Speeches
Presentation of the Speakers at the Rave The Planet Parade 2024
The Rave The Planet Parade is not just about music and dance but also about powerful messages. Speeches will once again be an essential part of the demonstration in 2024, contributing to spreading our vision of an open, sustainable, and diverse society. We are excited to have speeches on all floats this year. In total, there will be 37 speeches.
The speakers will address our 8 core demands and cover topics that concern us all – from social cohesion to inclusion, environmental protection, and the diverse aspects of electronic music and club culture.
Claudia Roth (MdB)
Minister of State for Culture and Media, Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen
Claudia Roth studied theater arts and began her professional career as a dramaturge. From 1982 to 1985, she managed the band “Ton Steine Scherben” before transitioning into politics, where she became the press spokeswoman for the Greens in the Bundestag. From 1989 to 1998, she was a member of the European Parliament, after which she entered the German Bundestag. Roth has served as the chair of the Human Rights Committee and has been the party leader of the Greens multiple times. Since 2021, she has been the Minister of State for Culture and Media. She is passionately committed to cultural diversity, human rights, and climate protection.
Claudia Roth also supported our UNESCO application for the recognition of “Techno Culture in Berlin” as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, which was accepted by the German UNESCO Commission on March 13, 2024. In their press release, she emphasized:
“The new additions not only illustrate the regional diversity and thematic breadth of living culture in Germany, but they also represent an expanded concept of culture that opposes the absurd separation of high culture and popular culture. The inclusion of Berlin’s techno culture is emblematic of this. For more than 30 years, techno has been an important sound of our capital, attracting many people from Europe and around the world to Berlin. Berlin’s techno culture has stood for values such as diversity, respect, and openness to the world for many years…”
Due to scheduling reasons, Ms. Roth will only be able to participate in this year’s parade via video message. Her office has already received and noted the invitation for 2025.
Alexander Krüger
Feel Festival, Artist, Alte Münze
Alexander Krüger is a cultural visionary, musician, and festival organizer. After studying cultural and economic sciences, he moved from the Harz region, via London and Shanghai, to Berlin. Since the age of 16, Alex has been passionately organizing festivals, such as the Feel Festival, Artlake, and Whole Festival, among others.
Alex is an important initiator and designer in the reclamation of urban spaces and the cultural landscape of Berlin. He is a key player in the cultural reshaping of Berlin and has transformed the Alte Münze into a dynamic cultural center. There, he provides 9,000 square meters of space for art, music, and creative encounters.
Topic:
Truck: Culturama Bus
Ameera Dva
DJ, Model
Ameera is a rising star in the global techno scene, known for her electrifying sets and passion for the genre. Her sound combines driving rhythms, hypnotic melodies, and raw energy, pushing the boundaries of traditional techno. Her meticulous track selection and seamless transitions create a captivating atmosphere that mesmerizes the audience.
As a passionate advocate for the techno scene, Ameera actively supports the underground techno community, promotes emerging artists, and strengthens the sense of unity within the scene.
Topic: Freedom & Music (together with Rummy Sharma)
Truck: The Bootcamp Goa ✕ Riverside Studios
Andrea Weidinger
Sustainability Manager at the Volksoper Vienna, Mag. MSc
Andrea is a trained lawyer and sustainability manager. She has several years of professional experience in these fields and is particularly distinguished by her expertise in ecological and social sustainability, as well as in governance and compliance.
Her intrinsic motivation for a more sustainable way of life for our society drives her daily efforts. Her focus is on performance in terms of future generations and the livelihood of people, not in terms of production for meaningless materialistic consumption that merely drives people to their misfortune.
In contrast, the consumption of art and culture creates truly sustainably happiness-inducing emotions and education. This is why Andrea has found her calling as a Sustainability Manager at the Volksoper Vienna, where her work feels meaningful.
