ULTRA SA 2023 - Final Line Up

The final countdown to Ultra South Africa 2023 has officially begun! In just over four weeks, on 10 and 11 March in Cape Town and Johannesburg, the iconic Ultra stages will be set up, the Ultra Angels warmed up and choreographed, and the biggest names in dance music brought together for the continent’s biggest electronic music festival, Ultra South Africa! 

Recently added to the already stellar Main Stage lineup is returning future house superstar, Oliver Heldens, homegrown heroes Goldfish, and very recent Grammy winner and additional homegrown legend, Zakes Bantwini!  

They will join none other than global icon Alesso, Australian firecracker, Fisher and of course, the dynamic Timmy Trumpet for the first time on SA soil. Local heroes set to wow the fans are Sun-El Musician, Kyle Cassim, Timo ODV, Max Hurrell and New Hero. 

Moving over to the Resistance Stage you’ll find some of the world’s finest underground house and techno artists including legendary DJs Adam Beyer, Joris Voorn and Kölsch. Joining them will be none other than Desiree, Hyenah, Djeff, Floyd Lavine, Jamiie, Abby Nurock, Natasa, Fogshow b2b Karoo, Talia Zaken and Siphe Tebeka. 

The Smirnoff Storm Room is a brand new highlight of Ultra SA showcasing the hottest AmaPiano and urban culture stalwarts featuring the likes of Focalistic, DBN Gogo, Uncle Waffles, Msaki (Electronic Set), Musa Keys, TwoBunnies, DJ Buhle, Mat Elle, Lisa Stofella, DJ Lag, Kooldrinks, Costa Titch and Lelowwhatsgood.  The Smirnoff Storm Room will debut as a stage at Ultra South Africa Music Festival, before becoming a touring event property for the brand.

Staying in the City of Gold, the Clubhouse Stage is also a new feature at Ultra SA which is designed to bring budding club culture into a festival environment, creating a space for artists to play all shades of club music, including house, afro house, tech, bass and everything in between... This stage will feature a lineup designed for dancing that includes Cinimin, Vimo, Das Kapital, Aidin Caye, Karyendasoul, Lemon & Herb, FKA Mash, Jevan Binder, Jordan Arts, Blanka Mazimela, Roz, and Sons of Denis b2b with Tristian. 

So… Are U ready for a festival experience of a lifetime? 

Book your tickets to Ultra South Africa, happening in Cape Town and Johannesburg this March, now before they sell out.

CAPE TOWN | 10 MARCH | HOLLYWOODBETS KENILWORTH RACECOURSE | CONFIRMED LINE-UP

MAIN STAGE:

Alesso, Goldfish, Fisher, Karyendasoul, Max Hurrell, New Hero, Oliver Heldens, Timmy Trumpet, Timo ODV and Zakes Bantwini.

RESISTANCE:

Adam Beyer, Desiree, Floyd Lavine, Fogshow b2b Karoo, Hyenah, Joris Voorn, Kolsch, Talia Zaken, and Siphe Tebeka. 

JOHANNESBURG | 11 MARCH | EXPO CENTRE, NASREC | CONFIRMED LINE-UP

MAIN STAGE:

Alesso, Goldfish, Fisher, Karyendasoul, Kyle Cassim, Oliver Heldens, Sun-El Musician, Timmy Trumpet, Timo ODV and Zakes Bantwini.

RESISTANCE:

Abby Nurock, Adam Beyer, Djeff, Floyd Lavine, Hyenah, Jamiie, Joris Voorn, and Kolsch.

SMIRNOFF STORM ROOM:

Costa Titch, DBN GOGO, DJ Buhle, DJ Lag, Focalistic, Kooldrink, Lisa Stofella, Lelowwhatsgood, Mat Elle, Musa Keys, TwoBunnies, and Uncle Waffles. 

CLUBHOUSE STAGE: 

Aidin Caye, Blanka Mazimela, Cinimin, Das Kapital, Jevan Binder, Jordan Arts, Karyendasoul, Fka Mash, Lemon & Herb, Roz, Son of Denis b2b Tristian, and Vimo.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY

Have you booked your tickets to Ultra South Africa 2023? With only a few weeks left, make sure you get your hands on tickets today! Click here to book. 

Monday Choon: GoldFish - No One Has To Know (Midnight Kids Remix)

Following the SAMA's that took place this past weekend, we thought we should keep today's featured track local and when it comes to electronic music in South Africa, look no further than Golsfish. Dominic Peters and David Poole have come a long way in the industry, their style of music is unique and they continue to enjoy worldwide success with it. From playing in Ibiza, Ultra Miami, to the local venues, they've done is all and continue to do so to packed out audiences. Signed onto Armin van Buuren's Amarda label has only done more good for the duo, today's track is a remix of a track taken from their ablum "Late Night People",  "No One Has To Know" which has been remixed by Midnight Kids. Giving this mellow choon an uplifting beat. 

