A Stellar Sold Out Event – Recharge@Zoukfest

A Post Event write up on ZoukFest at Genting Highlands The promise of a mind liberating experience combined with the energy and vibe of the celebration while uniting the power of music at Recharge @ Zoukfest has become a vision come true. Living up to the promise of presenting an unforgettable outdoor experience in the cool and refreshing highlands of Genting, Zoukfest opened its gates and welcomed an entire platoon of excited clubbers by the thousands. Spanning a broad spectrum of style, ambience & genres, Zoukfest proudly brings Zouk Mainroom, Ghetto Heaven & Velvet Underground away from the smog of the city, and into the clouds up in the highlands. Driving up the winding steep road to the First World Hotel Bus Terminal with only one thing in mind… to party! While it was invigorating to breakaway from KL city’s congestion, the thick fog and strong winds, plus a slight drizzle at the beginning of the night set droplets of water which sent chills across the skin of partygoers… but none to dampen the spirit of partying. Whetting the appetite of a sold out crowd totaling to 16,000 pax, party animals from all over the region turned up in anticipation of a top notch festival. The three arenas – Zouk Main Arena, Velvet Underground Arena and Ghetto Heaven Arena featuring Hip-Hop and R&B beats (the first for a Malaysian outdoor festival!) showcased amazing light and laser shows plus twisted fringe performances. Drawing crowds from around the region, partygoers feasted their auditory & optical senses to a wide array of international DJ’s supported by our Zouk ressies and local artistes. The Zouk Main Arena kicked off at 7pm with our very own Fono, followed by RaySoo pumping the decks at 8.15pm, who warmed up for Mr. C who rocked the early crowd at 9.30pm. Futureshock defied gravitational forces at 11pm, while raising the pulses skywards on the dance floor that was packing up. When Way Out West started at 12.30am, Omi’s vocals shone with Nick Warren and Jodi Wisternoff behind the decks. At precisely 2.30am, Filterheadz took over and rocked the crowd wild. The highly interactive duo made their presence felt while the appreciative party goers cheered them on. Simultaneously, the Ghetto Heaven Arena pioneering the first outdoor hip-hop & R&B party in Malaysia started with Australian DJ’s Fluke & Simon Sez at 7pm. Joining forces while pumping up the crowd is Zouk’s very own Ghetto Heaven resident DJ T-Bone behind the decks together with Joe Flizzow of Too Phat showcasing his vocal talents on live PA at 9pm. By 11pm, Goldfish claimed his throne of the decks with his selection, while Crazy Carleed took over the mic with his vocal skills. At 1am, Deadly Avenger’s proved his fearsome reputation on the turntables by bringing up the notches. Cut La Roc’s set wowed the crowd starting 2.30am and sent them into a massive dancing frenzy with party stoking anthems all the way til 4.15am. By then, Goldfish & T-Bone popped up a surprise by playing back to back for the already elated groove enthusiasts. Standing majestically perched exclusively on the helipad, the Velvet Underground Arena presented a jaw dropping optical feast for the eyes. With resident DJ Shazz warming up the crowd at 8pm, our very own Leonard T then charmed them with his selection at 9pm. Velvet Underground’s ressie DJ Gabriel teamed up with vocalist, songwriter and producer Haze for a combined taskforce which mesmerized everyone that lasted until a half hour before midnight. By then, the crowd was hyped up for Jon Cutler who played the decks with his careful selection of quality house music. Hardsoul picked up the pace at 1am til ATFC took over at 2.30am. DJ Gabriel reigned the decks again starting 4am til closing. While all the main arenas served a concoction of soul grooving tunes, fringe performers further entertained with mind boggling costumes & non-stop interaction with the crowd. A wide array of sumptuous stalls offering fresh and warm mouth watering food whetted the appetite of many. The Recharge Spa offered the cure to aching feet and muscles with massages and holistic therapies. The overwhelming vibe and energy at Zoukfest 05 lives on, and many experiential journeys will continue through the years. The passion for party, music and life injects soul to the Zouk experience. See you next year.