Topic: Living and Shaping Sustainability Together
Truck: Trendwænde
• Website
• Instagram
• Soundcloud
Andreas Reiboldt
Sunshine Live
From local radio in Baden-Württemberg to a national brand. The journey of Sunshine Live is also the journey of Andreas “Andy” Reiboldt. He has been involved in and influenced the development of the station into one of the leading platforms for electronic music from the very beginning. For 27 years, he and his team have been responsible for marketing, events, and sales at Sunshine Live.
Topic: Electronic Music Freedom
Truck: Sunshine Live
Artur Wojtczak
Author, Mixmag, Muno.pl & Electronic Beats PL
Artur is a Polish music journalist and author who specializes in electronic music. He has written for numerous music magazines such as Mixmag, FAZE, Electronic Beats, and Muno.pl, and is known for his in-depth interviews and articles about the techno and house scene.
He is a key player in the Polish club culture and advocates for the promotion of electronic music. He is also a co-author of the book 30 Lat polskiej Sceny Techno (30 Years of the Polish Techno Scene), which belongs in every well-stocked music library.
Topic: The preservation and protection of electronic music culture as recognized intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO
Truck: C&C Bookings
Charlotte Lion
Promoter, Symbiotikka
Charlotte Lion, who initially fell in love with the KitKatClub as a guest, has been working as a door selector at SYMBIOTIKKA for seven years. She is a key member of this and several other parties. Three years ago, she came up with the idea for the SYMBIOTIKKA GODDESSES party series, which places a special focus on female empowerment and has become very popular. Supporting and strengthening the FLINTA community (female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans, agender) is especially important to her in this context.
Charlotte identifies with the SYMBIOTIKKA family, Berlin’s club culture, and the Rave The Planet motto “LOVE IS STRONGER.” She is grateful for the opportunity to speak on her float and advocate for change.
Topic: Love is stronger – we are Techno!
Truck: Symbiotikka
Chiderah Sunny
MAAYA
Chiderah Sunny is a versatile entrepreneur, author, and model with extensive experience in global markets, particularly in PR and communications. She works with clients across various industries, including fashion, art, and lifestyle, and has collaborated with renowned brands such as H&M Group and Diner en Blanc. Chiderah places great importance on cultural design and community-building and is committed to inclusive storytelling. She is also active in the music scene, where she bridges cultures through strategic integration and event coordination.
Topic: The Importance of Cultural Exchange in Germany
Truck: MAAYA – I am beause we are
Christian Goiny (MdA)
CDU Berlin
Christian Goiny, born in 1968, is a politician with the CDU-Lichterfelde and is deeply involved in Berlin’s cultural and techno scenes. Since 2011, he has been a member of the Berlin House of Representatives and serves as the spokesperson for media policy.
He advocates for the recognition of techno culture as a crucial part of Berlin’s identity and supports initiatives for the preservation of clubs and cultural spaces. He was instrumental in developing the “Clubs as Cultural Spaces” concept to promote and protect the club scene.
Topic: Amendment to the Berlin Assembly Freedom Act
Truck: Rave The Planet
Christian Grade
DJ, Sociologist, Zug der Liebe, Evosonic Radio
Christian, a.k.a. Soulhunter, is a trained social scientist and an original East Berliner. At 17, he began his journey as a DJ, starting with house and electro before finding his home in breakbeats. He held residencies at the legendary “Delicious Doughnuts,” played and released music on Ed2000’s label “Dangerous Drums.” As Christian Grade, he returns to melodic house, tech house, and techno with an old-school touch, regularly playing gigs at venues such as Süss War Gestern and ZU MIR ODER ZU DIR.
Topic: Peace & Other Values of Techno Culture
Truck: Peace 4 all
Daniel Schoch a.k.a. Daddy D!
Manager Prideheroes
Daniel Schoch, also known as Daddy D!, has successfully run an event and marketing agency focused on queer topics for the past 10 years. As a dedicated member of the queer community, he passionately advocates for tolerance, acceptance, equality, and inclusion. In his free time, the 32-year-old loves electronic music and travels across Germany to party and dance in clubs.
