Words by Liz Dom

Alchemy refers to a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination. What better term to describe a festival spanning three nights, evolving into four due to popular demand and culminating in a group metamorphosis of body, mind and soul.

You always see the same faces at these music events; a band of brothers and sisters who unite for one purpose: To indulge in dope beats and let rhythm and the senses take over.

In a way, it’s like coming home.

That’s what Kool Out’s intention is – to create a home, a space of safety and sharing for music lovers of Hip Hop, Funk and Jazz.

Having hosted unforgettable parties in both of South Africa’s major cities, Cape Town and Johannesburg, Kool Out assembled their team, once more, to bring the vibe to Jozi for a three-night festival of the world’s top international and local music acts.

Of course, none of this can be done alone, which is why Kool Out’s got a team of expert individuals making sure everything goes down smoothly. The team consists out of Akio ‘DJ I.D’ Kawahito, an internationally recognised DJ and Kool Out’s Creative Director, Banesa Molauoa Tseki, Events Coordinator & Creative Producer, Verdine ‘P-Kuttah’ Petersen, Events Coordinator and Sizwe ‘Reason’ Moeketsi, the man with the plan; an artist and Content Conceptualiser.

A power-packed team of four, pulling off events of an international quality, rivalling most parties.

And so, it begun on an unassuming Thursday night, with Mick Jenkins playing to a sold-out audience, supported by other acts such as DJ Speedsta, Akio, Konsider Kush, Ginger Breadman, Reason and Zakes Mixmaster, Alchemy Fest kicked off in style at the Tennis Club.

When we say sold out, we mean SOLD. OUT. So sold out, in fact, that fans of Mick Jenkins begged and pleaded for another show. Their wish was Kool Out’s command and so another performance was scheduled for the coming Tuesday.

But first, Low End Theory, which pulled a loyal crowd of both the legendary club’s fans, as well as supporters of the club’s famous DJs: DJ Nobody, Daddy Kev, D-Styles and Teebs.

Unfortunately Gaslamp Killer couldn’t make it, much to the lament of a super-fan who told anyone waiting for a drink about the history of Low End Theory and why their contribution’s been so instrumental to the scene’s success.

For those who don’t know, Low End Theory’s a club in the “City of Angels”, hosting parties every Wednesday night with resident DJs, previously mentioned. This club’s become synonymous with underground, raw it-culture and hosts parties from New York to Tokyo.

Low End Theory’s Johannesburg edition was nothing short of its international counterparts bringing an infectious energy to Industry, leading people to sway and turn up until the early AM hours, supported by local legends such as DJ Danger Ingozi, Yanoss, Fly Machine Sessions, Daev Martin, Buli and Kool Out’s own Akio.

With two nights down of killer parties, you’d think Joburg would be sleeping? Nope. As it turns out, Tom Misch draws quite a crowd. The Good Luck Bar was PACKED. Of course, it helps when you’re backed by a stellar line-up. Local acts included Leeu, Akio, Kid Fondue, Micr. Pluto, Tha Cutt and STTA.

It’s safe to say that people lost their sh*t, to use the parlay of the times: With a build-up hyping the crowd to peak exhilarance, by the time Tom Misch took to the stage, everyone was ready. Space was overflowing with bodies in rhythm, spilling drinks and shouts of delight.

But wait! There’s more. After a two day break and a well-deserved rest, Mick Jenkins and acts such as Akio, Speedsta, Ginger Trill, Reason and P-Kuttah were set to tear up the stage again, and so they did. Let it be known: love was spread and water was drunk!

A festival like this, of an international quality and music that speaks across divides, wouldn’t be possible without organisers such as Kool Out, who actively and openly celebrate a progressive culture in art, where it’s about music, forming the continuous beating heart of a body of people looking to connect, let go and enjoy what the beat has to offer.

That’s why Alchemy Fest, a four-venue international music festival on the surface, presents something deeper. It presents a community, a shared haven and a space to connect based on the universality of music and the euphoria of dance.

Alchemy Fest, true to its name, provides an opportunity for transformation and leaves crowds changed, using the magic of music, a dash of creativity and mass collaboration.

Until we meet again.