Monday Choon: GoldFish feat. Diamond Thug - Deep Of The Night

This week's featured track is courtesy of memoirs of my Cape Town trip late last year, having seen Goldfish do their thing at the legendary Submerged Sundays at Shimmy Beach Club. The South African duo who are signed onto the Armada music label have built a cult following throughout the world and with good reason too. They make great music and one of their latest releases is today's track which features Diamond Thug. The song is getting plenty of airplay on the local radio stations, and that's not mainly due to the 90% local content thing but because it's a damn good track and quite catchy too!

Shimmy Summer in Cape Town

If you find yourself in the mother city over the festive season, there is only one place to be and be seen and that is Shimmy Beach Club! The cities hottest parties are going down at the ocean front club with the biggest names in the industry headlining the shows. From Black Coffee Summer, Amarda Deep and Goldfish Submerged, there really is no excuse for you to miss any of it! Having partied Sunday night away there myself I can honestly say there is no party like a Shimmy Beach Party! For all info on up coming events, see below for dates and times. Tickets can be bought via their website. 

Monday Choon - Ultra Countdown: Goldfish ft. Julia Church - Heart Shaped Box

The countdown to Ultra South Africa 2016 continues and this weeks featured artist is none other than SA's very own Goldfish! The Cape Town based duo of Dominic Peters and David Poole have been playing at all the previous Ultra SA's as well as representing SA at Ultra Miami. Their unique style of electronic music incorporates both mixing and the playing of instruments live. It's very rare to see and the music speaks for itself. 

They've played the world over, including stints on the party island of Ibiza. For the summer period they have residency at Cape Town's popular hot spot Shimmy Beach, where they have their submerged Sunday Sessions. If you're in the Cape during the season, it is a must to attend as it's the ultimate party to end off the weekend but make sure you get your tickets in advanced as they sellout quickly! Today's featured track from them is their latest single featuring the vocals of Julia Church, it's a current favourite of mine and I'm sure you will love it too. 

                       
Stay up to date with the latest information from Ultra SA, visit the website or follow them on their various social media streams.

Twtter: @ultrasa

Facebook: Ultra South Africa

Instagram: ultrasouthafrica

Website: www.ultrasouthafrica.com

Youtube: UMF TV

Ultra South Africa 2016 - Final line up!

                    

The final line up for Ultra South Africa 2016 has been released and it includes some big heavy weights of the industry. Many of the artist that have been announced in phase 2 have already visited SA and played at previous Ultra festivals, so people who missed out before can revel in their presence. 

The festival which takes place in South Africa form the 26th of February till the 28th next year in two of the major cities. Cape Town will play host to the two day event at the Ostrich Farm on the 27th and 28th and Johannesburg, at Nasrec Expo center from the 26th to the 27th of February. 

Some were disappointed with the line up, including myself but one has go to understand that planning an event like this, getting artist to confirm to travel to another end of the world for a few days isn't easy. So I applaud the organisers for securing big names like these and obviously the sets aren't going to be the same as the previous ones. 

Afrojack, Tiesto and Carnage join Skrillex, Zedd, Dash Berlin and Robin Schulz to headline this awesome line up for the 2016 event. Amongst them will be a host of local talent that will keep the crowd entertained during the day on the various stages. Dean Fuel, Euphonik, Goldfish, TimoODV, Pascal & Peace just to name a few. 

Tickets are on sale via the website, www.ultrasouthafrica.com, for more information on camping venues for the Cape Town festival and other info you may need to know, follow the various social media streams on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Relive Ultra 2015

It's been almost a week since Ultra South Africa came and knocked us off our feet and into the air in a a frenzy of song and dance. Bigger, better and more louder than 2014, this years event sure did not disappoint. Cape Town kicked off proceedings with an Ultra exclusive event hosted by Uber which saw a select few who have the Uber app and were quick on the button, go on a sunset party cruise with Goldfish, Oliver Heldens and Martin Garrix. Seeing videos and pictures from the cruise made everyone who wasn't there extremely jealous but we had the next two days to party with those legends and thousands of others. 