Topic: Diversity, Tolerance, Equality, Acceptance
Truck: Climax ✕ PRIDEheroes
Dave Groeneveld & Jeffrey
DJs, Promoters, Concrete Berlin
Dave Groeneveld, known as DJ DMCG, is the founder of the event series “Concrete Berlin” and the “369 Festivals.” He has been active in the event scene for five years, working as a technician. Jeffrey, who performs under the name DJ Saunameister, is a DJ, producer, and resident at Concrete Berlin. He has been working in nightlife for three years.
Topic: Protection of clubs and electronic music venues, such as state and established cultural venues
Truck: Concrete Berlin
Diana Rudolf
Rave for Good e.V.
Diana Rudolf, born in 1985 and raised in Berlin, experienced her first Love Parade at the age of 14 and grew up with icons such as Dr. Motte, Westbam, and Marusha. Since then, she has been a key figure in the Berlin techno scene of the 1990s and regularly danced in the legendary halls of Tresor and Ostgut.
As a passionate and professional event manager, she is also active as a TV presenter. Since 2019, Diana has been part of Rave for Good, where she is primarily responsible for finances and administration. She hopes that her son Antonio will one day also become a part of Rave for Good.
Topic: United by Sound – Peace and Harmony through the Art of Music and Dance
Truck: Rave for Good e.V.
Dr. Motte
DJ, rave the planet gGmbH, ex. Loveparade Berlin
Dr. Motte is a pioneer of the techno scene and known as the “Father of the Love Parade.” The Love Parade, which he initiated in 1989 as a political demonstration under the motto “Peace, Joy, Pancakes,” was for him a symbol of peace, dance, and social justice.
Through this and as a DJ, he significantly shaped Berlin’s club culture and promoted the spread of electronic music. In addition to his career as a DJ, musician, and event organizer, he has been actively involved as an activist since 1972. He is also committed to civil rights, data protection, and LGBTQ+ rights (CSD, Live Ball) and has supported important initiatives such as “Freedom Not Fear” and “Stirring Up Trouble.”
As a voluntary managing director of the non-profit organization Rave the Planet gGmbH, he’s been successfully advocating for the recognition of “Techno Culture in Berlin” as an intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO.
Thema: Love Is Stronger – Welcome and Closing Speeches
Truck: Rave The Planet
Eric SSL
DJ, Music producer, Radio host, Die Elmonauten
Eric Wust, aka Eric SSL, has been active as a DJ and music producer for over 40 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on the radio station SUNSHINE LIVE, where he presents “Special Squad” on Fridays and “Sunshine Live Classics” on Saturdays.
As an ambassador for SUNSHINE LIVE, he excites audiences at festivals such as “Nature One” and “Mayday.” In addition to his own music productions and remixes, such as for “Help Asia!,” Eric SSL will reflect on the relevance of dance bans and highlight the importance of dancing in today’s society at the Rave The Planet Parade 2024.
TopicAre Dance Bans Still Relevant Today?
Truck: Die Elmonauten
Friedrich Weil
Kittball Records
After completing his bachelor’s degree in General Management and a master’s in Real Estate, Friedrich Weil founded his first company focusing on real estate project development. In 2018, he helped establish Alfons & alfreda, which became a public limited company in 2021. In addition to his role as CEO, he shares his expertise as a lecturer at the Technical University of Cologne, where he teaches courses on project development and real estate investments.
Topic: A Modern Revision of Soundproofing and Building Regulations
Truck: Kittball Records
Ingo Kempinski
DJ, Chairman of Melodienschmiede e.V.
Ingo Kempinski, the first chairman of Melodienschmiede e.V., combines social work with electronic music. The association in the Gera/Greiz district promotes young talents and culture through artist placement and a small label.
Supported by patrons Dr. Motte and DJ Hildegard, Kempinski has been organizing more and more non-profit events since 2022. In 2024, the first Melodienschmiede Festival will take place, with all events fulfilling a significant socio-cultural mission.
Topic: Electronic Music and Its Influence on Culture and Youth
Truck Melodienschmiede e.V.
