RAGE Festival 2015, now in it’s 11th year, did not fail to deliver a week long, non-stop dance music experience to Ragers in the beautiful city of Durban, South Africa.
This year proved to be bigger and better in terms of international and local artists, lighting, stage and effects. Everyday of the event was themed differently, therefore one can experience a different side of the RAGE experience. You have the choice to take your pick of which days tickle your fancies or you can just be greedy and have it all. It doesn’t matter, you will still love every minute.
The Sound Factory venue of this year’s RAGE showcased 3 stages which provided something for everybody’s musical tastes. Whether you’re into the upbeat, happy sounds of mainstream, an urban junkie or into the darker, deeper sounds, RAGE provided all of these. The RAGE Cave, aka mainstage, hosted international djs such as DVBBS, Paris Blohm, Pep & Rash, Mike Williams as well as many local favourites. All of your favourite big tunes were found here. Amazing stage and graphics, pyrotechnics and loads of lasers gave the cave the perfect club like atmosphere in a festival format. Big ups to the tech guys for doing a brilliant job. I found myself bouncing around from stage to stage, absorbing all of the music I could so I can’t give you an exact description of each set at each stage, its something you simply must experience for yourself.
The Bass Bin showcased urban hip hop sounds with a touch of trap. If you’re a bass lover like me, then this is the perfect dancefloor to get poppin’ and lockin’ to.
By far my favourite stage was Beat Burra. I’m attracted to the dark side, so this stage satisfied my underground music addiction. By far the most diverse stage at the fest. You can find anything from drum ‘n bass to psytrance, techno, deep house, jackin’ house. Basically everything darker and not included at the other 2 stages. The stage hosted international acts – Billy Kenny, Rocky, Protonica, Stimming and N’to.
RAGE Festival’s main concern is always the attendees well being in addition to their entertainment factor, they have also provided ample transport systems to and from the event. Various transport routes all the way from Ballito to Durban have been provided via RAGE Rail, RAGE Shuttles and partnering with massive transport company – Uber Cabs. At the festival itself, Ragers were able to seek medical assistance if they happened to have had too much to drink. You can go in the demarcated medical area and get some help sobering up. In terms of facilities, everything was well provided for, with ample bars, a food court, atms, merchandise stalls courtesy of sponsors – Samsung, Cell C, Guess etc.
Rage Festival 2015 was successfully and professionally pulled off, showing so much potential to become much bigger and better. You can dance, you can chill out, you can Rage, whatever you feel like doing, you have to experience it for yourself. I highly recommend you attend the next Rage Festival. Make memories of a lifetime in South Africa, I guarantee you will be back for more.
All images courtesy – Tamaryn Reid photography
