Features
45,000 Visitors, 450 Artists At Reeperbahn Festival 2024
The 19th edition of Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg, Germany, came to an end this Saturday, Sept. 21. Across four days, some 45,000 visitors had a choice of 480 concerts by 450 acts from 35 nations.
The visitors included approximately 5,000 industry professionals, who, aside from the concerts, could access a festival and conference program, that offered some 240 events, from networking opportunities and showcases to award shows and different session formats. 400 speakers from 52 nations took part in discussions touching various aspects of the music biz – from AI to grassroots culture to sustainability to political engagement.
The gender ratio of this year’s program was 50/50, a summary press release from Reeperbahn Festival states. “Particularly notable is the further growing internationality of the delegates, which was reflected in an increased presence from the UK, the USA and representatives from international markets such as Taiwan, India, Brazil, Latin America and South Africa,” it continues.
Concert highlights included a showcase by Universal label Vertigo, with a line-up of Skuth, Ronja, Aaron, Fil Bo Riva, and Milano at Hamburg’s Docks, Sept. 19, with surprise headliner Ski Aggu, who brought out legendary German comedian, songwriter, actor, and producer Otto Waalkes.
The music program offered a greater range of genres that ever before, with heavy metal being represented for the first time with three showcases, as well as five receptions and sessions. A newly introduced techno and rave format called Track ID took over the clubs Uebel & Gefährlich as well as Turmzimmer.
This year’s Anchor Award, presented on Saturday night at the St. Pauli Theater went to strongboi from Germany, who came out on top in a strong field of nominees that also included Moonchild Sanelly (South Africa), Enji (Mongolia), Milan Ring (Australia), KÄSSY (Austria), Beth McCarthy (UK).
The jury, consisting of Tayla Parx, Emily Kokal, Julia Stone, and Tim Bendzko, commented: “We were truly blown away by the incredible talent displayed by all the nominees. Every artist showed up with such passion, delivering beautiful sets. Watching them made it clear how much hard work, how much connection these people were bringing to their art. Regardless of who we chose, we want to note that we thank each nominee for being involved and we all hope to see each of the artists continue on their path in the world of creating music both in the studio and live.
“So, in the end, after much deliberation, we chose to award an artist who brought a magic blend of great songs, strong musicality, and a sense of community to the stage. Despite facing some technical challenges early in the set, by the end of their show, the crowd was dancing, swaying, lost in the dreamy, ethereal soundscape they created.
Our hope is that this award allows them to continue evolving and sharing their sound with the world.”
Aside from a trophy, strongboi received €20,000 ($22,300) to spend on touring costs, as well as a small tour bus they can use for one month.
The 20th edition of Reeperbahn Festival will take place Sept. 17–20, 2025. The pre-sale is already underway here.