• Website
• Instagram
• Soundcloud
Jacky-Oh Weinhaus
DJ, Drag artist
Jacky-Oh Weinhaus, the Franconian troublemaker with shaving issues, has been risking life and limb with her drag performances for over 15 years, not just in the German capital. With short dresses, glamorous makeup, and a voice that never stops, she sweeps through clubs across Europe. She is also always on the streets, using her wit and fighting spirit to combat society’s filth and strive for a better tomorrow.
Topic: Things that drive her
Truck: Revolver Party
Julian Schwarze
BÜNDNIS 90 / DIE GRÜNEN
Since 2021, Julian Schwarze has been a member of the Berlin House of Representatives, responsible for urban development, tourism, and club culture for the Green Party. He advocates for the preservation of Berlin’s diverse club culture. Clubs are valuable free spaces and an important part of Berlin’s culture and must be protected from displacement. For this reason, he supports using the areas planned for the continuation of the A100 motorway through the middle of Berlin for culture, free spaces, affordable housing, and green areas instead.
Topic: For a Diverse Club Culture: Preserve Free Spaces, Stop the Displacement of Clubs!
Truck: Revolver
Kim Hansmann
Host
Kim Hansmann, a native of Kassel, is a host at “yoin #younginclusion,” a format by abm inclumedia® e.V. With fun and passion, they combine inclusion and entertainment to perceive disability as something natural.
Kim herself lives with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, which has been a part of her life since she was eight years old. Despite her own challenges, Kim advocates for other MS sufferers, offers counseling, and actively engages to inspire and encourage others.
Topic: Zero Tolerance for Intolerance – This Includes Discrimination Against People with Disabilities
Truck: Droomschipp
Maik Jech & PUK
DJs, Club owners, Der weiße Hase Berlin
PUK and Maschine are two Berlin techno veterans from Friedrichshain who have been enlivening the techno scene for over 25 years. They have been active in projects such as “Electrotainment” and “Moonsettlers” and are known for their performances at clubs like KitKat Club and Der Weiße Hase.
Maschine, whose real name is Maik Jech, is also the operator of the club “Der Weiße Hase” and will be organizing a float at the Rave The Planet Parade for the second time in 2024.
Topic: Peace, Disarmament, and Non-Verbal Demonstrations
Truck: Der weiße Hase
Marc Wohlrabe
Stadt nach 8, LiveKomm, Live DMA
Urban development, noise emissions, and political matters at local, national, and EU levels—these are all the arenas of club lobbyist Marc Wohlrabe.
As a co-initiator of Clubcommission Berlin in 1999, he served on the board and as a spokesperson for a long time. Additionally, he volunteers as a board member of the Bundesverband LiveKomm and, on a European level, with the association for clubs, festivals, and music venues, Live DMA.
Together with Raimund Reintjes, Marc founded the international nightlife conference Stadt Nach Acht in 2016, where he serves as director, curator, and moderator. Additionally, as a representative for creative industries and club culture, he is a board member of the CDU Lichterfelde.
Merlijn Poolmann
Nachbürgermester Groningen NL, Subciety BV
Merlijn Poolman began his career by organizing metal shows but turned to the dance music scene in 2011 when he founded the club Subsonic in Groningen. In 2018, he became the “Night Mayor” of Groningen, working to bridge the gap between the government, club owners, and party-goers. He is involved in the Dutch Pop Coalition and the European Music Council, blending formal politics with underground music culture.
Merlijn organized several Yin Yang Festivals at the Great Wall of China and founded Gateway 2 China for Western artists. Currently, he supports cultural projects through innovative tax incentives with the COSIMO Foundation.
Favorite quote: “A good idea comes up in the evening over a beer and is developed during the day over coffee.”
Topic: The Night as Inspiration for the Day
Truck: Subciety
Namakau Star
DJ, Musician, Paradise Worldwide
Namakau Star is an independent queer Black artist and activist for independent musicians and gender equality.
In 2024, she took on the role of Head of Communication and A&R at Paradise Africa, where she leads workshops aimed at improving release strategies for independent artists and labels.
With a background in International Relations and Media Studies, she bridges diplomacy, pop culture, and the music industry. Her five-year marketing career, highlighted by the Gold Bookmark Award for Tymebank in 2022, demonstrates her expertise in strategy development and audience engagement.
