Raves are becoming a common occurrence in the Lagos nightlife scene and as more people get into the rave culture, or show interest in the raving scene, we are compiling a list of things you need to know before attending your first rave.
- The Music Is Different
If your favorite genres of music do not include EDM or Afrohouse music, a rave would most likely not appeal to you. However, if you are still interested in trying out a rave regardless of your music tastes, it is important to prepare yourself for a night filled with music that will sound unfamiliar to you.
- Be Prepared For The Crowd
While raves may be similar to clubs, the number of people at a rave is often worlds apart from the crowd at a club. Raves pull in hundreds of people who are there to dance alone to their favorite DJs or listen to their favorite Afrohouse mixes. If you are not comfortable in spaces with huge crowds, a rave like Group Therapy might be too intimidating for your first rave.
- The DJs Are The Centre Of Attraction
Unlike in most nightlife scenes where the music from Afrobeat artists, or dancers are the pull for attendance, in the rave scene, the DJs are the center of attention. It is advised to look up the sets of the DJs who will be performing at whatever raves you choose to attend, it is also important to know that the DJs are the focal point of the raves so you don’t expect a performance outside of the DJ deck.
- Raves Are Loud
If you do not enjoy loud spaces, then you most likely would be intimidated by a rave. To prepare yourself, it is advised to go with headphones or earmuffs to help you reduce the effect of the loud speakers that are often found at raves. You can also prepare yourself to steer clear from the stage or DJ deck where it is the loudest.
- Raves Start Deep Into The Night
The Lagos nightlife scene typically begins at 10pm, but with raves, 10pm is often sound check or the time for the opening DJ, and If you do not enjoy being out late at night, then a rave is most likely not the space for you. A Lagos rave typically begins filling up with the crowd and headliner DJs at 1am. Prepare to show up at the rave late, and also leave closer to the break of dawn.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing
An aspect of raving that is not often spoken about is the need for comfortable clothing, especially comfortable footwear. Raves require you to stand all through the set of your favorite DJs, with most locations used for raves being spaces that do not have a sitting area. It is also important that you wear clothing that won’t have you overheating when the hall becomes crowded. Remember to wear comfortable clothing and footwear, always.
- Remember To Hydrate
A rave will have you dancing in a crowded room, with loud music and no space to rest your feet for hours, it is imperative that you keep your body hydrated. Drink enough water before leaving for the rave, and have water on hand for when you need to hydrate at the rave.
- Be Security Conscious
Due to the overcrowded and sometimes extremely intimate environment of raves, it is advised to be extra conscious of your surroundings. Everyone around you is often lost in the music, so you have to ensure you protect yourself and your belongings as things can easily get stolen or go missing. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t move around with strangers and do not accept drinks from strangers to avoid the risk of being drugged.
- Go With Friends
Raves can be extremely intimidating for first time attendees, and much like most nightlife scenes in Lagos, it is best enjoyed when you go with your friends. It is even more advisable to go with friends who are familiar with the raving scene and can guide you around the unfamiliar things you are bound to experience at a first time rave.
- Know When To Leave
People who are accustomed to raving might find it easier to stay at a rave until the last set, but if it is your first time at a rave, know that it is okay to leave the rave earlier. Know your limits, and set boundaries that do not exceed those limits and when they do, ensure you have an exit plan. Always pace yourself and your rave experiences, your first 3 raves could be 1 or 2 hour experience so you don’t overwhelm yourself.
