When the moon tenderly glows alongside dark clouds at the year’s end of 2023, Ujungpangdub x Puntiung presents a most anticipated music celebration, Danza dub. Held in 40 km west of Makassar city – in the deep woods of Bissoloro Tourism Village, Gowa Regency, this party brings a harmonious blend between the Jamaican sound system culture and the refreshing atmosphere of pine trees at the Puntiung camping ground. It creates a spirited musical experience, welcoming the year 2024.

Low lights from the 5-watt balloons illuminates a challenging path among pine trees, amidst a vast expanse of green grass, with a nighttime temperature touching 20 degrees Celsius. Danza Dub creates a magical atmosphere where ‘Partysipan’ (the party goers) can forget their daily hustle and bustle. This feels as if Danza Dub transports everyone to another world, a place that can only be found in the midst of the wilderness. The Puntiung camping ground transforms into a nature-ish stage, hosting the arrival of aliens as guests – the ‘Partysipan’ themselves! Enhanced by Magic Mushroom installations at various corners of the venue, it sparks the imagination of the ‘Partysipan,’ making them experience another dimension, truly out of space!

The headliners, featuring representations of Local Heroes from South Sulawesi, including Wahyu and Zaldy A.k.a Cowok Pan69ilan (Pare-pare), Irwan A.k.a Dralls (Sudiang), Ramanus A.k.a D’Montiss (Gowa), Alta and Irwan A.k.a Bakdap (Makassar), Saldi A.k.a Dancing Goat (Gowa), present a massive setlist with solid bass lines that incorporate dub molecules reminiscent of King Tubby’s style and Jungle-reggae vibes! The party’s flow guides the ‘Partysipan’ through reflective stylee to conclude the year 2023 with joyous celebrations!

As the final moments of the New Year’s celebration arrive, fireworks traverse the pine tree leaves, adding vibrancy to the atmosphere. ‘Partysipan’ gets their own heat and enjoys the repertoire from the headliners. This atmosphere feels like it brings a contemplative space that is ready to nurture the birth of ideas that are poised to be realized – a reflection of optimism!

In the intimate ambiance of dub music and nature, Danza Dub strengthens this celebration by encouraging active interaction among ‘Partysipan.’ This is manifested through the Danza Dub Market, featuring Amoksa store, Purplehaze studio, Cambs House, The Bultar, Neurotropeace, and Maula.pak with their creative products.

Danza Dub, a music festival attached with an effort to nurture the interconnection of Jamaican Sound subculture enthusiasts in Indonesia, from Makassar. “Ujungpangdub x Puntiung,” as the initiators, was backed up by various local collectives: Dub Alliance, including Bali Dub Club, Get Sub foundation, Bandung Dub House, and their own Makassar comrades such as Jin partam 404, Makassar Reggae Supporter, Berandaxsound, Amoksa, Ru Happy, Red Carpet, Tobatco Store, Klaiklab, Kompleks Utm, Rumanus, and Project Kiri. Also, the persuasive support from the Makassar dub pioneer Fami Redwan Traggic Soundsystem, along with media partners such as Throne Media, Kultur, Provoke, Alt Space, and Clue Today.

(Text: Farhan, Editor & Translation: Sam)