Durban Beach Festival 2015

In it's 4th year running, the annual Durban Beach Fest is back for 2015, last week during an intimate briefing, organisers have confirmed that this years festival is a go and promised to have a star studded line up for the event. This years ultimate summer celebration will be taking place at the Sunkist Beach, Durban on Saturday the 28th of November 2015.

Durban Beach Festival which is powered by Gagasi FM and Hunters is the place to be, with over 3000 people expected to attend and some of South Africa's hottest talent on offer, it's definitely one not to be missed. Organisers have pulled out all the stops to ensure that the festival will  have a safe party environment, superb hospitality and entertainment. 

"Now in its fourth consecutive year, the annual Beach Festival has seen great success over the past three years and we look forward to another amazing festival. This year together with the event organisers, we went bigger and better to usher in December in true Durban style. With over 30 talented artists from across the country, we at Gagasi are once again proud to be behind such a popular initiative, further encouraging local tourism in the province, Woza Durban!" - Khulelani Shandu (Gagasi FM)

The line-up includes:

HIP HOP - AKA, DaLES, Dreamteam and Yanga

DANCE - DJ Tira, Zakes Bantwini, Proffesor, DJ Cndo, DJ Zinhle and Bongz

GAGASI - King Sifiso, DJ Vumar, Junior Da Rocka, DJ Mario, DJ Sonic and DJ Le Soul

NEW SCHOOL - Aewonwolf, Shekinah, Breeze and NastyC

LOCAL - DJ Feel, Benny Maverick, JnrB, Meech, Og, Touch of Soul and Nag

MC's - Mzokoloko, Nomalanga, Thandolwethu, Kini Shandu, Khaya Dlala and Thedeka Zulu(Uzalo)

There are still more artists to be announced with some big names due to be released so stay tuned for more closer to the event! Tickets are available at Computicket, with general tickets at R120 and VIP selling for R350. 

Monday Choon: Ultra Miami 2015 Aftermovie

I've always been a big fan of the aftermovies produced by Final Kid for the Ultra festivals, they always seem to manage to blend the right amount of production, special effects and music to give one the feeling like they were present at the event. Which is why I was left a bit disappointed last year when they ditched their normal style and broke the movie up with interviews of people and DJ's. Don't get me wrong, I love to hear what they have to say about the festival but for me the Aftermovie is about experiencing what was Ultra in that 10 or so minutes, giving the viewer that sense of fomo and euphoria at the same time and I'm glad that they realised this as this years aftermovie they have reverted back to the usual style, just mind blowing production with some of the sickest beats merged into a video that will make you itch to fly to Miami for next years event. Final Kid are the geniuses again behind this epic video and they out did themselves again, you can view it in 4K and yes while it is bandwidth thirsty, trust me, it is worth it. Miami is the ultimate party, they can be Ultra's in many countries, tomorrowlands, electric carnivals you name but this still remains the number EDM party of the world and this video is proof of it. They used a wide range of electronic music in the video, starting off mellow and ending with the hard trance, it is nothing short of epic!

                    

Ultra 2015 - Official Aftermovie

The memories of Ultra 2015 still linger on like it was just yesterday even though the event was 3 months ago, that is the magnitude of the festival that wowed crowds both in Cape Town and Johannesburg. This week organizers of Ultra South Africa released the much anticipated Aftermovie, produced by legends Final Kid and available in 4K! Watch as Martin Garrix takes you through his story behind ultra, all while reliving Ultra 2015 in quad HD, if you missed the video, we have it for you below and at the end don't miss the special message pertaining to next years event.

                    

Every year Ultra aim to please crowds by bringing in the hottest and biggest names in electronic dance music to our shores and this year was no different but from the time the festival ended in the early hours of February 15th in Joburg, there were loads behind the scenes already beginning work on next years event. Its going to be bigger and better with the schedule changing a bit by Joburg getting to host the event before Cape Town and the big news is that the Joburg leg will be over 2 days! From the 26th of February 2016, 3 days of EDM madness will engulf the country with the final leg being in Cape Town at a new venue, the River Club on the 28th of February 2016. 

From what we've witnessed over the past 2 years, there little doubt that next years is going to be yet another unforgettable experience. Pre-registration for early bird tickets has opened on the website, so make sure you get your details in now to stand a chance to get your hands on the first batch of tickets that go on sale on the 30th of June next week! 

For more information:

Website: www.ultrasouthafrica.com
Facebook: UltraSouthAfrica
Twitter: @UltraSA
Instagram: ultrasouthafrica

2014 as it was

It's the last day of 2014, feels like it was just the other day I was typing out my 2013 post. The year has really flown by, even though it was a pretty eventful one. We've had everything this year, from planes disappearing, murderers walking free, our parliament falling into chaos and not forgetting our Presidents retirement house. Some how each of these events affected us in some way but like I always do in this post, I look at the positives and try to take that into the new year hoping for the same or better.

For me, the year has been a mixed one. While I got to do awesome things, attended brilliant events and parties, drive some damn fine cars and seen parts of the country no one has seen before, I lost my gran at the age of 93. At the time everyone kept saying she had a good innings. Be that as it may, she was always a part of my life from the time I was born so there will be a massive void there now.  But she was a great woman who taught us a lot and it's that memories I will cherish.

The year kicked off with one of the biggest EDM events SA has ever seen, Ultra SA was a resounding success with capacity crowds at both venues. Local and international DJ's wowed the revellers with the best in EDM and Dance music, with some of the biggest names in the industry present.  With the positive feedback, Ultra announced that it will be back in SA in 2015 with another two shows for Cape Town and Joburg, early bird tickets being sold out already. Keep an eye out for the next phase of ticket sales.

As I said earlier, this year I got the chance to drive some damn fine cars. As always a big thanks to BMW South Africa for the test fleet, allowing me to give you guys first hand experiences behind the wheel of their latest cars. My favourite car from all I've driven this year from BMW is a tough one as they all were pretty great but if I were forced to choos e, it would have to be the X5 5.0 M Sport. It's size, power and handling were something to behold. I also got to attend my first proper car launch this year with Toyota SA at the Etios Cross launch and Mini SA with the 5 Door Mini hatch launch. Both were great fun but also tiring with the one day fly in and outs. And to add a cherry to the top, I got to ride in a Lamborghini Huracan in my recent visit to Cape Town!

Recently I also decided to bite the bullet and start a new feature on the blog,  an idea given to me by a late friend. At the time I thought there wasn't much to write about but of recent Durban is getting some great places that are different from the normal, to go hangout at, have a drink with mates and enjoy great tasting food. And so the Bucket Scene was born,  I will try my best to bring you some of Durbans  hidden gems and must visit spots, so be on the lookout for more.

Haven't had much time to travel for pleasure and lesuire this year but when I have,  Togo Sun made sure I did it in style with them accomodating me in many of their awesome establishments. I look forward bringing you more of the best that they have to offer in 2015.

In terms of things in technology,  I'm glad to have picked up and made relations with Samsung and LG this year,  added to Nokia and Microsoft we will take a first hand look at their latest mobile devices. As mobile/ smartphones are becoming such an integral part of our everyday lives,  it's good to see how they all compare to one another to find out which one is best suited to the user.

And not forgetting one of the most popular features on the blog, the Bucket Babe. I've featured some of the most beautiful woman from the  land and will continue to scoure the country for the hottest ladies that are trying to break through onto the big stage. 

Thanks again for your support during 2014 as its you, my readers that make things possible for me and this blog. I wish you all a safe New Years Eve and a great 2015!