Transforming Cyprus into an Electronic Music Hub

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Transforming Cyprus into an Electronic Music Hub

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September 13, 2024

Cyprus is set to become a hotspot for electronic music enthusiasts as BEONIX 2024 approaches, bringing an exciting fusion of international and local talent. This three-day festival promises an unforgettable experience with four stages, a stellar DJ lineup, immersive art installations, and dazzling visual effects. But can Cyprus establish itself as an electronic music hub with global relevance?

Inside BEONIX 2024: A Three-Day Fiesta

From September 20 to 22, Limassol will host the third edition of BEONIX Festival at the ETKO grounds, welcoming some of the biggest names in electronic music. Among the headliners are Tale Of Us, ARTBAT, and the legendary Fatboy Slim, all of whom have made significant contributions to the global techno scene. Alongside these giants, local artists will also take the stage to showcase Cyprus’ growing talent pool.

“We’re introducing a new stage this year dedicated solely to local talent,” says Andrej Buhonov, the festival’s A&R Director. “Curated by Highjacks, African Stevenson, and Dalton, this stage aims to give young talent a platform to grow.”

Building Cyprus’ Electronic Scene

As an Artists and Repertoire Director, Andrej’s role is to bring fresh sounds to Cyprus, working to expand the island’s electronic music scene. Splitting his time between Germany and Cyprus, Andrej is committed to transforming Limassol and other Cypriot cities into major destinations for electronic music.

“The electronic music scene is expanding globally and becoming a crucial part of pop culture,” Andrej notes. “I predict that hard techno will soon evolve into its own genre, while tech house is on track to reclaim the popularity it enjoyed from 2010 to 2015.”

However, Cyprus’ local scene still has room to grow. “There are many young promoters and artists, but the scene will take about five to eight years to fully mature. By 2030, Cyprus could become a key point on the electronic music map,” Andrej adds.

BEONIX’s Mission to Ignite the Senses

BEONIX isn’t just about music. It aims to offer festival-goers a sensory experience akin to major festivals worldwide. From captivating visual displays to unexpected artistic performances, every corner of BEONIX is designed to amaze. Street art, interactive installations, and art objects will fill the venue, and special after-parties at Limassol’s clubs and beach bars will keep the festival spirit alive beyond the weekend.

An International Affair

With a diverse range of music styles and an audience that extends beyond Cyprus, BEONIX has an international vibe. “About 50% of our audience comes from abroad,” says Andrej. “The top five countries are the UK, Israel, Jordan, Germany, and Greece.” This global reach demonstrates Cyprus’ rising profile as a destination for electronic music lovers.

The festival’s theme, “The Ninth Planet,” invites ravers into a futuristic world of exploration and discovery, with top-notch music performances providing the soundtrack.

Challenges and Future Growth

Despite its success, hosting a festival of this scale in Cyprus comes with challenges, particularly regarding logistics. “In Germany, getting equipment is easy. In Cyprus, not so much. For example, if I need 20 CDJ-3000s in Düsseldorf, I can get them in two days. In Cyprus, we may only have eight available for rent,” Andrej explains.

Nevertheless, the BEONIX team is dedicated to overcoming these obstacles and growing the festival year after year. With preparations well underway for the third edition, Andrej encourages ongoing support for the scene.

“The audience plays a crucial role in developing the industry,” he concludes. “Support the DJs, attend the parties, and discover new talent. We look forward to seeing everyone at BEONIX to enjoy great music and have an unforgettable time.”