10 years ago, some Jordanian friends took the ferry to South Sinai for vacation, and were blown away by the nature, the locals, the expat community, "and the simplicity of life where people are so chilled out - the lifestyle there is way opposite from our lifestyle in the capitals," say the organizers. Every year, they got more and more people to go along, "until we decided that hosting a music festival in such a magical spot on Earth would be a perfect match." Thus began Chill O'Posite.
These organizers, going by NextUsJo, seek to offer something different, more intimate and in tune with the environment than most festivals. "Chill O'Posite is not about pitching a huge stage, firing up speakers, getting the most mainstream lineup and raving continually for four days...instead we take several key landmark venues and turn them into party spaces with different themes." Furthermore, they match the lineup with the venue and time, for example whether it's morning, sunset, or night, or in the Dahab downtown, beachside or mountains.
This year, they have added to the number of local and international acts, for a total of 25 artists. They curate the lineup with their responsibility for community growth in mind. "Any artist can apply to play in Chill O'Posite, and we choose the finest talents from different MENA countries, along with regional scene leaders, thus we build a community that connects MENA artists to each other, and help them gain exposure to new audiences from different countries." The international DJs enhance the local lineup.
From the UK, they are bringing in Nick Warren, a deep house legend of the '90s. From Switzerland, Dandara will be delivering electronica infused with the tropics, German duo Just Emma will be holding it down with their melodic house, and finally, there will be Kool, the king of the Romanian electronic scene.
Along with these heavy swingers from Europe, Chill O'Posite have selected a hefty lineup of regional talent:
Egypt: Fulltone, Sebzz, Ouzo, Safe, Akladios, Arrab, Karim YousrY, Latefall, The Disc Jockeys
Jordan: Avidbold, Ameed, Voinic, Sou, Ayn, Diya, Slayts, Saif Halasa, SOU
Palestine: +970
Lebanon: MadJam , L.Ø.C. , Wael Ariss
This year, Chill O'Posite has chosen to diversify their vibes. The organizers say, "our events will curate vibes from all ends of the spectrum: chill, sometimes too chill, and of course, the KHABT!" For example, they will be making sure you start off mornings right, with relaxed morning events at the Sheikh Ali resort pool, in addition to sunset events.
Chill O'Posite is one of the only events that allows people to enjoy this caliber of artist and connect with people in this stark, remote corner of the universe. The festival is a stellar chance to party hard, while also unraveling into the hostile but beautiful Sinai mountains and stunning beach, blanketed by the starry night sky.
They are partnering up with party brands Off & On, Overground, 4NX and Liquify All Assets.
Visit www.chillopositefestival.com for tickets and more information.