WITH summer in full swing, partygoers can expect some of the hottest outdoor festivals in the next few weeks. Electronic dance music fans had better get their dancing shoes ready as the dance camp music festival Fun in the Sun (FITS) takes place on Friday at the Hazelmere Dam.
Now in its sixth year, FITS has grown to become known as one of Durban’s biggest outdoor electronic dance music festivals. And it’s no surprise as the line-up each year has been explosive. This year, the phenomenal electronic dance group Goldfish are the headlining act, along with Dutch artist and producer Bakermat.
They will be supported by 40 DJs on three stages, including Pascal & Pearce, Niskerone, Veranda Panda, Haezer, Slim Beats, Icarus, Amigo, Matthew Bryson and many more.
Hailing from Cape Town, talented drum and bass DJ Niskerone (aka Mark Stevens – pictured) is looking foward to playing at Hazelmere Dam.
“I’m so excited. I’ve had some great times playing there in the past. Durban is one of my favourite crowds in South Africa.
“I play there regularly. What I love about Durban is that the people are always so fascinated about new stuff that they hear.”
Explaining his style of DJing, Niskerone says he specialises in bass music with high-energy mixing. “I just want to make people happy with my music. I really love doing it. It’s about sharing the music that I love and having the opportunity to do that.”
Performing across the globe, Niskerone has worked with international artists ranging from Pendulum, Busta Rhymes, and The Bloody Beetroots to DJ Fresh (UK) and Skrillex.
He also had the opportunity to interview the American electronic musician and singer-songwriter Skrillex when he toured South Africa.
Niskerone chatted to Skrillex as part of a Bridges for Music Workshop in Langa and joined him on stage on his Mothership SA Tour in Cape Town earlier this year.
“That was really cool, man. He is such a nice guy and he’s very interesting as well. We started connecting about two years ago when we played at a gig together. We got along really well.
“In South Africa, it was an interesting experience. Of the top electronic dance music artists, he’s one of the most interesting and nicest that I’ve ever met.”
Niskerone says he worked on his EP, Lost Memories, released earlier this year, with partner SFR.
“We’ve been partners since day one. We met about 10 years ago. We’ve never really made music together, so after all this time, we thought, ‘Hey, why have we not done so?’
“That’s how this EP happened and it’s about a way back to our roots. It showcases our style and where we come from. The people who know us and have seen us perform over the years and who will listen to that EP will understand where that comes from.”
Niskerone says he’s amped to share his new music with Durban crowds at FITS.
“There’s going to be a lot of activity, high energy, more vocals and lots of bass. I’ve wanted to share my new music with you guys for a while now and I can’t wait.”
• Catch FITS at Hazelmere Dam, Verulam Canelands, on Friday. Gates open 6am. Tickets R220-R250 at Computicket.