I AM HARDWELL SA TOUR 2013 - Johannesburg

To the uninitiated, H2O can be described as something of a Mecca for electronic music in Johannesburg. Scantily clad ravers flock in their numbers to partake in an experience that could only stem from a water park-turned-dance floor in the heart of the East Rand. Situated directly underneath a busy flight path, every so often aeroplanes dip low over the park as if peering inquisitively at the commotion below. Ravers queue at flowing bars to receive their communion, paint their bodies in glow in the dark paint and recite lyrics like sacred scripture in anticipation of getting a glimpse of the much-hyped new prophet of electronic music, Hardwell.

Entering the venue, the bass greets you, drawing you into this unique cultural event so specific to this moment in popular culture. With electronic music having reached fever pitch globally, one could argue that having the world's number 1 DJ gracing this very stage is the climax of the electronic music explosion in South Africa. With Deadmau5, Avicii, Afrojack and Swedish House Mafia having destroyed this venue in the past, expectations were high for this promising 25 year old.

Local favourite, Roger Goode and H2O regulars, Fresh and Euphonik opened the floor with enthusiasm, priming the already anxious crowd for Hardwell opener and fellow label mate, Dannic. Laying down a solid set of the hard hitting Dutch house sound he's known for, Dannic was effortlessly showing why the Revealed boys have been consistently dominating the charts this year. Dropping hits like ‘Viper’, ‘Blueprint’ and ‘Rocker’ to the sheer delight of the crowd.

After Dannic's set a moment of silence for Nelson Mandela was held as the crowd broke out into song, joined in a heart-warming rendition of the South African national anthem. With the country still very much under a cloak of mourning, the crowd banded together in respect for the father of the nation before the main event.

Hardwell was welcomed in with an introduction that bordered on cinematic. As the lights and towering LED panels awoke, the sheer scale of the production was nothing short of breathtaking. The visuals depicting a spacecraft hurtling towards Earth as excited crowd members shouted "Spaceman!"

What followed was a relentless 3 hour assault of adrenaline-filled drops and euphoric highs. Smoke machines and a jaw dropping light show only intensified the sensory overload, pushing even the most experienced raver to the fringes of physical and emotional endurance. Hardwell's set was a no-holds-barred barrage of crowd favourites such as ‘Clarity,’ ‘Sweet Nothing’, ‘Under Control’, ‘Live For The Night’ and W&W's Remix of ‘This Is What It Feels Like’ filtered through his signature Dutch ‘big room’ sound. Even classics such as Red Hot Chilli Peppers' ‘Otherside’, Linkin Park's ‘Numb’ and even Nirvana's ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ were given new life through Hardwell's smart use of mash ups, playing on collective nostalgia while recontextualising them, making them feel as fresh and relevant as ever. Hardwell's biggest hits shone with showings from ‘Apollo’, ‘Never Say Goodbye’, ‘Dare You’ and ‘Spaceman’ even featuring twice. Instead of going for the tried-and-tested melodic, introspective set outro, Hardwell opted for Headhunterz' bone crushing hardstyle remix of ‘Spaceman’, resulting in a somewhat abrasive, yet wholly satisfying end to a show that consistently pushed the limits of possibility. Though lacking a signature moment or touch of personality that would solidify the set as distinctly ‘Hardwell’, it was an undeniably world class set.

After asking around to get a pulse on the general consensus about the show, many were generally impressed with what had taken place, a group of dedicated Hardwell fans even driving down from as far as Mozambique just to experience the Dutch prodigy's magic, demonstrating just how far a reach electronic music has had on our end of Africa. The only complaints being about the early closing time of 2am, most heading off to after parties to empty out their last remaining reserves of energy.

Though not as distinctive as previous acts over the last 2 years, one cannot argue that there has never been a time more ripe to see Hardwell. Undeniably at the peak of his career, riding in the wake of a truly spectacular year, Hardwell has never been more relevant than right now in this moment. Perhaps those who bore witness and experienced this incredible tour can look back at this as the early flashes of a true star being born, a saviour accepting his destiny.

Part of our TIE team was also lucky enough to meet the dutch maestro in an intimate little meet and greet before his set. When it comes to the stars and yes being the world's number 1 DJ does give you star status you never really know what to expect. Well it can be said that Hardwell or Robert as he introduced himself to each one of us was surprisingly humble and down to earth. A really really nice guy and an unforgettable experience.

A big thank you to Kelly from Amplicon PR, Electric Music for all her help and for the press passes. 

Review done by @G1NO