Secretsundaze x Bonanza Lite 2026

Written by Mavvi

After two successful decades of hosting one of the most legendary parties in London’s underground circuits, James Priestley keeps the name (and spirit of) Secretsundaze rolling around on lineups around the globe as a DJ and label owner. 

We caught up with him at the last leg of a Latin America tour, and right before his first appearance on the Bonanza timetable, to get a glimpse of his creative process and what we can expect from him on the dance floor. 

You've been leading dance floors for almost 30 years now; what keeps you hooked up on DJing after all this long?

Curiosity, a hunger to keep discovering and learning, inspiration from younger generations moving things forward, and respect for the older heads maintaining the foundations dance music was built on. That, plus a drive to fight the threats our culture faces: From corporate finance and a global tech industry which only serves the interests of a few at the expense of humanity, with communities left in their trail; as well as wishing to support grassroots venues and people doing things for the right reason.

How would you describe Secretsundaze’s sound to someone who has never heard of you before?

As a DJ, I'm rooted in house music, but I come from a more freestyle mindset as opposed to locking into one sound or style. Plus I’m from the old-school approach of storytelling, so even within a short set of two hours, I try to build a narrative and strive to bring people along with me. I don't really like to limit that to a list of genres, but what you could say binds what I play is a sense of groove, depth, personality, and positivity.

How much of your sets is planned, and how much is left to improvisation?

Almost fully improvised. For important shows like Bonanza this weekend, I like to visualise how I might start, with perhaps one or two options of opening tracks and one or two following records. But after that it’s very much down to how I am feeling, and trying to understand as quickly as possible what is and isn’t working in the space sonically, what level of energy and vibe the people are creating, and how to respond to that.

As a label owner, how do you choose what music to put out there into the world? What does a track have to have in it to convince you to release it?

I’ve reflected more on artists I choose to work with, as this is more important to me than individual tracks per se.

With my label 9FINITY, I’m looking for artists who have a certain singular quality about them. Those who approach their craft / building their sound in a way that I can relate to as someone who makes music myself. Quality of sound and production, which can often, not always, come from working with analogue equipment, is very important to me as that is what works best on the floor, and I’m a DJ first and foremost. Much of my motivation for the label is to release music I can play myself, so it needs to function well in this respect.

You’ve been at El Rio before; how does the environment affect the way you prepare your set, in comparison to a club in London, for example?

Yes, this will be my third time playing at El Rio, although the first under the Bonanza banner, for which I’m very excited. 

I’ve had a lot of experience playing outside over the years, not so much in the jungle though, so the setting at El Rio is definitely unique and requires a slightly different mindset. That said, for this weekend I think it's more a case of preparing for when I’m playing: 7-10 am. I don't get to play at that time that often, and for me that's the more unique aspect of this one.  Trying to balance the right energy, just enough for the feet as well as the mind, to keep carrying people through after what's already been a long session. 

Over my time of playing across Colombia, everyone tells me that a lot of heads from around the country (and further afield) make it to the Bonanza sessions, so I can’t wait to do my thing there and wrap up this 10-date Latin American tour I’ve been on

This Is Your Sign to Volunteer at Rio Hostel

Words by : Daniel Colonia

I used to think I had to leave Colombia to find the life I was looking for.

So, before moving abroad again, I came to Rio Hostel for what was supposed to be one month. I thought I was going to volunteer, meet some people, and visit places around the area like Tayrona Park, Minca and Palomino... How wrong I was!

Yes, I was wrong because on the very first day I found a group of crazy people in costumes welcoming me (Love at first sight). During the first week, I became part of a routine I never imagined I needed, and after only two weeks, when they asked me if I wanted to extend my experience, I didn't hesitate to say yes. That's because I found a home in the middle of the jungle that I never knew I had. It was no longer just a one month volunteer experience; it became my home, a place I'm going to miss, a place I know I'll visit again because there are memories here, and mostly because I fell in love with my life here and with every person who arrives.

Every day people ask me, "How long are you staying here?"

To which I answer, "It's going to be three months."

Then they ask again...

"Is it really that good?"

Well, dear reader, imagine waking up every morning with the river, the mountains, and people who give you memories every single day as if they were family... and then you tell me.

I came expecting the famous parties by the river but they actually only represent a part of it. Rio hostel is not only a party hostel, it is the place that brought balance and inspiration back to my life.

I found mornings running through the jungle, afternoons working on my own projects (After going Tubing and drinking a Piña colada of course), creating alongside people who inspired me, nights dancing with strangers who somehow became family and weekends travelling the Caribbean coast with new friends.

Believe it or not, people sometimes tell me, "You are from Rio Hostel, right? You have Rio vibes."

Now I understand.. Rio isn't just a hostel. It's a community of people full of good energy who make life feel bigger.

People who create, who dream, who welcome you like you've always belonged. People who, beyond having fun, want to leave a mark. I'm proud to say I could support the Rio Foundation,  sharing afternoons with friends, staff and professionals inspired by the simple idea of giving back to kids from the local communities. Creating memories with them was one of my goals when I came here, and I can tell you I'll carry those moments with me for life.

If you ever visit us, do yourself a favor: check the activities on the reception board, choose one, and spend an afternoon with the Rio Foundation.

Two months later, there are times when I don't feel like a volunteer anymore. I just feel like I belong here. Not only because of the way people make you feel or because you never want to leave, but because during my time here, I gave my heart and my best intentions to enjoy this experience as much as I could.

To sum it up, I can tell you this:

I am a 26-year-old Colombian who fell in love with his country all over again.

And if this place could do that for me, being a local, imagine what it could do for you.

Whether you come as a volunteer or as a guest, don't miss this place. Maybe these words are your sign.

And if they are...

See you under the red fish.