Namakau is also a sought-after speaker at conferences such as the Africa Rising Music Conference and Fame Week Africa.
Topic: Equality in Electronic Music Culture
Truck: Paradise Worldwide
Oliver S. a.k.a. The Harlekin
Producer, DJ
Oliver, known as DJ The Harlekin, has been a DJ, producer, and passionate techno fan since 1996. At 45 years old, he has immersed himself deeply in the electronic music scene and now runs the trendy club Ellen Noir in Magdeburg.
Topic: Preservation of Techno Club Culture
Truck: Ellen Noir
• Website
• Instagram
• Soundcloud
• YouTube
Prof. Dr. Matthias Pasdzierny
Musician, Musicologist, University of the Arts Berlin
Matthias Pasdzierny has been an Academy Junior Professor at the University of the Arts Berlin since January 2024. He studied Music Education, Musicology, and German Studies in Stuttgart, Berlin, and Krakow. In 2013, he completed his Ph.D. at UdK Berlin on West German music life after 1945. From 2009 to 2014, he worked on a DFG project on post-war music and took over the direction of the Bernd Alois Zimmermann Complete Edition at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences in 2016. His research focuses are music history after 1945, media philology, and techno.
He is a co-author of the book Techno Studies: Aesthetics and History of Electronic Dance Music and has supported the UNESCO application by Rave The Planet.
Topic: Techno Culture in Berlin
Truck: Kollektiv Obsession
Reza Fathi
Promoter, founder of Verknipt
Reza Fathi is the founder and co-owner of Verknipt, an event organization specializing in hard techno and rave. Since 2012, Verknipt has thrilled audiences with wild events, impressive light and laser shows, and crazy visuals. With around 155,000 visitors annually and an expansion to 300,000 expected in 2024, Verknipt has established itself internationally. In 2024, the label Verknipt Records was also founded. Verknipt is now globally recognized and connects ravers worldwide.
Topic: Abolition of All Dance Bans, Particularly on Quiet Holidays
Truck: Verknipt
Rummy Sharma
DJ, Producer, Promoter, The Bootcamp Goa
Rummy Sharma is a renowned producer, DJ, and mentor in the electronic music scene with over three decades of experience. He founded and leads The Bootcamp Goa, which is now in its third season.
Known for his expertise in DAWless performance and production, Rummy shapes the electronic music scene in India and internationally. His innovative workshops and courses, based on grooveboxes, drum machines, and synthesizers, provide in-depth knowledge for live performance and music production without traditional DAWs.
Topic: Freedom & Music
Truck: The Bootcamp Goa ✕ Riverside Studios Berlin
Sanne Kurz (MdL)
Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen (Bayern)
Susanne “Sanne” Kurz is a cheerful and dedicated person, born in 1974 in the beautiful Palatinate region by the Rhine and now living in Munich. She is a mother of four children and works as a cinematographer, independent filmmaker, and cultural worker. Additionally, she is a lecturer at the Munich Film School HFF.
Since 2017, Sanne has been a member of the party “Bündnis 90/Die Grünen.” Since autumn 2018, she has been a member of the Bavarian State Parliament. There, she is particularly committed to abolishing the dance ban on “silent holidays.” In 2021, she proposed a change to the holiday law. The proposal was rejected after the hearing, but Sanne does not give up and continues to fight for this goal.
In the Bavarian State Parliament, she is the spokesperson for Culture and Media and a member of the Committee on Science and Art. Additionally, she is a member of the Broadcasting Council of Bayerischer Rundfunk.
Topic: Abolish dance bans!
Truck: Lichtblick & Feigeist
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Twitter/X
• LinkedIn
• Die Grünen Bayern
• Bayerischer Landtag
Silvia Rathai a.k.a. DJ Hildegard
DJ, Melodienschmiede e.V.
