After Dark
Listen up, all you self-obsessed members of the look-at-me generation: social awareness is not an esoteric aspiration of a small minority of placard-waving, mung bean-munching do-gooders who shun hedonism and unbridled pleasure. No, you too can do your bit to better the world. For a lesson in how, check out one of these shore's most popular visiting beat masters and, hopefully, absorb some of his noble vibes.
Wake up: Seek shelter from tomorrow's Valentine's Day consumer madness at Amnesia for what promises to be a blistering show by DJ Suv with guest vocal stylings by Natural MC.
The show marks the Bristol DJ's return to Hong Kong, after his much raved-about set at last year's Rockit festival. With his roots penetrating the hardcore foundations of drum'n'bass, Suv delivers a frenetic fusion of raging beats and dancefloor grooves, with a touch of revved-up hip-hop on the side.
All this and a belief in the goodness of man, too. Suv adheres to the theory that music unites and breaks down barriers. 'I know that one of my roles on this planet is to connect people, using my music,' he told the Post during his last Hong Kong visit. Another is to give a little back to the community. The DJ also takes part in a number of charity projects aimed at helping the next generation nurture their skills and talents, and is actively involved with Bristol charity Smart (Sports, Music and Art), lending his talents in the studio as well as out on the football pitch coaching a team.
Musically, Suv comes from top stock, and was a key player in the legendary Reprazent collective, alongside Roni Size, DJ Krust, MC Dynamite and a slew of other founding members of the drum'n'bass movement.
The 31-year-old DJ released his first solo album, Desert Rose, in 2001 - stepping into somewhat new territory by adding a little Latin flavour to the mix. Always eager to explore new sounds, Suv drew on his multi-cultural heritage, which include Caribbean and South American roots.
Although the drum'n'bass star has faded in recent years, it's been gaining momentum again, and Suv is leading the resurgence, along with a world message. So, don't forget to love your fellow clubber.
DJ Suv plays Amnesia, 3/F, 30 Hollywood Road, Central, tomorrow night. Tickets $100. The set will be part of a series of shows around Asia and Australia, and will be recorded live for a new album.
Sign up: Having soaked up the feel-good vibrations, why not create some of your own? Thousands of musicians are working together to stage a series of international concerts in support of the 2004 One World Beat Global Music Festival. From Paris to Toronto, New York, Sydney and beyond, the event will support Keep A Child Alive, a new initiative of Artists Against Aids Worldwide.
With more than 85 events already scheduled, the second annual festival will be held simultaneously across the world from March 19-21, providing a platform for socially conscious musicians to unite for a worthy cause. While many of the bands are better known at home than internationally, Femi Kuti, Afro-beat exponent and social activist, will take part.
