OKIO & BELLUCCI LOUNGE: JOBURG’S LUXURY NIGHTLIFE DESTINATION
OKIO Nightclub and Bellucci Lounge brought a new luxury nightlife concept to 24 Central in Sandton, combining high-energy club culture with an intimate lounge experience.
SANDTON, JOHANNESBURG — OCTOBER 2024 — Johannesburg’s nightlife landscape gained a new luxury destination with the arrival of OKIO Nightclub and Bellucci Lounge at 24 Central, on the corner of Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive in Sandton.
The two neighbouring venues were designed to offer distinctly different experiences under one roof: OKIO as the high-energy nightclub and entertainment space, and Bellucci Lounge as a more intimate setting for cocktails, dining, celebrations and private gatherings.
The venues officially opened in October 2024, taking over a location with an established history in Sandton nightlife.
OKIO NIGHTCLUB: WHERE SANDTON NIGHTLIFE GOES AFTER DARK
Pronounced “Awk-Key-Oh,” OKIO was introduced as a modern luxury nightclub built around dramatic interiors, premium hospitality and a strong music programme.
The interior combines rich colours, layered textures, upholstered lounge seating, high ceilings and bespoke chandeliers, creating an environment designed to feel as much like a visual experience as a nightclub.
A marble bar, private seating areas, champagne lounges and VIP suites form part of the venue’s premium offering, while its sound and lighting infrastructure was designed for DJ-led events and live entertainment.
The musical direction spans House, Afro-House, Afrobeats, R&B and Hip-Hop, giving OKIO a broad connection to Johannesburg’s contemporary nightlife culture.
The venue’s original positioning was aimed at a sophisticated, fashion-conscious crowd, with an upmarket dress code forming part of the overall experience.
BELLUCCI LOUNGE: A MORE INTIMATE SIDE OF SANDTON
Next door, Bellucci Lounge takes a different approach.
Where OKIO leans into the energy of a nightclub, Bellucci was created as a warmer and more intimate space for cocktails, food, celebrations and private events.
Its interiors feature ambient lighting, copper accents, polished marble tables and a more relaxed luxury aesthetic.
The original concept included Italian-inspired small plates, cocktails and whiskey, giving guests a setting where they could ease into the evening before heading into the club — or stay for a more intimate night of their own. Bellucci’s official website currently describes the venue around Italian-inspired small plates, drinks and private and corporate functions.
TWO VENUES, TWO DIFFERENT NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCES
The appeal of the OKIO and Bellucci concept was the contrast between the two spaces.
OKIO was built around:
- High-energy nightlife
- DJs and live entertainment
- House, Afro-House, Afrobeats, R&B and Hip-Hop
- VIP seating and bottle service
- Large-scale celebrations
- An elevated nightclub atmosphere
Bellucci Lounge was positioned around: - Cocktails and drinks
- Italian-inspired small plates
- Birthdays and celebrations
- Private gatherings
- Corporate functions
- A more intimate lounge environment
That separation gives the 24 Central destination a useful rhythm: Bellucci for the warm-up, OKIO for the main event.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR 24 CENTRAL
The opening of OKIO and Bellucci was significant because of the location itself.
24 Central sits in one of Sandton’s most recognisable entertainment districts and had previously been associated with Taboo, the long-running nightclub that closed in 2022. OKIO and Bellucci subsequently opened in the space in October 2024, introducing a new visual identity and nightlife concept.
The launch was also led by Sergio Zurini, whose previous involvement in Johannesburg nightlife formed part of the story behind the new venues.
At launch, Zurini described OKIO and Bellucci as an attempt to combine luxury and entertainment while continuing his involvement in Johannesburg’s premium nightlife market.
OKIO AND BELLUCCI FOR PRIVATE EVENTS
Beyond nightlife, the venues were positioned as spaces for private and corporate events.
The original offering included birthday celebrations, product launches, year-end functions, private parties and other premium gatherings.
That makes the concept broader than a traditional nightclub: the venue was designed to function as an entertainment destination as well as an event space.
WHERE WERE OKIO AND BELLUCCI LOUNGE LOCATED?
OKIO and Bellucci Lounge were located at 24 Central, corner Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive, Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg.
The original launch material listed +27 10 500 6075 and hello@okio.co.za for enquiries.
For historical context, this address remains a recognised Sandton nightlife location, although the current venue lineup at 24 Central has changed since the 2024 OKIO/Bellucci launch. Current venue information should therefore be checked directly before visiting.
OKIO & BELLUCCI LOUNGE: THE 2024 JOBURG NIGHTLIFE STORY
The arrival of OKIO and Bellucci gave Sandton a two-part nightlife proposition: one venue built around music, energy and late-night entertainment, the other around cocktails, food and a more intimate luxury setting.
For Johannesburg’s nightlife culture, the concept was less about simply opening another club and more about creating different ways to experience the same night.
One address. Two moods. One very Sandton night.
