I actually had no idea how I was going to get into Pangaea Festival. I had a guestlist ticket that had already been scanned, no ID and it was already past last entry...but of course I managed it.
From the moment I arrived at Manchester Academy I felt like I had been taken out of reality and been placed into a video game as a gurning pikachu walked past me. It took me completely by surprise, I knew that there was some sort of gaming theme but I didn't think people went as far as dressing up as characters. Manchester Academy had gone all out with the rooms such as 'The Motherload' and towards the exit 'Game Over' boards. Covering every little detail from the graffiti to the outfits and food stalls, Pangaea really did pull it off in creating the perfect little Manchester festival where you could escape and be yourself for the night. As I made my way to the Rubadub stage, I witnessed Manchester's finest. A girl with eyes rolling into her head tried to kissed me and another sweaty girl with a swinging jaw asked me 'You got a lighter love?' typical Majchester.
Before meeting up with Jack Banner I caught Congo Natty's jungle set which tied in with the décor of the room perfectly with vines and leaves dangling from the ceiling and green lighting. I also got the pleasure of seeing his daughter Phoebe MC. She was amazing! She had the flow and the rhythm and it was nice to see a female MC up there. When speaking to her afterwards she was so lovely and down to earth, so big up Phoebe!
Now for the best bit of the post, the juicy gossip on what really happens behind the scenes. I managed to get into the green room where artists such as Trojan Sound, General Levy and Congo Natty were chilling out. It was a surreal feeling knowing that I was standing in the same room as all these inspirational acts. Trojan Sound were so full of energy, bursting into song every five minutes and holding up cups of rum filled with pineapple. Kong and my boyfriend Ryan, who had been hosting a room at Pangaea, were messing around in the fridge only to find some houmous, carrots and a stir fry mix with a sticky-note saying 'General Levy' on it. What a random request!
I have to admit I was pretty nervous to get a quick interview with Congo Natty but the moment I spoke to him I completely relaxed, he radiated such a soothing vibe. Check it out below.
So, how long he had been in Manchester?
Just tonight it's not enough time just an hours set I have to get going soon.
What do you think of the city?
Manchester is like my second home I love Manchester, and London. I love everything about it expect the football, I hate the football.
So what do you think of Manchester music scene? Do you like how Pangaea have decorated the room to fit in with the jungle music genre?
Yeah I noticed that I love it and I love the music. I love Manchester!
I knew I didn't have very much time left, Is your hat handmade?
*eyes lighting up*
You know MY QUEEN made me this, she makes a lot of them.
What do you think about legalising weed in England?
Weed in England should of legalised a long time ago way back in the 70’s. I understand why they haven't but they show kids alcohol adverts on TV and they grow up thinking because their parents have told them that alcohol is right and weed is wrong but that is just because someone has told them.
Congo Natty went on to tell all about the status quo and Bob Marley. It was one of the most interesting conversations i've ever had. I also ended up meeting Dub Phizix and Strategy and getting a taxi back with them to the Bloc2Bloc headquarters. What a night! I fell asleep on the sofa to be woken up by Strategy slapping me on the forehead saying 'Yo blogger we’re getting off now, lovely to meet you'. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming…..
Photos: Oliver Nuttall Photography
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