DJ Hildegard, a pioneer of electronic music, began her career as a self-styled DJ for Black Music and left a mark on the club scene with her legendary Club Care in Karlsruhe. As a House DJ, she made waves during the Electronic Era and founded the successful music promotion agency Hildegard meets music in 2001. For over five years, she was the face and resident DJ of Big City Beats at BigFM. In addition to her music career, she is actively involved as a patron of Melodienschmiede e.V. and supports the organization with dedication.
Topic: Electronic music and its influence on culture and youth
Truck: Melodienschmiede e.V.
Somaphon
DJ, Producer, stereoAKTIV
The artist Somaphon has been active in the electronic underground scene for over 20 years. Previously performing as a live act, she now works as a DJ, musician, and event organizer. She is a co-founder of the event series Human Colours at KitKat Club, with which she and her crew realized the namesake float in 2023.
At their events, she and her partner are committed to creating an atmosphere where the diverse facets of human existence can shine in their individual beauty, and where a respectful, appreciative, and loving interaction is maintained.
Topic: Peace and Disarmament at All Levels
Truck: Human Colours
• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok
• X/Twitter
• LinkedIn
Thomas Pieper
Club owner, promoter, Fusion Club, Docklands & more
Thomas Pieper, founder and CEO of Dockland GmbH, is a prominent figure in the electronic music scene. Inspired by the emerging Hip Hop movement and club culture in the 1980s, he founded Dockland in Münster in 1994. The club attracted international Hip Hop and House stars.
In 1997, he opened Fusion Club in the unique Hawerkamp area, which has been repeatedly awarded as the best techno club in Germany. In 2010, he launched the Docklands Festival, which is now one of the largest inner-city festivals for electronic music in Germany. Thomas’s passion for electronic music and cultural spaces has remained unwavering for over 30 years.
Topic: Clubs are Culture – The Significance of Clubs as Meeting Places, Cultural Aspects, and Urban Development
Truck: Docklands ✕ Fusion ✕ The Island
Tobias Trommer
Activist, Aktionsbündnis A100 Stoppen
Tobias Trommer is a musician, educator, web designer, and tireless advocate for a livable city. As the founder of the action alliance “Stop A100!”, he has passionately opposed the expansion of the Berlin urban motorway A100 since 2007. With his expertise in music and cultural management, he not only organizes successful protest actions but also demonstrates how music can become a catalyst for social change.
The “Stop A100!” action alliance is a network of Berlin initiatives and activists committed to sustainable, human-friendly, and ecological urban development and transport policy. A key goal is to prevent the extension of the Berlin urban motorway A100.
Topic: Stop A100 – Protection of Clubs & Cultural Sites
Truck: Club OST
Westbam
DJ, Musician, Label owner
Maximilian Lenz, aka DJ Westbam, is a legend of the German techno scene and a true pioneer of electronic music. Since the early 1980s, he has captivated audiences with his innovative sound and has significantly shaped the rave culture.
As a DJ and producer, he has celebrated international success with hits like “Sunshine” and “Sonic Empire.” Besides his music, he is known as a co-founder of the Berlin Loveparade. His energetic sets and creative productions make him a central figure in techno, whose influence is still felt today.
Themen: “Everyone should find happiness in their own way” – non-verbal dance and music demonstrations, the preservation and protection of electronic music culture as a UNESCO-protected Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the strengthening of societal recognition of its cultural and social contributions. This includes peace and disarmament at all levels, from interpersonal relationships to global measures.
Truck: BamMobil
Yuli Ana
DJ, Musician
YULI ANA, born in 2007 in Ukraine, is a highly talented DJ and producer who moved to Berlin in 2022. Previously known as DJ Crystal Girl, she gained attention as the youngest DJ in Ukraine.
In her still-young career, she has been a resident DJ at DJ FM Kyiv, hosted her own show “Crystal Show,” and engaged in significant events such as Burning Man Ukraine. Her tracks, which cover various electronic genres, are available on all major platforms. Since arriving in Berlin, she has impressed at events like Beatport Reconnect and Dark Matter Berlin. She has just played her first DJ set at Tomorrowland.
Topic: Peace – The Experiences of a DJ Who Fled from War
Truck: Trendwænde
