‘Zioux is a fusion of food, drinks and music’ (photo: Louise Stickland)
South Africa - Located in the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg, Zioux is a fusion of food, drinks and music with a funky lounge vibe and interior design inspired by South African wildlife.
Zioux manager Dino Constantinou is into technology and knew lighting would be integral to creating the right ambience in the restaurant. He was delighted when DWR specified 18 x Robe moving lights – 12 x LEDBeam 150s and six Spotes fitted with wide angle lenses – to help make the atmosphere extra special.
Johnny Scholtz headed the project for DWR. Dino already had ideas about what he wanted, which was lighting to create subtle effects and texturing around the room for general dining, which could be ramped up to generate excitement and hustle for the later evenings and live DJ sets at the weekends. The venue is also used for events which have different and additional lighting requirements.
Zioux’s management team also operates Saints, another successful Sandon nightspot, for which DWR completed a small lighting installation comprising one Robe LEDBeam 150 for the DJ with a couple of colour changing up-lighters for the garden. However, this well-placed illumination made a huge difference, so Dino had no hesitation in consulting Johnny again.
“Any lighting in Zioux had to be elegant and appropriate to the space,” explained Johnny, who suggested fixtures with multiple features that would segue harmoniously with the interior visuals and environmental lighting.
Robe launched the SPOTE in 2021, and Johnny saw an opportunity for this new small moving light, coupled with the established LEDBeam 150 for effects, offering a flexible all-LED solution.
The LEDBeam 150s Johnny considered suitable for all events and day-to-day operation, “They are small and versatile and great for producing fabulous washes and great colour with good soft edges for the wider angles which is often tricky in a busy space.”
The LEDBeams and Spotes are positioned to light the main seating and mingling areas, the DJ booth and to catch the bar and the large chandelier shades above it, adding colour and texturing.
Dino wanted full control of the lighting from his cell phone, so Johnny spec’d a Light Shark web-based app-controlled interface which runs with an LS-core box that accommodates two DMX universes.
“It was fantastic to be part of this flagship restaurant in Johannesburg,” concluded Johnny.

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