Friday night, Buku Music + Art Project will kick off its fourth year at Mardi Gras World. The event has become wildly successful, selling out both this year’s GA and VIP tickets, and with good reason. It is the most unique festival experience you can have in New Orleans this spring.
While many of this season’s other festivals will focus on New Orleans’ much beloved local music and big rock and pop names, Buku will give patrons a chance to check out up-and-coming EDM artists as well as the genre’s established national acts (Bassnectar headlines this year).
Add to that a sprinkling of hip hop, incredible art installations, amazing VIP experiences, and a post-industrial riverfront venue, and Buku quickly becomes the coolest place to dance your ass off this weekend. We’ve checked out the schedule and we are here to bring you our picks for the sets you shouldn’t miss.
Die Antwoord—in college I had a South African roommate. She came back to school one fall, after spending some time in the country, and played me these music videos. They were simultaneously the most repulsive, interesting, and mesmerizing pieces of media I had ever seen. It was like a car accident. I didn’t want to watch the phallus-infested clips, but I couldn’t tear myself away. The rap-rave group Die Antwoord (“the answer” in Afrikaans) was responsible for the most memorable YouTube Experience Ever, and you can see them live-in-the-flesh at Buku this Friday night (12 AM to 1 AM).
The group is made up of rappers Ninja and Yolandi Vi$$er and DJ Hi-Tek. Vi$$er, often stylized with a futuristic hair cut and white eyelashes that make her look like a cross between a rat and an alien, is channeling a South African movement called zef. Akin to America’s ratchet movement, Yolandi has said, “It’s associated with people who soup their car up and rock gold and shit. You’re poor but you’re fancy.”
While this whole shtick might seem like nothing more than an intoxicating train-wreck on the surface, Die Antwoord actually has a plan. Their shock and awe value has been described by Ninja as a way to wake people up and raise consciousness. The group also has a very specific five-album plan, after which they will kill the band. They are already on album three, so see them while you can.
Portugal. The Man—when the pounding bass becomes too much and you need something a little more melodic, head to the Ballroom to see Alaskan rock band Portugal. The Man (8:45-9:45 PM). Currently working on their eighth studio album with Mike D of the Beastie Boys, fans might get treated to a sneak peek of new material.
Benoit and Sergio—one of the best dance parties of the weekend will surely be at the Back Alley on Saturday from 9:00-10:30 PM. Washington, D.C. duo Benoit and Sergio mix infectious house music on the funkier end of the genre’s spectrum.
Think less heavy bass and more danceable grooves. These guys will be a fun contrast for those that can’t handle the Bassnectar crowd (and bass).
Boyfriend—this chick is awesome. The schoolteacher by day spits some of the dirtiest, raunchiest hip-hop you have ever heard. She describes her music as an attempt to add her voice to the conversation music has been having about love ever since the beginning of music.
The song “Say You Will” features nursery rhymes and wedding vows wrapped in an over-the-top package that makes all the hoopla surrounding romance seem rather ridiculous. One of the only New Orleans artists on the bill, she will be performing exclusively for VIPs on the riverboat. If you are fortunate enough to be a VIP, head to the SS Buku’s open bar and check out her set!
Gravity A does Talking Heads—the New Orleans’ natives have been perfecting their tribute to the new wave pioneers for almost a year now, and it gets more fun with each show. This is another exclusive, VIP performance. The intimate venue and smaller crowd will ensure this is a great dance party.
See you on the riverfront!
