Many local stars are popping up and taking South Africa’s unique style of music to the world. And, of course, making our country proud is the DJ duo Surreal Sessions from Cape Town, who will be representing South Africa on a worldwide stage.
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With humble beginnings the duo started ten years ago in a bedroom with their craft. Now the Cape Town DJ duo Surreal Sessions, made up of Jodie Williams(24) and Liam Bowers(24) will be heading to Amsterdam in November for the international Boiler Room Music Festival.
The pair met when they attended Bellville Technical High School and together studied sound engineering at Cape Audio College. Their interest in sound engineering was intrigued when they watched videos of electronic dance music festivals like Tomorrowland.
“We chose to take it seriously when we met Aurgil Legolie, who taught us the ins and outs of how to be a DJ. If it were not for him, then we would never have been where we are today. We owe so much of our success to his help,” Bowers said.
To represent South Africa on an international stage is an honour for Surreal Sessions.
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“We’ve achieved everything we set out to do thus far, but it’s crazy to think this started in a bedroom in Kuilsriver ten years ago,” explained Williams.
The festival started in the underground music scene of London in 2010 and has since held events in 100 cities worldwide. Surreal Sessions first had a taste of the Boiler Room experience when it came to Cape Town in 2019, but this will be their first time playing abroad, reports IOL.
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According to Williams, this opportunity was made possible through a genre collaboration with the Boiler Room.
“It’s called Third Space, it is when producers and artists from different parts of the world see how they can connect,” William added.
He explained how they produce their unique sound, saying:
“We chose to mix gqom with dance hall and used certain elements to create a new sound for this festival.”
Bowers said they were manifesting an opportunity to play overseas and have been trying to play abroad for some time.
“It feels amazing to be acknowledged for your craft and achieve your goals,” said Bowers.
The DJ duo believes that this will open doors for other brands and DJs in Cape Town, saying: “We want to take clothing brands from Cape Town with us, to show the world what we have to offer.”
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In future, Surreal Sessions wants to focus on creating more music that might one day see them win a Grammy award.
“We want to take each gig as it comes. We want to knock it out of the park with the Boiler Room and take it from there,” concludes Bowers.
How can you support?
Sign up for ticket access and updates here: https://festival.boilerroom.tv/ and check the full programme here.
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Picture: Unsplash