Cape Town's show saw an increase in numbers since last year and everyone was blown away from the performances but since I and the many others were going for the Joburg leg, we had to wait one more day to experience the greatness that is Ultra South Africa. Gates opened 11am sharp, with scores of people starting to trickle in, many already having attended pre-ultra parties and were psyched to start the celebrations. With 3 stages and endless amounts of talent ranging from local to top listed internal DJ's, it was bound to be an incredible day no matter what form of electronic music you fancied. 

The UMF Radio stage seemed to be place to be for early goers as the area was packed to catch the on stage DJ's but as the hours went by and the numbers came pouring in by the thousands, the place filled up. Whether you were in General, VIP, VVIP or back stage like some of us, the vibe and energy was amazing to experience. On the main stage Rodger Goode, Goldfish, FeU and Mark Stent warmed the crowd up with their mixtures of local electronic, house and tribal music until the first headliner hit the stage. 

Oliver Heldens, the youngster from the Netherlands came onto raptures from the crowd, having never played in SA before, Ultra SA Jhb leg was his second time and the ovation he received was well deserved. Following him saw Canadian dance music duo brothers Chris and Alex Andre, better known as DVBBS (pronounced dubz) come on, the live interaction between them and the crowd was something to behold with many rating them as their favourites from the day. 

As the sun began to set and the air began to cool, the entertainment started to heat up with a repeat from last year taking to the decks. Martin Garrix has been sensational over the past few years in the EDM scene, producing hit after hit and climbing up the DJ Mag list as well as beatport lists, it no wonder why many who have been in the industry for a while now hold him in such high regard. The kid is a talent and he proved again, with another mind blowing set, coupled with pyro's and laser lights. He sent the crowd into a frenzy when he played his latest hit featuring Moti, "Virus". 

With the sun completely gone and the crowd amped, it was time for the number DJ in the world to make his mark on the number 1 dance music festival on the continent. Hardwell who last toured the country back in Decemeber 2012 was back with a bang. With plenty of new work and some crowd favourite oldies, it was exceptional set for the guy who's ranked above them all in the world for two years in a row now. Having seen the best in the business, you would think it would be hard to top that but step in the legend of Trance, the one, the only, Armin van Buuren. 

Fresh from his ASOT700 world tour, Armin just went to prove that no matter what number he's ranked, he is still one of the best in the world. With his uplifting beats, 3D electronic show and his new stage trick where he controls the lights with the movements of his hands, left the crowd spell bound. He played most of his new work and towards the end brought out some classics that have been re-worked, most notably his mashup of Exploration of Space by Cosmic Gate and Andrew Rayel's remix of Insomia by Faithless. It's probably one of the best sets I've heard from Armin, to see him on stage, in his element, doing what he does best to please us, his fans was unreal. 

Feet aching, back breaking from walking around the whole day from the media tent to the various stages, we had to muster up energy for one final act on the mainstage but while Axwell and Ingrosso took time for their stage setup, some of us made our way down tot he Electric Music Stage to catch the opening 30 minutes of Gorgon City, many felt they deserved their own time slot on main stage but can see why the organisers decided to let them close off things on that side of the park, With hits such as "Real", "here for you" and many adoring SA fans, there was quite a crowd to see them play. 

With the stage finally ready and the voice of Ultra Damian Pinto ready to introduce them, it was time for the lass stage act of the night. Axwell and Ingrosso have joined forces again after the break of up Swedish House Mafia, whether they'll go onto the same success as they did when Steve Angello was still part of the group remains to be seen but they are heading in the right direction. Their set, although consisting a lot from their SHM days was phenomenal and for me having missed the SHM tour, sort of made up for it. Axwell, true to his nature grabbed the mic and got the crowd going, it was a great way to close off what has been an amazing 14 hours of music ecstasy. The crowd begged for more after their set seemed to have ended and they responded with probably their greatest SHM hit, "Dont you worry child" , an amazing fireworks display to end off saw the thousands that made their way to Nasrec that day leave with a massive smile on their face knowing that they were part of something special and already at the back of their mind, planning next years visit. 

Big thanks to Electric Music, AmpliconPR, Ultra South Africa and SMG Rocks for making this trip for me possible. See you guys next year for Ultra SA 2016!

Pet Shop Boys - LIVE in Durban

Yes you read right, popular 80's electronic pop duo the Pet Shop Boys are coming to Durban for a one night only concert that's going to blow your mind right back to the 1980's! Taking place this Friday at Peoples Park at the Moses Mabhida complex, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe are set to bring back some memories with some of their greatest hits. Having sold over 50 million records world wide, the two come in fresh from performing at the soldout Sonar events in both and Joburg and Cape Town. The show is set to be one of the best seen in SA in terms of cutting edge production design and creative direction, it forms part of their Electric 2014 world tour which has been sold out. 

