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Global Breakthrough has been pioneering the underground global dance movement in South Africa since the brand’s inception in 2006. Now its third summer kicks off with Channel O and The Global Breakthrough Festival Launch Tour, headlined by Innervisions producer and label owner, Dixon, over the last weekend in November.

From the promoters that brought Ame, Henrik Schwarz, Dennis Ferrer, Luciano, Steve Bug, Lee Burridge and James Zabiela to South Africa’s shores comes another Global Breakthrough Summer that will change the face of the local dance scene forever.

Hailed as Germany’s hottest property, Dixon was voted fourth best DJ in the world by ResidentAdvisor.net earlier this year. Known for his slow groove, deep house signature sound and classic vocals, Dixon is a true connoisseur of records and a critically acclaimed DJ throughout the world.

His three day tour - slated for 28, 29, 30 November in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Soweto respectively - will set the stage for the annual Global Breakthrough Festival, taking place in Cape Town during the last week of February 2009, with fringe events scheduled nationwide.

Dixon’s label partners at Innervisions, Ame, has been confirmed to return to the festival, with more revered acts to be named soon. Global Breakthrough will also be representing Innervisions in a digital space and selling the music online through the music portal on GlobalBreakthrough.com – a label that will look after local producers and that will represent another two esteemed international labels by the time the festival kicks off in ’09.

Says Jamie Joseph, Founder of Global Breakthrough: “Our vision is to create a sustainable platform for local electronic artists, showcasing them alongside the best in the world and offering everyone an equal platform. We only work with like-minded and forward thinking brand partners – hence the huge support from Channel O and exciting new collaborations with Flirt wine at Kalahari.net and Virgin Energy Shot. This allows us to create progressive experiences that get people talking.”

After returning home from a five year stint in Europe, Joseph saw a gap in the market for quality, cutting edge house music, and since the very first festival launch party in November 2006 (featuring UNKLE’s James Lavelle at The Castle in Cape Town) the brand has toured many of the most in-demand electronic artists in the world to African-based locations. This not only sets Global Breakthrough apart from the traditional club scene, but also sets the stage for a dance culture revolution. Global Breakthrough locations have included a wine estate, an aquarium, a warehouse and a mansion.

“In a country that is overwhelmed by commercial music, it is a breath of fresh air for both the local DJs and punters to have the opportunity to experience the very best electronic music on the planet and not have to engage in club politics,” Joseph concludes.

More than just a festival, Global Breakthrough is an experience, a mindset and a culture.

The Global Breakthrough Festival Launch Tour with Dixon (Innervisions)

Cape Town / Fri 28 Nov, 9pm
Location: The Runway
1st Floor, Fairweather House, 176 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock (lots of secure parking)
Local artists: DJ Low (Ivan), Leighton Moody, Bruno Morphet, Pierre, Peter A
Local brands: Soul Revolution, Keep it Real
Ticket price: Pre sale R70 (sold out!) - R100 (last week) / R120 on door.
Hotline number: 074 186 28 72

Jo’burg / Sat 29 Nov, 9pm
Location: Zambezi club
Ticket price: R70 (current) - R100 (last week) pre sale – R120 on door.
Local artists: Vinny Da Vinci (House Afrika), Mo Flava (YFM), Strat3gy & Pressure (Channel O), Coco loco (GB-Durban), 2Lani, Twisted Ash (SA’s next top DJ Finalist)
Ticket price: Pre sale R70 (current) - R100 (last week) / R120 on door.
Hotline number: 078 237 3331

Soweto / Sun 30 Nov, 2pm
Location: Backroom club + outside garden
Ticket price: R70 (current) - R100 (last week) pre sale – R120 on door.
Local artists: Black Coffee, Vinny Da Vinci (House Afrika), Mo Flava (YFM), Oskido (Church Grooves), Marshall (GB - Cape Town), Bantu Soul Singer LIVE, Dino Moran & OdiDiva LIVE (GB - Cape Town), Zinhle (YFM), Monde (YFM), Choice (Bar 9)
Ticket price: Pre sale R70 (current) - R100 (last week) / R120 on door.
Hotline number: 078 237 3331

Buy tickets online at webtickets.co.za and check out the GB music portal for free digital content downloads and the hottest DJ mixes from around the globe. Tracks from your favourite GB artists will soon be available to buy online with the launch of the GB digital music platform next month.

Ticket prices vary from R70 presale to R100/R120 at the door. Presale ticket buyers also receive a special surprise gift on arrival, so avoid the queue and buy online!