Music

AFRIKABURN IS NOT A MUSIC FESTIVAL

In the spirit of self-expression, there’s every kind of music at our main annual event in the Tankwa Karoo – but in case you were under the impression that ours is a music festival, here’s the reality: it’s definitely not, but there is music, of all kinds. Some of it is soft and dainty, intimate or delicate. Some of it is loud, large and can go on for a long time. You determine what is going to be played, and how. It’s your way of expressing yourself. No one genre of music dominates this festival – if you’re a cellist or play the sax and are concerned you’ll be out of place, don’t worry – every kind of music is welcome.

If you have an idea, you don’t need approval – just go ahead and bust a nut. There are a few rules like safety and respecting others, but not a lot.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Anything goes. But if you’re not making a positive contribution, your fellow citizens will let you know about it. If you’re banging on a big system at 4am, there had better be a big crowd or you’re sure to piss people off. Sound Out Of Place, SOOP, is seriously anti-social. There’s a time to party and there’s a time to sleep. And there’s a place to party. Respect your neighbours. It’s the right thing to do.

If you plan to bring a sound system for any kind of party, please Register a Theme Camp, Artwork, Mutant Vehicle or Performance – whichever is applicable.

One of the core principles of AfrikaBurn is that of radical self-reliance, which means that unlike other events, there’s no ‘main stage’ with stages with headliner DJs and live bands. Rather, you create the show – so try and hook up with other musicians to share equipment or join up with a theme camp to provide a vibe, or add music to other installations. Get some friends. Get a band. Get a sound system. Get a guitar. Get on the mic. Get involved!

Lastly, a note to DJ’s: you’re welcome to play anything you like, and it’s likely that you’ll find many sound camps and stages willing to host your performance. On very important point to remember is that because AfrikaBurn is not a music festival

  NO DJ LINEUPS OR SCHEDULES ARE EVER PROMOTED OR RELEASED

Please bear that in mind – and don’t promote your sets or schedule. One of our event’s primary principles is the idea of immediacy: promoting and announcing your performance beforehand undermines the serendipity that makes the experience of our event so special, and so very different from others.