queen of pop aims to be queen of clubs
January 7th, 2011
She has already opened her own chain of gymnasiums and recently launched a fashion label with daughter Lourdes. But Madonna is now planning to expand her business empire even further into the world of nightclubs after talks with potential partners in London until the early hours of this morning.
The singer, 52, is aiming to branch out into luxury entertainment with a series of bars, restaurants and clubs in the capital — and beyond.
It is understood one of the main partners with whom she is in talks is Malaysian multi-millionaire entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, who founded AirAsia and is the team principal of the Lotus Racing Team. He is also a director at Aura, the exclusive Mayfair nightclub where they met last night.
“Madonna has visited the club a number of times over the last few months, and now it is apparent why,” said a source.
“She has been in discussions with various potential partners, including Tony Fernandes. He has got the clout, experience and money to help her realise her ambition of opening a worldwide entertainment brand that would be synonymous with luxury.
“Tony and Aura organise after-show parties for Formula One Grand Prix races all over the world, and it is that sort of glitzy of market she would be aiming for.
“Things are just at the discussion stage right at the moment but it would involve opening bars, restaurants and nightclubs in London and across the world.”
Madonna, joined by her boyfriend Brahim Zaibat, dined at Automat in Dover Street last night before heading to Aura at midnight.
Dressed in a leather jacket and wearing sunglasses, the Material Girl also used her time at the club to treat her 35-strong dance team who accompany her on tour.
A source at the club said: “While she didn’t drink herself, she gave all of her dancers wristbands which meant they could help themselves at the bar. The final bill was just over £10,000.
“She took over the VIP section but was happy to mingle with the other clubbers. It’s always quite a spectacle when she brings her dancers to the club. There is a lot of competition between them and there is always a dance-off.
“She presided over proceedings as they formed a circle on the dance floor, with each taking a turn to do a solo routine in the middle.”
There was also time to discuss business, however, and Madonna and her boyfriend Brahim eventually departed at 2.45am, leaving the dancers behind.
It is not the first time the singer has branched out into the business world. Last year she announced plans for a series of gyms around the world and opened the first branch of Hard Candy Fitness in Mexico City in November.
She also recent-ly released the Material Girl clothing line, designed with Lourdes.
Source:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showb...now-aims-to-be-the-capitals-queen-of-clubs.do