SÓNAR CAPE TOWN DELIVERS PHENOMENAL GLOBAL ELECTRONIC MUSIC EXPERIENCE

For 21 years Sónar has been a fundamental part of the growth and evolution of the electronic music scene internationally by recognising, developing and showcasing the best talent from around the world. The first South African edition of the global festival, Sónar Cape Town, was no different.

Held over three days across Cape Town and Johannesburg, Sónar Cape Town – presented by Olmeca Tequila and produced by Seed Experiences – hosted an incredible lineup of no less than seven international artists, headlined by the iconic Pet Shop Boys, along with 2manydjs (DJ set), The Bloody Beetroots (live), Jon Hopkins, UZ, Ten Walls and UNER.

Undoubtedly the highlight was iconic UK duo Pet Shop Boys, who performed at both A Taste of Sónar in Johannesburg on 12 December and Sónar Cape Town Opening Night on 15 December. This was Pet Shop Boys’ first time playing in Africa and they proved why they have sold over 50-million records worldwide, achieved 12 top 10 studio albums, forty top 20 singles and four number one records. They thrilled the crowds with their phenomenal ‘Electric’ world-tour show, employing innovative stage production and set design, dazzling lights and lasers, intricate choreography and elaborate costumes. The crowds sang along to unforgettable classics like ‘Go West’, while dancing to newer hits like ‘Vocal’ from the band’s ‘Electric’ album.

Proving South African talent is as good as the best, 18 of the country’s most impressive electronic music acts performed, including Spoek Mathambo presents Fantasma, Christian Tiger School, Sir Vincent, Sibot & Toyota, PHFAT, Fever Trails, Das Kapital, Ryan Murgatroyd, Trancemicsoul, Felix Laband, Markus Wormstorm, Mr Sakitumi and the Grrrl, DJ Fosta, Siphe Tebeka and Terrence Pearce.

Sónar’s ethos is to explore the sonic spectrum and for many Sónar Cape Town opened up a new world of electronic music: whether pop-synth, electronic rap, trap, synth funk, hip hop, kwaito or dubstep, the lineup offered a musical journey for every taste.

Replicating the global Sónar formula, Sónar Cape Town also hosted Sónar+D, the day-time component of the festival, which held a series of talks and workshops on music, business and technology, and showcased new and future industry trends. Topics included the growth of Cape Town’s electronic music scene, and “Taking Electronic Music Live – Creating dynamic live performances”, with speakers ranging from Sibot & Toyota and The Bloody Beetroots to Uner and Felix Laband.

Growing Sónar locally

The aim for Sónar in South Africa is long-term: Seed Experiences and Olmeca Tequila are laying the foundations to grow Sónar into an institution in South Africa -- to build and grow the brand and what makes it so successful around the world, within a local context.

Partnering with the best

The best events have the best partners, so it was a natural fit to have Olmeca Tequila as presenting partner, as the brand consistently promotes and supports electronic music in South Africa and is committed to what Sonar stands for.

Sónar Cape Town and Seed Experiences would also like to thank, Pioneer, DStv, SAB, Red Bull, PMI and Richarge for their support.

#photo