From Psychedelic Traveller

The Republic of South Africa, also known by other official names, is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa. The South African coast stretches 2,798 kilometres (1,739 mi) and borders both the Atlantic and Indian oceans. To the north of South Africa lie Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, to the east are Mozambique and Swaziland, while the Kingdom of Lesotho is an independent enclave surrounded by South African territory. South Africa is known for its diversity in cultures, languages, and religious beliefs, and eleven official languages are recognised in its constitution. English is the most commonly spoken language in official and commercial public life, however it is only the fifth most spoken home language. South Africa is ethnically diverse, with the largest Caucasian, Indian, and racially mixed communities in Africa. Although 79.6% of the South African population is Black, this category is neither culturally nor linguistically homogeneous, as people within this classification speak a number of different Bantu languages, nine of which have official status. Midyear 2007, the South African population was estimated at 47.9 million.

History

Psy-trance found its way to South Africa in the mid-1990s – coming from a delicate background, we are very open to, and accepting of all cultures and are proud of how far we have come as a developing nation in a relatively new democracy. In Cape Town, with the skyline dominated by our famous Table Mountain, we have an extremely eclectic and friendly bunch of trancers, which creates a great vibe at the parties. There is a good following locally and it is common to get 6000 people at bigger outdoor festivals. The scene has spread to the cities of Johannesburg and Durban, but Cape Town remains the place to visit if you love psy.

[2009] Towards 2010 FIFA World Cup in SOUTH AFRRICA

written by Mad Hatter

With the buildup to next year's soccer extravaganza, South Africa is constructing enormous stadiums, later to become available for music festivals - our outdoor Psytrance scene has grown so much that we look forward to having them. During the event, visiting trancers can expect extra parties in Cape Town, “Africa's Psytrance capital”, especially for their enjoyment.

In the last year, we were blessed to have Absolum, Anestetic, Highko (and the Noisy Radicals crew twice!), Kinzadza, Logic Bomb, Mr Peculiar, Phatmatix, Psyfly, Rastaliens and many, many more playing here. Our destination has become an international favourite: visitors have an awesome time and the exchange rate is exceptionally good (entrance to parties from under 2 Euros!). With a unique, youthful dance-floor energy and perfect weather for 8 months of summer (Sept – April), we've become a trancer's paradise, growing and evolving every year, having earned our new status of “World Trance Centre”.

South African Psytrance talent continues to be in high demand all over the globe and includes Artifakt, Brethren, Broken Toy, Damage, Frozen Ghost, Headroom, Lost & Found, Protoculture, Regan, Shift, Slug, The Jester and Zion Linguist. Local record labels include Amoeba, Nano (who hold the annual Earthdance and Origin festivals), Nexus Media, One Foot Groove and Timecode. Other labels staging outdoor parties include Alien Safari, Beartrap, Groovy Troopers (now 10 years old), MMD, The Village and Vortex (SA's 1st in 1994), all based in Cape Town; also Lightworx in Durban and Redeye/Technotribe/Fucha in Johannesburg.

The recently released “Under the African Sky” DVD examines the first 10 years of Psytrance in South Africa and includes precious party footage and interviews with those involved since the early days, available for just 12 Euros from Call-A-Pizza (see below).

Outdoor parties are held almost every weekend during summer, with few overlaps, and offer an amazing vibe, always complimented by our visitors. During the week, especially in winter, many indoor clubs host Psytrance evenings, including Psystorm @ Babbaloo's and Psychoduidelik @ Rhino Room on Wednesdays, and Psynopticz @ BangBang on Thursdays. Underground outdoor “squat” parties are held regularly by MINDMELT. Any time of the year you visit, there will be something psy happening!

Call-A-Pizza in Sea Point, owned by partners Yolanda and the writer Ricky (aka DJ Mad Hatter), sells more local Psytrance CDs and DVDs than any other outlet (all at cost price) and stocks the world's biggest range (over 100 titles). Party tickets, transport, flyers, directions and other info is available (as well as the best pizzas), and the latest party videos are shown. If you visit, mention this article for a free drink with us!