A Night to Remember... An Introduction to Organic Live

Organic Live has set the backdrop of some of most thrilling experiences I have had in Grahamstown. From their Arcade Edition event that transformed the Settlers Monument into a rave playhouse to their latest Astro Edition event that set the stage under a sky full of stars; their events have truly been an amazing and unique experience!

As we all ambled into the minibus, I felt a hint of adrenaline rush through me as I took in the excited atmosphere in the bus and the stunning festival-style outfits, make up and costumes. As we drove towards the Tunnels, through some parts of dense semi-arid safari vegetation I became sceptical, but nothing could have prepared me for the amazing night ahead.

Three old brick-baking towers, lit up by colourful LED’s, framed a field of wild grass, some benches, massive raging bonfires and three different stages. Columns of bright lights adorn the side of an old mine dump, leading us as we walk up a curving path towards the Mars Stage.

A taupe white tent reaches for the sky and shines a bright red light onto the sandy Martian plateau beneath a crowd of dancing feet. As the crowd thins towards the darkened top strata’s of the hill, a view of the lights of the town sparkle in the distance.

At the base of the hill, black lights shine, lighting up a tent of psychedelic tapestries. As I enter into the Trance Stage patterns swirl upon the tent walls in iridescent colours, and unique pieces of luminous clothing glow among the vibrant crowd.

A large extending cylinder appears to be sticking out of the ground opposite the Trance Stage with a Hobbit-esque entrance nestled in its side. I enter onto a long semi-circular tunnel, its walls teeming with flamboyant graffiti tags and wall art. The murals create a kaleidoscope as I spin and dance within the crowd.

The night slows into an intimate buzz as I lay aside the largest raging hearth of bonfire. It glows orange as people create a tight-knit ring around its vast warmth and settle into comfortable conversations and silence.

As I wait for the bus to take us back to campus, my legs cramp from the hours of dancing. I give in to the temptation to sink to the floor, as we lay side by side and stare at the stars.

Whether it’s a night under the stars, an arcade rave in Monument or a mini festival at the Tunnels, Organic Live has strived to provide unique experiences and events just for you, and you, and you!

Since the very first Organic Live event in September 2017 till the last event before Lockdown, Astro Edition, Organic Live has aimed to create an alternative genre of night life where everyone can be themselves, listen to the more abstract genres of music they like and meet like-minded people.

According to Organic Live executives, events have always been about allowing people to rely on Organic for a night full of ineffable adventures filled with unique and interesting places, new and familiar faces, and a fresh atmosphere that you can find nowhere else. OL aspires to fill the gaps and niches that commercial night life misses, thus creating spaces where different people and their diverse music tastes can be accommodated and appreciated, while showcasing some of the best local talent and the diversity of the people who attend.

Yet Organics’ mission to Shift the Culture does not only extend to creating this new culture around their events, they also want to shift the culture to include our uniquely South African diversity in music and innovation, to give opportunity and recognition to its unique sounds, styles, art, music and words, and thus they are introducing the Organic Live website and podcast.

They aim for this new online event to add value to people’s lives, broaden peoples perspectives and act as a catalyst to the change. Organic wishes to amplify our local flavour, and create communal space where people are encouraged to try and stretch their creativity, contribute to the conversations and inspire possibility.

They comment fondly that despite all the crazy hours, lost sleep, lost shoes, lost keys (“A ‘Lost and Found’ Festival”, one jokes), missing arcade machines, slight chaos and doubts, creating a sense of belonging, an Organic culture, is rewarding. The challenges have not stopped them from defying the odds, and exceeding expectations as they create the events that have continued to grow the Organic Live community.

The executives and teams are dedicated to the Organic Live vision, to shift the culture, and hope to inspire you as much as you inspire them.