Sem wint prijs op internationaal festival | Compleet onverwacht
For aspiring DJs, the dream of performing at a major international music festival is a significant milestone. That dream is becoming a reality for 20-year-old Sem Speeks from Vlijmen, Netherlands, who has secured a performance slot on the main stage of the four-day Freaks of Nature festival in Saudi Arabia. The festival draws a daily attendance of 25,000 people, and Speeks’ opportunity arose from a chance encounter.
A Lifelong Passion
Sem’s interest in electronic music began at a young age. He recalls being captivated by Martin Garrix’s hit song ‘Animals’. “I was taking guitar lessons and told my teacher I wanted to play Animals on the guitar. That wasn’t possible, but I was around eight years old and didn’t realise it,” he said.
His guitar teacher explained that the music was created using a computer, leading Sem to acquire his first set of turntables. He has been seriously pursuing his DJ career as Reflect for approximately four years and is currently in his second year of study at the Herman Brood Academy, a renowned school for creative professionals.
An Unexpected Opportunity
Sem’s classmates initially doubted his claim of performing at a festival in Saudi Arabia, acknowledging the significance of the opportunity. The path to this performance began two years ago at Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). While waiting in line for a Martin Garrix event with a friend, they met a Saudi Arabian woman who happened to be a DJ. “We started talking to her while we waited. She asked if we wanted to see her show,” Sem explained.
He and his friend attended her performance that year and again the following year. During the second encounter, they were asked to submit a DJ set for consideration at ADE. “I was already planning on sending in sets, so I decided to also submit one for a DJ competition connected to a large festival in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
A Winning Set
On Monday, Sem received a phone call while having dinner with his parents. Recognizing the call was from Saudi Arabia, he immediately suspected good news. He was informed that he had won the competition, earning him a slot to perform for over an hour on the main stage of Freaks of Nature in Banban, located just outside of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
The festival lineup includes prominent artists such as Martin Garrix, Alesso, and Alan Walker. “I never expected to win, especially considering the size of the festival and the caliber of the other artists,” Sem stated.
A Serendipitous Connection
Sem attributes his success to the chance meeting with the Saudi Arabian DJ, Hannah. “I immediately messaged her after finding out. If I hadn’t met her, this wouldn’t have happened,” he said.
He is scheduled to open the main stage on Thursday, February 13th, performing from 6:15 PM to 7:10 PM. “It will be dark then, which will be amazing with all the lights and effects. I’m not sure how many people will be there – it could be a hundred, or it could be thousands,” he noted.
Balancing Commitments
Sem admits to feeling nervous, as this will be his first international performance and his first time playing for such a large audience on a major stage. However, he believes the nerves will subside once he is on stage. He also expressed excitement about the possibility of meeting his idol, Martin Garrix, who is also performing at the festival. “It would be incredible to meet him and have a conversation. I’ve looked up to him my whole life, and now I’m on the lineup with him,” he said.
The timing of the festival does present a minor conflict, as Sem traditionally celebrates six days of Carnaval. However, he feels the opportunity is too significant to pass up. “I’m returning on Saturday evening, so I can still join the festivities on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday,” he explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sem Speeks get the opportunity to perform at Freaks of Nature?
Sem Speeks received the opportunity through a DJ competition connected to the festival, after submitting a set at the suggestion of a Saudi Arabian DJ he met at Amsterdam Dance Event.
When will Sem Speeks be performing at Freaks of Nature?
Sem Speeks will be opening the main stage on Thursday, February 13th, from 6:15 PM to 7:10 PM.
Is Sem Speeks missing Carnaval to perform at the festival?
Yes, Sem Speeks is missing part of Carnaval, but he will be returning in time to participate in the festivities on the final days.
What does it mean for an emerging artist to perform on a stage alongside established names like Martin Garrix?