Greg Bowes: Desert Storm rave
Just past the gate to Verneuk Pan is a sign that reads No Mans Land. After spending a bewildering afternoon in the scorching heat there, one begins to understand why. The extreme weather provided most of the talking points at this years Desert Storm party and can be blamed for curtailing a lot of folks festivities, but the blame for the poor turnout must rest squarely on the shoulders of the organisers.
None of the live acts promised materialised; there was one international (and not widely known) name topping the DJ bill. The rest were South African and most didnt pitch (perhaps because they werent being paid?). Despite seemingly substantial sponsorship from M-TV there wasnt much daytime entertainment.
There was plenty of sweat and very little glamour. The pan itself all horizontal and mirage-ridden is quite something, but the sizzling sun makes it far too dangerous to appreciate at a leisurely stroll. And when its 40o in the shade or blowing up a storm youve got to give your punters some sort of distraction.
As temperatures mount and shade becomes imperative, tents hosted by 206 and Solid Records provide the solution. In the Solid tent UK hip-hoppers The Runaways are a revelation as Joe 2000 puts on a turntable show that goes beyond agility into pure inspiration. His scratching is quick and tight and he entrances the underdressed crowd with a freesyle selection where Malcolm McLaren and futuristic drumnbass tumble gloriously together. Later that evening he teams up with partner AJ Kwame for a four-deck assault on the main stage.
Theyre followed by Cape Towns Sublime crew of deejays, who are world class. Apex winds up the revellers with authentic sounding beats boomed from his mouth into the mike, before swooping into paralysing bass. Danja and Pace continue dropping superb breakbeat bombs.
The wind plays havoc with proceedings on Friday, but eventually the DJ booth is sheltered enough for needle to stay on vinyl and John Borrego, Gerard Bolson and Mike Dog put on a hugely impressive display of perfectly mixed party techno that has the arena jumping.
Desert Storm can be one hell of a party when the sun goes down and has the potential to be Africas wildest dance music showcase and a fabulous festival. But it needs to be approached with more attention to detail.
There was little here that couldnt be seen in Joburg or Cape Town clubs on a decent weekend and a rave, even if it is in one of the most astounding venues in the world, is still just a rave.