Riaan Wolmarans
Just about every Gauteng venue with a bar and more than two chairs seems to be planning something big, usually with DJs and the inevitable fireworks.
The biggest outdoor bash will definitely be the African Renaissance Millennium Party at the Union Buildings. Performances by top artists Ringo Madlingozi, Dorothy Masuku and Mahube, Boom Shaka, the Mahotella Queens, Khanyo Maphumulo, Black Noise, a drum ensemble by Richard Carter and kwaito star E’Smile should liven up the government’s lawns for the night. Partygoers will also be treated to drumming, choirs, gumboot dancing, a performance by the Free Flight Dance Company and, of course, fireworks – at R75 (R35 for the kids).
Moving from the party for the people to events for the rich and famous, the Park Hyatt hotel heads up the night with various pricey options – dance and snack for R300, dance and eat for R1 000, or dance, eat and sleep for R2 500.
Dressed up in a more colourful way will be the thousands converging on the Electric Workshop in Johannesburg. The MTV Dreamscape 2000 event is set to be one of the biggest parties in Jo’burg, with two dance floors – house and disco- funk – and loads of special things to see, such as spaceships taking off, acrobats, pyrotechnic shows, glow-in-the- dark skydivers and the like. Giant TV screens will link up the party to others in New York, London and Paris.
While the young ‘uns are bopping away at the rave, their parents and elders can haul out the big cash for the MTN Sundome millennium bash – probably less raucous, but no less fun. For 12 hours there will be non-stop partying with appearances by Vicky Sampson, Ed Jordan, comedian John Vlismas, PJ Powers, Jennifer Jones and Family Factory.
We common types will pay R400 to get in (including a drinks voucher and party pack), but the rich and pretentious can show off their bank balances with the VIP options: R1 250 for a silver package or R1 500 for gold. This ensures private bars, drinks vouchers, a full buffet, champagne, snacks and a champagne breakfast, among other things.
More local talent is to be found in Krugersdorp, with a huge concert at the Bob van Reenen stadium. This concert, starting at 4pm and going on until 4am on January 1, has a killer line-up with Iyaya, Abashante, Arthur, Mdu, Boom Shaka, Brenda Fassie and TKZee getting down and seeing out the old year along with their fans.
Gay clubs are hiring extra champagne glasses. In Johannesburg, trendy club Therapy kicks off the night with disco for the divas, before swinging into the best dance floor tunes of the past year – the event is called, in true decadent Therapy fashion, Sextravaganza. Other gay clubs are planning swanky black-tie evenings for all the beautiful boys and girls.
But if the city lights are too bright and the fireworks too loud, pack a tent and head for Rustler’s Valley. This rustic festival venue near Ficksburg in the Free State has been hosting New Year’s Eve parties for the past five years, and this year’s celebration focuses on world music with an African flavour – a viable alternative for those who want to see in the new millennium in a more profound and spiritual way.
Performing live on New Year’s Eve will be Absolute Zero, Gito Baloyi, Mozambican Grupo Timbila de Zavala, Afro-fusion outfit Vusi Mkhize and Sakhula, and traditional African band Umgqumo weAfrica, among others. DJ Niki Blumenfeld from Khaya FM and others will also be playing. – With additional reporting by Nalisha Kalideen, Ann Eveleth and Khadija Magardie