Jsik Bouhbot – the man behind many of SA’s top music festivals
Festival season is upon us, we sit down with SA’s No 1 Festival Producer, Jsik Bouhbot, to find out exactly what goes into putting on and building a world class production.
When I say No 1, you need look no further than his impressive resume which boasts festival organisation of such SA favourites like H20, Ultra Music Festival, Electric Circus and Spring Fiesta to name a few.
His events have brought heaving crowds performances from Deadmau5, Hardwell, Avicii, Skrillex and Swedish House Mafia, also to name a few.
One of his greatest achievements is providing a platform (or stage) for up-and-coming local talent to spread their wings and fly towards success.
His events are some of the best-loved in the country, and it’s his hard-work, tenacity and passion that drive his festivals to success.
If you’re eager to enter the world of events and festivals, this man has a few tips.
Each event brings a new challenge for me. Events are my passion and my business.”
Most of the time people’s BIG break isn’t that big, but yours came when you risked it for the biscuit and brought down Boy George when you were 18 years old. What was going through your mind throughout that experience?
Jsik Bouhbot: To be honest I was terrified, I knew that I had one chance to make it work and I never had a choice but to make it a success. I just had to take the risk and let it be.
Since then you’ve built up a fierce repertoire for hosting killer dance events, including H20, Ultra Music Festival, Electric Circus and Spring Fiesta. Where do you get the stamina to be so involved with SO many different events?
Jsik Bouhbot: Each event brings a new challenge for me. Events are my passion and my business. This is what I do and really keeps me going. It’s an adrenalin rush.
You clearly have a passion for dance music; where did it come from and can you recall the first dance music you listened to that made you say, “this is it.”
Jsik Bouhbot: I had many DJ’s as friends when I was younger so I was constantly around the music. I think it was a culmination of a few years that made me realize my calling.
As punters, we just arrive ready to jive without fully grasping the amount of work that goes into creating an event. What does it take to create a flawless production?
Jsik Bouhbot: A lot of hard work, dedication and many sleepless nights. We have an amazing team that is always pushing the boundaries. Attention to detail is a big part of a flawless production. We work with the best in the industry and strive to create experiences that people take away with them.
This edition has one of the best line ups I have ever seen for Spring Fiesta.”
What advice do you have for event organisers looking to get into the game?
Jsik Bouhbot: It’s a tough industry, don’t give up and keep pushing. You need to always reinvent yourself and outsmart the competition.
Event season is around the corner; your own Spring Fiesta is bringing the party on October 6. What can fans of the ‘fiesta’ look forward to for 2018?
Jsik Bouhbot: This edition has one of the best line ups I have ever seen for Spring Fiesta. The production team have been working around the clock on a special surprise. Make sure you are there early!
The rand has taken a hammering again this year. How do you guys manage to keep pulling off such stellar line-ups with an economy under siege?
Jsik Bouhbot: The secret is managing your risk; we take the appropriate cover in these trying times. You always need to be one step ahead.
Out of all the events you’ve been involved in throughout the years, care to name your top 5?
Jsik Bouhbot: Spring Fiesta, Avicii, Swedish House Mafia : One Last Tour, Deadmau5, and of course Ultra music festival.
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