Back in the groove

It's highly likely that at some point during the festive period, the pub conversation skimmed across clubbing plans for 2004. This will either have caused an eruption of holy proclamations in favour of fewer nightlife jaunts and more culturally beneficial activities (ie an obligatory trip to Tate Modern or coffee at the ICA, followed by a evening of Polish short films), or adamant refusals to ever give up the only source of weekend happiness.

If this sounds familiar, then compromise by taking in Out Of Africa tonight: a joyful balance of culture and clubbing. Always showcasing a consistently inventive roster of live acts, DJs, MCs and spoken word, it's one of London's only nights that leaves a glowing impression and a buzzing mind rather than an empty wallet and the dull thud of a nondescript club beat. JJC, aka Big Brovaz's Skillz, alongside the 419 Squad will be performing a live set of Nigerian hip hop in English and Yoruba with guests Tru Flex, Danielle and Nova.

Blacktronica and Attica Blues wizard Charlie Dark, Special G and Shades spin the records and pan-African dance troupe Frititi throw some shapes. Proceeds will help build a football and performing arts academy in Angola.

House music has taken a bit of a bashing of late. So it's comforting to see that San Francisco's Naked Music is arriving in town for their Nude Dimensions 4 Launch Party; an intoxicating compilation of ice-cool smokiness poured slowly over West Coast house. Releases from Miguel Miggs, Blue 6 and Bugz In The Attic have heralded Naked's arrival as the label for hip international jetsetters; the Nude Dimensions series, along with siblings Nude Tempo, Lost On Arrival and others, lounges proudly on designer coffee tables. Mauricio Aviles will be headlining, whipping up his blueprint Latino-kissed beats and full-bodied melodious grooves. In support are Honeytrap's JB, Luke VB and Tim Red Blonde. Room Two is hosted by Halo.

If this is your first clubbing outing since New Year's Eve, then it's probably best to keep it simple and sample a little jiggy. Toast dusts down the decks to present its first battle of the year against hip hop heavies Scenario Records, home of The Nextmen, rummaging around a Quality Street family tin to melt together old school shiny soul, cheeky beats, body-shakin' funk and a dash of bling. The home team is represented by Nicky Fatback, Local Hero and DJ Rapture, while the challengers are DJ Sparo and Script.

Ensuring The End starts the new year with aplomb is Waveform. Not for those still reeling from Channel 4's epic musical or heroes and villains countdowns, this is for hardcore clubbers intent on burning themselves into the ground before they hit payday. Giving a platform to the newer kids of London's deckobsessed community, the Prologue boys, fresh and wide-eyed from allnighters at The Cross, will be taking centre stage while People Like Us babysit the lounge. Pumping techfunk, freakish beatloops and tough relentless white noise: this could prove both the cure for lethargy and a favourable substitute to an aerobics session.