expecting a structured history lesson on house music, the show does not take that approach. Instead, it offers a more immersive experience, letting the music tell its own story. House music, after all, has never been neatly documented in official histories; its origins lie in underground parties and word-of-mouth events. The genre thrives on reinvention, with endless remixes and samples blurring the lines between original tracks and new creations. This fluidity is both a strength and a challenge when trying to present a definitive narrative.
History of House delivers what it promises: a high-energy, dance-fuelled spectacle that celebrates the genre’s evolution while giving audiences a night to remember. It may have its lulls, particularly when it strays too far into gospel territory, but overall, it is a dynamic and electrifying experience. By the time the last beat fades out, the audience is left buzzing, a testament to house music’s enduring power to bring people together and keep them moving.
Whether you are a die-hard house music fan or just looking for a night of infectious rhythms and powerhouse vocals, History of House is an experience that will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and maybe even still dancing long after you’ve left the venue.
History of House was performed for one night only on March 12, 2025 and was part of a larger Auckland Arts Festival running from 6-23 March, 2025.
Check out other AAF events here
Check out other AAF events here