After a career spanning nearly three decades, both long and exceptionally fruitful, one of the most recognizable names on the global electronic scene, Steve Aoki, will finally make his premiere appearance before the audience of Croatia's capital city. This American DJ and producer of Japanese descent, known for his explosive and energetic performances, has been confirmed as the headliner for the first day of the long-awaited Fair Fest, a musical spectacle that will take place on September 12th and 13th at the Zagreb Fair grounds, thus concluding the summer festival season in the best possible way. Everyone planning to visit this event and looking for ideal accommodation in Zagreb will have the opportunity to experience musical magic in the heart of the metropolis.

The Zagreb audience will have a unique opportunity to experience Aoki's legendary performance on Friday, September 12th, within the impressive space of the Zagreb Pyramids, located in Pavilion 15. His performances are not just musical events, but complete audiovisual and stage spectacles that push the boundaries. One of the most famous rituals, which has become his trademark, is throwing cakes into the audience, known as the "Cake face". This unusual, but fan-favorite, act has turned into a global phenomenon, and the most ardent fans regularly occupy the front rows with banners, hoping they will be the ones chosen for the sweet treat. Aoki himself claims it is a harmless and gentle ritual, as he orders specially designed, foamy, and extremely light cakes for his performances that cannot cause injuries.

From an accidental promotion to a global phenomenon

The story of throwing cakes began quite spontaneously in 2011. Aoki was promoting the song "Turn Up the Volume" by his label-mates, the duo Autoerotique. The director of their music video came up with a concept where cakes explode in people's faces after they blow out the candles. The video went viral, and Aoki, wanting to promote the song at his shows, decided to replicate the idea live. The audience's reaction was so euphoric that this act became an indispensable part of his performances. It is estimated that he throws up to two thousand cakes in the faces of his fans over the course of a year, turning every concert into an unforgettable and sticky experience. Many visitors come to Zagreb specifically to witness this unique spectacle.

This 47-year-old musician has had an exceptionally dynamic summer. With an annual average of 250 to 300 performances, Aoki is one of the most active DJs in the world. This year, among other things, he performed at Ultra Europe in Split and at Umag Music Nights, where he engaged in a friendly breath-holding contest with Maja Šuput, in which the famous Croatian singer outdid him. However, the most important moment of the summer for him happened in his personal life – he became a father, having a son with the unusual name Rocky77, which caused him to cancel several scheduled performances around the world.

A humanitarian with a degree and a visionary with a label

What surprises many is the fact that behind the eccentric stage persona lies a dedicated humanitarian and intellectual. Steve Aoki graduated with a degree in sociology and women's studies from the prestigious University of California. Although he never worked in his field, he channeled the knowledge he gained into activism and charity work. He is the co-founder of an organization that allows children from low-income families to attend music courses, and through his Aoki Foundation, he also supports organizations involved in brain research and regenerative medicine. In addition, he founded the company Aoki Labs, which deals with biotechnology and longevity research.

His musical journey began back in the mid-nineties, during his student days, when at just 19 years old he founded his own record label, Dim Mak Records, in his apartment. The name, which means "touch of death" in Chinese, is a reference to Bruce Lee's martial arts. Initially focused on a hardcore punk sound, the label eventually evolved and became one of the most influential platforms for the electro-dance scene. Dim Mak launched the careers of many successful artists today, such as The Chainsmokers, Bloc Party, and Zedd, and Aoki's list of collaborations includes music giants of various genres, from Linkin Park and BTS to Louis Tomlinson and Afrojack. His discography includes as many as 12 studio albums, and his debut album "Wonderland" from 2012 earned him a nomination for the prestigious Grammy Award.

A two-day festival filled with stars

Fair Fest promises a top-notch musical experience on both days. On the first evening, before Aoki takes the stage, the atmosphere will be warmed up by proven local and regional names. The program will be opened by the famous radio host and master of club music, DJ Vedran Car. He will be followed by a performance from the Croatian-Slovenian electronic duo Vanillaz, who have gained recognition on the world stage with their energetic sets. The evening will be further spiced up by DJ Kosta Radman, a veteran of the electronic scene with a modern sound and a frequent guest at the best regional clubs. This event is the perfect opportunity for all electronic music lovers to visit Zagreb and enjoy a top-quality production.

Saturday, September 13th, brings an equally exciting program. The audience will be dancing to the beats of DJ Kneža, known for his musical surprises, and DJ Krnya, a true legend with more than forty years of experience behind the DJ booth. A special treat of the evening will be the performance by Indira Forza, the undisputed queen of entertainment. Ever since her beginnings in the group Colonia, Indira has been known for her incredible energy with which she turns every concert into a real party. The grand finale of Fair Fest is reserved for the icons of the rave movement – the German band Scooter. Their timeless hits like "Hyper Hyper", "How Much Is the Fish?", and "Nessaja" guarantee a euphoric end to a festival that will be remembered for a long time.

For all those who do not want to miss Steve Aoki's premiere performance in Zagreb, there is a special promotional offer for the first day of the festival. By purchasing two tickets, the third one is free, and they are available through the Entrio.hr system.