You'll understand it soon.

DANIEL COLONIA
Volunteer / Colombia
Instagram: @itsdanielcolonia

Amelia Holt: Honey Trap x Bonanza Lite 2026

This year’s Bonanza Lite comes with a special collaboration from our friends at Honey Trap. Coming straight from New York City, the label/party series will be joining us in the lineup curation department for a spicy collab, featuring Amelia Holt, NAP, Second Contact and B+.

Named after the classic espionage tactic using romantic or sexual attraction to lure a target, this label/collective/party series began in the big apple and has thoroughly expanded its reach, hosting parties in cities like Montreal and Berlin. Their Substack, In Your Dirty Ears features a monthly list of new electronic music, as well as tales from the road and cheeky event promos. 

As the countdown for our next gathering rolls, we set out to talk to the brain behind it all, Amelia Holt, and find out as much as we could about this exciting collaboration.    

Find the interview below, and make sure to join us on the dancefloor this August 9th at the first of two editions of Bonanza Lite, getting your tickets here. 

Can you share with us the story behind Honey Trap?

Honey Trap started about three years ago as a project born in NYC. I been in this city for 12 years and have been throwing parties with friends for a while and made the timely decision to spread my wings and start my own project, where I could follow my vision for the sound, design, and the people I wanted to invite to be involved with the project. 

How did the Bonanza collaboration come to be?

The collaboration came about when I was chatting with Ben. We had already had some artists from my agency play at Rio Hostel and the festival, and I brought up the idea of doing a collaboration with Bonanza, especially since Daniel's record with ZDBT(Dosis) was released on the Honey Trap imprint a few months ago. I thought it would be a great fit since Daniel is a dear friend of mine, plus also from Colombia, and overall the pairing and timing seemed just perfect.

Which artists will you be showcasing this Bonanza Lite? 

Some of the artists joining us for this special edition are, of course, Daniel Rincon (NAP), resident Second Contact, and close Honey Trap friend B+, along with some great local talent. I cannot wait to hearing everyone and having a good dance. I'd love to continue building this connection and bring even more artists into the collaboration in the future.

What can we expect from the Honey Trap crew?

Something spicy, groovy, and unpredictable. A little taste of New York on the Colombian coast.

What distinguishes a Honey Trap release?

There's definitely a punk-ish flair, with some acid, EBM, and a mix of house and indie sleaze. At the end of the day, anything goes, but those are some of the main flavors. Check out the releases here.

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WRITTEN BY

MAVVI

Everything you need to know before your stay at Rio Hostel

By Emily Waddington / Guest

Arriving at El Rio by colectivo, then hopping on a motorbike to head down to the tucked away hostel deep in the Colombian jungle, sets the scene for the next 48 hours we spent at this hostel.

We had just spent a week on the San Blas boat with the best group of people and decided to regroup here at El Rio for their much anticipated Thursday party. Something that stood out to me most was the hostel's grounds. They are so impressive, and it all opens up onto a private riverfront space with crystal clear water to cool off in, all set to the background noise of howler monkeys in the jungle.  

Know before you go:

• Book early! This is essential, this place gets booked up quickly, especially if you want to be there for the famous Thursday party. We booked two weeks in advance and only just got a bed. 

• No need to bring food or drinks. While it's not allowed, the options on site are top tier at a range of prices.

• There is no ATM on site, so get cash out beforehand if you want to pay your tab with cash and avoid a 5% surcharge.

The lowdown on activities

While the hostel is semi remote in the Colombian jungle, there is so much to do on site. Every day there is a range of activities run by the hostel, whether you want to be super active or just lay by the river. They also offer guests the opportunity to volunteer with the foundation they run as part of the hostel, if you want to give back to the local community during your visit.

• Morning yoga

• Volleyball competitions

• Tipsy tubing: can't miss this

• Thursday party: can't miss this. Not just a party, it felt more like a mini festival, with light installations projected onto the surrounding rock face and amazing DJs.

• Hiking, horse riding and paddle boarding 

• Other nighttime activities range from music bingo, pub quiz, salsa classes and beer pong

There are plenty of other entertainment options on site like ping pong tables and pool tables that all get a good workout during the nights and a great way to meet fellow competitive friends. 

Your food & drinks options

So impressed by the food on site, it was all super fresh and great quality. There are options for all dietary requirements. 

• Bakery: great for grab and go and cheaper snacks. Empanadas, baked goods, smoothies, juices and cold drinks.

• Pizza: some of the best pizza I've had, I’d recommend the ‘Be Classy’ 

• Restaurant: ranging from nachos to salads, noodles and much more. 

• Bars: all regular bar options and amazing cocktails at the beach bar.

So how do you get there?

From Santa Marta there are a few options to get to Buritaca. Just let the bus know where you want to go (El Rio Hostel) when you pay and they will stop right out the front. 

• Public colectivo: 15,000 COP

• Private coach: 25,000 COP

Once you arrive at El Rio, there are motorbikes waiting to take you in for 5,000 COP. You can also walk in, I'd recommend walking one way, it's quiet and scenic along the river and only takes 15 minutes.

The rooms

Plenty to choose from depending on your budget, we stayed in the 6 person dorm with aircon. I highly recommend it in the heat, as it doesn't cool down much at night at all. Keep in mind the music on the night of the party goes until 8am, so if you're a light sleeper or want to get some sleep, I'd recommend the dorms with AC, as they aren't nearly as loud since they're enclosed.

• Private rooms with en suite & share bathrooms

• 6, 8, 12 person dorms with and without aircon

• 25 person ‘The mothership’

• Tent options

This hostel has created something super special, not only an incredible vibe but a community that is so welcoming to all travelers. One thing you can guarantee here is a fun time and lots of new friends.

By Emily Waddington / Guest