The first day of the Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 set the tone for an unforgettable week. Between genre-blending performances, forward-thinking lineups, and packed venues across the city, ADE once again confirmed its status as the beating heart of global electronic music.
Amapiano takes the spotlight at the ADE Opening Concert
For the ninth year in a row, the Metropole Orkest and Melkweg joined forces for the ADE Opening Concert, this time featuring South African powerhouse DBN Gogo.
The show was a stunning tribute to Amapiano, the genre that’s reshaping the global sound of dance music with its deep grooves, jazzy chords, and irresistible swing.
Known for her high-energy sets and bold musical vision, DBN Gogo delivered a performance that bridged continents — bringing the spirit of Johannesburg to the heart of Amsterdam. Her set was more than a show: it was a celebration of culture, rhythm, and identity, inspiring a new generation of female DJs and producers worldwide.
Raw energy and avant-garde techno at “12 15 6 9” by Numéro & TGIB
At Lofi, Numéro Netherlands and The Gang Is Beautiful curated a night that felt like the underground pulse of ADE — dark, raw, and beautifully intense.
Techno legend Richie Hawtin headlined the main floor with his signature minimalist precision, proving once again why his name remains synonymous with innovation.
Alongside him, MARRØN brought his unmistakable Afro-futurist rhythm to the room, while Polygonia hypnotized the crowd with deep, organic techno textures. Jeans closed the lineup with a sharp, forward-thinking energy that kept the crowd locked in.
Upstairs, TGIB’s Colorfloor offered a burst of color and attitude, featuring Olivia Mendez, Prance, and Joya Astou — three fearless selectors embodying the new wave of club culture.
Day one of ADE 2025 reminded everyone why Amsterdam becomes the world’s music capital every October — a city where orchestras meet DJs, genres collide, and every beat tells a story.