Ayia Napa Recovered

The British tabloids for some reason think that Ayia Napa is finished. Eveyone is now talking about how Falaraki will be the new Napa.

If the UK Garage scene carries on as it has for the last two years then maybe other destinations will take over but only for a short time before we end up where we are now.

Public feeling in Cyprus is that the problem lies with the Garage performers namely the likes of So Solid, Oxide & Neutrino and Pay As You Go who seem to breed violence amongst their followers, mainly by the example they set with their US style gangster reputations. Funnily enough there have been only two serious incidents this year, one of which was a stabbing outside Pzaz, by a well known garage MC.

The security guards do not take any prisoners and will gladly deal out a beating to anyone who is out of order but sadly this is needed to keep the "rude boys" in check.

Yes there is a zero tolerance towards drugs and the authorities will come down heavily on anyone that is even talking about it. Harsh, you may say but it is their country!

There are no problems with any of the other music communities on the island. All genres of Dance work well together and live happily side by side here

Napa has been partying for nearly ten years now and all this hype has come about through fashion attracting the masses and turning a good underground vibe into a commercial one driven by people who don't really know about the real underground UK Garage scene and thus hiring all the wrong acts and promoting the darker, attitude related, sounds that seem to be surrounding us more and more every day. Here are some Comments from some of the artists on the Island for the closing down parties:

Anna Kiss (Gas Club Resident)

I think that it peaked here last year and sadly has become a victim of it's own sucsess. I have played here for 5 months this year and have seen no real violence. I would definitely come back.

Luigi (Gas Club Entertainments Manager)

Work permits will be in force next year so that performers who cause trouble can be dealt with by the local authorities. We have Exposure / Garage Fever confirmed for next year and Pied Piper and EZ exclusively booked to play at Gas club.

Danny B (Dive Inn Resident)

I Think more people will be trying out Faliraki in 2002 but Napa will live on for a long time yet. Don't believe Da Hype. Get your early deals now, I know I'll be back!

Kwesi (Miss Moneypenny’s)

It ain't closin', it's just gonna keep on growin' ! Respect to Chris Passenger who sadly passed away in a tragic motoring accident on the island this year. A great loss to the industry.

Panos (Club Promoter)

Local police chiefs want promoters to stop booking troublesome " Gangster style" acts that promote violence. Garage has always had roots in Cyprus, many of the big garage producers and artists are of Cypriot origin, Luigi is Ramsey's cousin. Ed Case is from here and Garage will always live here.

Jeff Jefferson (Miss Moneypenny’s)

The local government wants the revenue from all the clubs but none of the grief that comes with it. There are big bucks to be earned and so Napa will never close.

Jit (Miss Moneypennys promotions manager)

The tabloids like cheap and easy scare stories. Lock up your daughter scares are right up their street. Just remember, "We all die in the end, so help yourself along"!

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There we have it. Napa is not dead nor is it dying ! It just needs a little less hype and a little more time to adjust to this mad world that we live in. Look out for the Footrockers new interactive website www.footrockers.co.uk