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.