Reflecting on CTEMF 2014

What started out as a vision back in 2005, finally became a reality this past weekend. 7 years after the initial spark and only in its third edition, The Cape Town Electronic Music Festival took on its full form between 4 – 9 February 2014.

All the elements combined perfectly to produce what can only be proudly described as Cape Town’s very own world-class electronic music festival. The CTEMF’s tag line - Rearrange Your Sonic Geography rang true as the bar was set and the status quo turned upside down.

Never before has such a diverse line up of pioneers and newcomers from both local and international scenes been brought together under one event.

Preceding the three-day music festival were three days of workshops - two at the new re-launched Red Bull Studios Cape Town and a final day in at Guga S’thebe in Langa. Nine wide-ranging conversations touched on an array of topics including Applications of Audio – Sound Score & Design; Behind The Scene – A look at what goes on behind the artist; and Africa Abroad – the influence of African Culture globally.

Speakers included a long list of industry leaders, expat protagonists who are pushing boundaries abroad (Portable and Lerato Khati) and vanguards Caspa (UK) and The Original Jazzy Jay (US) who played a role in defining dubstep and hip hop before these genres even had a name.  

Through this exchange of knowledge CTEMF hopes to contribute towards an aspiring music industry from town to township. The goal is opening up the possibility of opportunity for all who wish to be a force of positive change with in this industry.

For a month lead in CTEMF’s ‘satellite’ events had connected the dots between much of Cape Town and South Africa’s clubbing and event scene. Paying homage to those that keep the scene in motion all year round.

Then came three days saturated with the best local and international electronic music – the core of The Cape Town Electronic Music Festival. The workshops lay down the theory and the festival is the practical application. It is our scene in action.

At the festival, local stars held their own against a long list of international guests and celebrated our own sonic identity through stellar performances from all who were involved.

Rain did not deter a hungry dance floor on Friday, when Crazy White Boy, Justin Martin, J.Phlip, Protoculture and Hobo provided the sublime soundtrack in the latter part of the evening.

On Saturday the sonic trajectory shifted into hip-hop, deep house, and live electronics. This all built up to the phenomenal closing sequence that saw UK bass pioneer Caspa prove unequivocally why he is still as relevant as when he forged his sound over a decade ago.  Hometown hero Haezer showcased exactly why he is an act to watch on the global circuit. 

Dutch drum & bass crew Noisia launched an hour of full frontal audio and visual assault on what many have called the biggest D&B floor in South African history - a stand-out finale on Saturday night.

Sunday was marked as the day to really get to grips with the shining lights of the South African electronic music repertoire. Local house is the global calling card piquing the interest of countless onlookers - but how many of us have really seen it in action?  Sunday was a roll call of the torchbearers.

From upstarts like Sir Vincent and Trancemicsoul to legends in the making Jullian Gomes and Culoe de Song, we represented magnificently. The audience were treated to a rare live set on home soil by ‘expat’ star-on-the-rise Alan Abrahams AKA Portable. Second last set of the night was owned outright by now legend Black Coffee showcasing overtly why he is the figurehead of South Africa’s charge into international waters.

The closing set of CTEMF 2014 could not have been left to a better mind than Dixon. Berlin born, Steffen Berkhahn laid down an audio tapestry that would be undersold to call it poetic. Its by no stroke of luck that he was named RA’s number 1 DJ for 2013 and it was evident for all to hear just why Dixon is considered the best of the best when it comes to the art of a true DJ.

All in all a diverse and inclusive 6-day programme, which from anyone’s perspective, ticked all the boxes - and in an industry known for its harsh criticism this speaks volumes.

By paying respect to the originators of various global scenes that have had untold influence on our own development; by spotlighting up and coming South African acts that will lay the foundation for the future; by creating a platform to carry forward the CTEMF ethos and, crucially - by using electronic music to breed substance and contribute to the positive development of South Africa's youth, CTEMF has set the tone for how all events and artists should move forward.

The CTEMF 2014 team turned an indigenous concept into a showcase for our country and its deep and diverse pool of music makers and players.

“Let’s position this right in the middle of Cape Town for all to see, and lets bring an array of international guests to interact, engage and exchange with our pot of gold waiting at the end of the rainbow. Then let’s see what happens…”

There are key companies, government bodies and brands that have had the faith in this vision to make it a reality. Well-earned respects go out to Red Bull Studio, British Council & their Connect ZA Project, The City of Cape Town, The Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports, Kilowatt AV Ma55ive, Beanstalk Productions, Made Digital, Makhulu Productions, Say Thank You Sound Design, Bridges for Music and Uber amongst a host of others that played their crucial role in the realisation of this vision.

Watch this space for the CTEMF Aftermath Video coming soon.