Audiences will be please to note that Seed Productions, along with East Coast Radio have secured two of SA's best live acts to open for the Britsh Pop duo in Goodluck and Goldfish. Both need no introduction as they've also performed to sold out performances in recent months, also Goldfish have kicked off their summer Submerged Sundays at Shimmy Beach in Cape Town, so they are very sort after during December. Gates open at 6pm, with a a performance by local Durban DJ Coco Loco, followed by Goodluck and Goldfish before the Pet Shop Boys come in to end night off in spectacular fashion. 

Ticket Prices:
General: R495
VIP: R1295
(VIP tickets includes access to a viewing deck, marquee and seating area, bar with a selection of drinks, canapes, VIP Parking area and VIP entrance)
Tickets are available from webtickets.com

For more info on Pet Shop Boys Live in Durban, follow Seed Experiences on the following streams
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeedExperiences
Twitter: @SeedExperiences | #PetShopBoysDBN

Relive Ultra Music Festival Miami 2014

Probably the most antiscipated event from Ultra other than the music festival is the official release of their aftermovies. With Final Kid in charge of the mammoth task in creating the ultimate experience for fans around the world to relive the event, they have their work cutout with them having to make this years even better than the years before which was mind blowing! They're calling this video "a short movie" with the tag line "United We Dance" and is different from previous after movies with only one track featured in the entire 15 minute duration. Also they feature interviews with the various DJ's and some of the frequent fans that visit the festival. All in all it still is a damn good production, the added insights from the DJ's really give you a sense of what they're going through while performing for the masses and it just makes you want to be there, to experience it all! If theres one thing an Ultra After Movie does, it makes you want to attend the next one and this definitely does that, enjoy!

Ultra SA 2014 Aftermovie

Ultra South Africa came and went, it probably will be the biggest festival of its kind for the country and although it's over people all over were anticipating the aftermovie for the event. As always, the guys at Ultra use that talents of Final Kid for the filming, editing and production of the official aftermovie and year after year they do not disappoint. Brining us the best value in production you have ever seen and now they've done it for South Africa's event. They added a nice touch by interviewing the DJ's with much love coming from dutch DJ's Nicky Romero and Tiesto, they love the country and who wouldn't. Ultra will be back next year so get ready!

Ultra SA 2014

It feels so surreal, sad at the same time because it's over but glad to have experienced it and looking forward to what the future holds from South Africa and this great franchise. I've always been a massive fan of UMF and it's on my bucket list to visit the main party in Miami one day but with the current exchange rate drama it just wasn't feasible. Luckily though the guys at Electric Music heeded my and I'm sure many others call, after 2 years of planning and negotiating, Ultra South Africa became a reality. 

This past weekend saw the festival take place in Cape Town and Johannesburg, in what was the most anticipated music event in 2014, it did more than live up to expectations. With over 40 artists, 11 of which were DJ's that have been voted in the DJ Mag Top 100 charts, crowds were entertained to some of the finest music from some of the best in the business. I attended the Johannesburg leg which saw over 25,000 of the combined 40,000 from both shows take in the sounds and party from 12pm till just after 2am on Sunday morning. 

The variety on offer was quite impressive from the Nicci Beach stage that featured many of the local DJ's playing electro and house music, Soul Candi stage that had deep house and then the impressive main stage, which was HUGE! that featured all the head liners. The local contingent got things under way with the likes of Fresh and Euphonik, Rodger Goode and Goldfish warming the crowd up to what was to be an epic night. 

The first of the international line up was Blasterjaxx, with them being most known for their hit track faith, it was a great way for the crowd to experience what they were all about. The 17 year old wonder kid, Martin Garrix was next, with his new age sounds, his hit tracks Animals and Wizard sent the crowd into raptures. The kid isn't even old enough to drive, heck his dad was here to oversee proceedings and to see him on stage with such a presence was just mind blowing, it seems like he can do no wrong at the moment. 

The next performers was probably the ones I was most looking forward to seeing, ever since hearing them on ASOT 500, I was sold. Willem and Wardt bring a very different style of electronic dance music, with a more harder style sound but very catchy at the same time. If their own work isn't enough, their remixes of many hits by other DJ's just shows you their versatilely. Their remix of Zedd's clarity is still one of the best I've heard and was a firm favourite by the crowd as well. I do hope they tour again as a 1 hour set isn't enough of this talented duo, we want more!

