DJ Dean FUEL: My Cape Town

The DJ at the heart of South African nightlife talks about sex, tequila and parties in Cape Town

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DJ Dean FUEL pumps up the dance floor at many of South Africa’s top night clubs with a fusion of minimal, funk, tech and electro. Being a Cape Town resident himself, you can often find him spinning the decks at night clubs such as Rhodes House, Caprice, The Fez, Jet Lounge, Sutra, Opium, Bambu and Karma. He has performed performed alongside David Guetta, Basement Jaxx, Audio Bullies, Tiesto, Paul van Dyk, The Freestylers and even Jamiroquai. We caught up with the DJ that is at the heart of some of the best parties in Cape Town.

Right now I am working in my studio (taking a break to answer these questions) and drinking a STRONG cup of coffee.

My favourite thing about Cape Town is the lifestyle! Great restaurants, bars, nightlife, outdoors, beaches, people… great everything actually!

...and the one thing I would change: The taxi drivers!

Capetonians are a tricky bunch of people to crack, but generally fun loving and free spirited – I love the mix!

Describe a perfect day in Cape Town: Wake up nice and late, make love! Off to Loading Bay or Origin for morning coffee to get the system going. From here go to the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa for a massage and a soak in the rockpool jacquzi – nice! After the spa, then head off to Clifton 2nd beach, Camps Bay, or Llandudnao (wind dependant), set up on the beach with brollie, cooler bag, snacks and drinks… chill, tan, swim, play frisbee and beach bats, and BURN! Around sunset, head off to Caprice for a burger and cocktail to wind down after the hard day on the beach… once the sun goes down, head home for a quick freshen up, and then out to a cool bar like Asoka or Karma to get the night started… from here I would probably have to go DJ somewhere at a club in town, after the DJ set I hang by the bar, catching up with friends. At this point I usually make my way home, stopping for a burger at Saul’s or a hotdog from the BP Express… magic. Getting home and into bed and making love marks the perfect end to a perfect day!

Travellers should not miss: Doing the drive along Chapman’s Peak, riding the cable car up Table Mountain, having a sundowner cocktail over Camps Bay, or driving out to Simon’s Town and visiting the penguins on Boulder’s beach.

Where I like to shop: Usually at the V&A Waterfront… but for a more local flavour check out the Milnerton Market on a Saturday morning for the best in 2nd hand goodies, also Kloof Street has some wicked clothes stores like Finger, A-Store, Poppa Trunks and The Lot!

My favourite restaurant in Cape Town is... Sawadee / La Bohieme / Olympia Café / Haiku.

Late at night you can find me doing my thing… DJing in clubs or at big parties, or hainging out in my studio playing with all my cool toys.

Pinotage or Peartiser? Love wine… so Pinotage all the way!

When I leave my house I always take my Blackberry and my sunnies.

I like to listen to... Electronic music – any kind… from chill stuff like Lamb, Zero7, and Herbert throught to full on techno and electro music – too many to mention!

The craziest thing I’ve ever done is choosing to be a DJ – but I wouldn’t change a thing!

My life won’t be complete without music, love, food, sex, tequila.

When I need to get out of the city I head up the garden route… I love the drive, and there are so many great places to visit or stay.

If I could live anywhere else in the world... I wouldn’t… but Majorca (Spain) isn’t too bad… ;)

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