Hot On Top #RediscoverJozi Exclusive: Chris De Vos
Hot On Top is excited to welcome Chris De Vos to the lineup for the first #RediscoverJozi event. Chris is a friend of ours and the creator of the much loved Sexy Groovy Love festival. We first met Chris on a festival dancefloor over 5 years ago. Today, we are both bringing out our favorite internationals to play at South African events and festivals, so we sat down for a catch up.
HOT: Hi Chris, thanks for chatting to us. You recently returned from a 5 week trip in Europe. Was it for work, play or a bit of both?
Chris: It was most definitely for a bit of both – I am a firm believer in work hard, play hard! I went to two very different but both inspiring festivals when I was in Europe. The first one was Wilderness in the UK and then the second was BOOM Festival in Portugal, which was one of the best experiences I have had in my life. I still have the armband on – clearly I am struggling to let go 😉
HOT: We both share a passion for attending good parties, just as much as we like hosting them. What are the things that make an event stand out for you?
Chris: Care, passion and love! It is very easy to start a Facebook event, rent a sound system, find a space and book some DJ’s. I always look to see if the team went the extra mile and if there was some thought put in.
HOT: What inspired you to start a music festival, and why the name Sexy Groovy Love?
Chris: Music was probably the main driver but then everything else that comes with creating something special took over. We now thrive on building sets, creating beautiful spaces and finding incredible venues!
So the name haha! Well the name definitely draws attention but it wasn’t ever about drawing attention. Sexy and Groovy are two of my favourite words, which I use to describe many things such as people, music and experiences. And love, well love is what brings us all together and is something the world can definitely do with a bit more of 🙂 We put the words together and thought it represented what we want to create.
HOT: With many emerging festivals coming to the forefront in Cape Town, what set Sexy Groovy Love apart from other day-festivals?
Chris: Yes, there are many new outdoor boutique style festivals and parties coming to the Cape Town market, which I look at as positive. The entertainment scene is very strong and continues to grow. There is something for everyone and all the competition continues to push the organisers to do more and think ‘out the box’.
We will just continue doing what we do, at the standard and level that we are known for, and most importantly focus on our own brand! If you haven’t been before then you are going to have to come to see what sets us apart form the rest 😉
HOT: When it comes to your sound as DJ, what can we expect from your sets?
Chris: DJing was never something that I intentionally wanted to pursue but instead it is something that just happened. After playing at the first few SGL’s, I was quite taken aback when I was invited to join other line ups and share stages with some top acts, local and international.
I like to think that I am versatile and adapt my sound to the time I am playing as well as the line up around me. At the end of the day, I just want to share the music and artists that I love.
HOT: This will be the first time that we have the pleasure of hosting you at one of our events, ahead of a very hot Summer in Jozi. With Sexy Groovy Love (1 Oct) and H.O.T Day Out (5 Nov) around the corner. What excites you most about coming to Joburg?
Chris: I love the people, atmosphere and energy of Joburg! I have many good friends there and I am very lucky to continuously be making new ones. The 1st of October will be our fourth SGL in Joburg and the crowds that have attended the past three events have been awesome – full of energy, no bullsh*t and beautiful!
This is my first time playing at a H.O.T event which excites me. I love seeing new concepts, new venues and meeting new people.
HOT: We look forward to having you join us in Joburg, Chris! Any last shout outs to your Joburg crew ahead of the event?
Chris: Thank you so much for the invitation and having me. I am really looking forward to it. I love the venue and am excited to see this new part of it. I will see you all on the dance floor 🙂
HOT: Thanks and see you at #RediscoverJozi.