Prior to UMF 2013 in Miami, many didn't even know about Krewella, what a difference a year makes as people could not wait for their set. The energy by the sisters on stage was incredible, their songs although becoming commercial is only a credit to their success and what they have achieved, if you think they killed it last year at UMF, be sure watch out for them at this years event in Miami as I was thoroughly impressed by their performance. 

A few years back when Steve Aoki toured SA, he brought with him at the time not very well known Nicky Romero, to my disappointed Nicky didn't make the Durban leg of that tour but as I expected he stole tbe show at the concert with many saying he was even better than Steve, which I don't find hard to believe, his talent is endless with almost all his productions being massive hits. He rocked Ultra SA with most of his top releases and remixes, there was no stopping him as he started off with his first chart topper Toulouse and just went on from there. He was definitely a  firm favourite with the crowd as some told me they were there just to see him!

Now after seeing such a stellar line up, dancing and jumping all day does get to you but suck it up, down another Red Bull because you still had 3 more to go! Alesso, who some feel should have been the 4th musketeer in the Swedish House Mafia came on soon after Nicky, his hit remix of One Republics "If I lose myself" was by far the crowds pick of his set. Afrojack formed part of the double header head liner, not really a fan of his recent stuff but as I told a friend, seeing him live made a difference and changed my perception about him. 

As you can imagine by the end of Afrojack's set, mine and I'm sure many others feet were ready to give up. It was 12:30am, it was cold, we were exhausted and quite frankly we should be heading home but no one moved towards the exit gates. Damian Pinto, the voice of Ultra came on stage to gee up the crowd for the final artist but he didn't have to. The man, the legend, Tiesto came on to a thunderous welcome from the crowd, kicking off his set with Pair of Dice, he went on to play some of his new work which included 'Take Me', 'Red Lights" and the new remix of John Legends 'All of me'. He has such a presence on stage, it's indescribable and he just knows how to keep the crowd going as he pushed out, mix after mix.

Halfway through his set the rest of the crew came on to join Tij on stage with Afrojack hoisting him up onto his shoulders with the help of South Africa's DJ Fresh. While up there Martin Garrix  hijacked the decks for a bit to spin his latest song, Helicopter, Tiesto soon got back on and then put Martin on his shoulders, all of them on stage at once, not sure if it's happened before but it was a sight to see! Tiesto then ended off his set with some classics of his, pick of the bunch had to be his remix of Deliriums Silence but hearing Adagio for strings for the first time live was an experience on its own! 

The show ended with a flurry of fireworks and all the artist waving the Ultra South Africa flags, Damian Pinto came on stage to thank the performing artists, the sponsors and the crowd. He let slip that this wont be a once off thing and from the response they got in Johannesburg, they might consider 2015 to be held over 2 days. This has been by far one of the best Ultra's outside the USA, the show on the whole was a great success and not only was the calibre of acts good but the sound and lighting to match. The production team can be pretty chuffed at what was accomplished and I'm sure they gave each other pats on the back when this was all finished. Everyone was suffering from depression on Monday with the reality that what we were once looking so forward to has now come and gone but boy was it worth it, till 2015!

PS, lookout for the after movie coming ;)

Monday Choon: Goldfish - Three Second Memory

Its the final countdown people! In just 10 days time we are going to experience something extraordinary with Ultra South Africa! Today's featured artist is major contributor to the dance/ electronica scene in SA and they have been making huge strides overseas. The duo of David Poole and Dominic Peters make up Goldfish whom fuse their melodies with pre-recorded sounds and live instruments during their sets. They made their Ultra debut last year in Miami and rocked the crowds, now they've been given the opportunity to do the same at Ultra SA, definitely one of the biggest local acts that will be playing at the festival so keep an eye out for them! Today's featured track from them is one of their latest offerings and has been doing well in the charts, here is Three Second Memory

Social Media Streams: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | SoundCloud

More info on Ultra South Africa:

Cape Town

14 February 2014

Ostrich Ranch

Johannesburg

15 February 2014

Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec

Tickets available from Computicket.

Monday Choon: Goldfish - Take back tomorrow

Goldfish are probably SA's biggest export of dance/ electronic music to the world. Their style is unique and they have many hooked to their beats. I've seen them perfom many a time including an invite only pool party in Durbs a few years back, everytime I see them Im left speechless by the talent. They tour overseas a lot and are regulars in Ibiza but this year they took their brand to a whole new level by representing South Africa in the biggest electronic music festival in the USA. Ultra Music Festival celebrated their 15th anniversary this year and Goldfish were invited to play, I havent seen footage but I heard they rocked Miami hard! Take back tomorrow was released back in January but its getting decently airplay now and is hanging around the Top 10 in the charts. Well deserved if you ask me.