IN Durban, there’s no such thing as too many beach parties. It’s one of those gigs people never get tired of. So partygoers will be glad to know that one of South Africa’s biggest beach parties, Aquafest, will be making its first appearance for 2014 this weekend.
Going down on Saturday at Durban New Beach, the 12-hour party features local and international acts. Last year 12 000 people attended, so if this is anything to go by you can expect a rocking time at this year’s event.
Asian-born Celeste Siam, who is now a resident of Ibiza, will be gracing our sunny shores. She will be playing alongside DJs Pukka and DJ Carl Cox. Other local DJs on the bill include Euphonik, DJ Fresh, Deon G, Dino Bravo, Mark Stent, DJ Waggs, DJ Monstrosity and more.
Tonight caught up with DJ Monstrosity who is ecstatic about playing at Aquafest: Aquafest was my first big event in 2012. I was told I was playing main stage and it was great. At every Aquafest, everyone is thrilled and there’s a whole vibe. So who wouldn’t be excited to play for a crowd of this magnitude.”
Hailing from a family with a musical background, DJ Monstrosity says the entertainment industry was always a part of his life: “I felt music always brought people together. I always liked to do it and at the age of 13 I found out what it entails. I didn’t know any technical aspects so I started researching and learning what I could from the resources I had. Then my parents bought me a single system and I practised for eight months and I eventually got support from lots of people in my venture. Then I bought my new system and started practising every day for a year-and-a-half.”
The DJ says his sound is technical as opposed to just basic mixing.
“I prefer to change a song to keep it interesting. It’s more technical d-jing. I prefer to bring in my own style with a blend of commercial music, otherwise the crowd gets lost. This way it makes people more open to other genres.”
• Catch Aquafest at Durban New Beach on Saturday from 2pm-2am. Tickets R175 general access and R300 VIP, at Computicket. Visit www.aquafestsa.co.za