DJ

I’m not currently DJing, but this page is a record of a long run behind the decks — from 1989 to 2019.

I started DJing in clubs in 1989 (with a 7 year break between 1998 and 2005 except for the odd Le Club reunion and Redroom set). My mentor was Andrew Wood (Scants & Heaven) who was also responsible for mixing the popular HIGH ENERGY 2LP releases in the mid to late 80s in South Africa. We worked together at BANGS! (ex Heaven which eventually became THE DOORS) in December 1989. I was hired to work the lights after opening night after I managed to get them all working again, and then watched and learned from Andrew, coming in early each night before the club opened to practice mixing. I was all of 16 years old.

First proper residencies were Bella Napoli 92-94 (downstairs) and Le Club 94-97. I also played sets/short residencies during this period at Viper Room Rosebank, Doors Marshall Str, Alcatraz, Sub Zero, and Sneaky Petes.

In Oct 2005 I started/ran/DJed at Cellardoor with Martin Thomas. Sold the rights in June 2007.

Since Cellardoor I’ve played at Tokyo Star (both venues), The Woods, Cosmic Bowling Alley, Alexander Theatre, Dogbox, and Kitcheners and events/parties like Woodstock Festival, Ramfest JHB, Toffie Festival CT, Pixel Pop, High Five Records Parties RIP, VHS, Chairkickers, Closer, Monkey Island, Disco De Moda and Shut Up I’m Dancing.

I’ve also had the pleasure of playing with some of the best ‘indie/electronic’ DJs in SA: Sassquatch, KING OF TOWN, Charles Leonard, Data Takashi, ANDRW, Casioheart, Mankazam, Young Smuts, Moe Joe, That Girl, Chinxxx VJ, Tenrapid, Destrukto, Architecture Alexia, Chris Keys, Matt Suttner and international acts DJ Spooky and Johnny Foreigner.

REFORM! started in Nov 2009 with Charles Leonard. It was a regular party at KITCHENERS in Braamfontein where we played a 6-decade spanning selection of soul*raregroove*girlgroups*townshipjive*reggae*swingjazz*nigeria70s*vintagedisco*newwave*springbokradiohits*indie. We also did a vinyl only gig at 44 Stanley Ave for some time.

Our last REFORM gig was in 2019, and Kitcheners has since changed management.

Charles is still a prolific (and fantastic) vinyl DJ, while I spend my free time on JHB research while still listening widely and making obscure playlists and mixes rather than play to crowds.

LINKS TO MIXES AND MUSIC

Mixcloud – Various mixes for streaming

Last FM – What I’m generally listening to

All my CD compilations are listed HERE