A Journey Rooted in Community and Music
South African DJ, producer and event curator KayGee The Vibe continues to stand out as one of the most consistent figures in local dance music culture. In a recent catch-up with TheJournalistDJ.com, the Thembisa-born tastemaker reflected on a journey that began long before packed dancefloors and international bookings.
His introduction to DJing dates back to 2008, while still in high school, during his father’s stokveld gatherings.
“My dad used to host stokvels, and people would fight over CDs,” he recalls. “I played the CDs in order so everyone could be happy. That’s when I realised selecting music could actually be a career.”
From Selector to Multifaceted Creative
What started as music selection quickly evolved into a serious pursuit. Over the years, KayGee The Vibe has grown into a multi-hyphenate creative DJ, producer, promoter and event curator — navigating different eras of South Africa’s nightlife economy with discipline and consistency.
His ability to read crowds and control energy has become one of his defining strengths, earning him respect both on and off the stage.
The International Breakthrough
A major turning point in his career came in 2014, when he landed his first international booking.
“That was the moment I realised people were taking my craft seriously,” he says.
At the time, the industry relied heavily on physical marketing.
“Social media wasn’t big. You needed flyers, billboards, and money. If you didn’t have that, hosting a proper event was almost impossible.”
Adapting to a Changing Industry
Despite the challenges of earlier years, KayGee The Vibe adapted alongside the industry. As digital platforms reshaped how events are promoted and music is consumed, he remained grounded in the fundamentals: consistency, crowd connection and quality experiences.
2026: A Year Focused on Events
Looking ahead to 2026, KayGee The Vibe is placing renewed emphasis on live experiences. His first major event of the year, The Block Party, takes place on 28 March in Johannesburg, followed by the return of his Beach Party concept, which debuted successfully last year.
For him, events remain a crucial part of building authentic culture beyond streaming numbers.
Thoughts on AI and the Future of Music
As artificial intelligence begins to disrupt music creation globally, KayGee The Vibe offered a grounded perspective shaped by years behind the decks.
“Making a song is one thing, but entertaining people is another,” he explains. “You need to know how to read the crowd, build a set and interact with people. Music is about presence.”
Genre Fluidity, Amapiano at the Core
Having played across Afro House, House, Boom and Amapiano, KayGee The Vibe sees genre-shifting as a natural part of growth. However, he remains firmly rooted in Amapiano.
“I’m comfortable here,” he says. “This is where I’m staying.”
A Message to the People
As the conversation came to a close, KayGee The Vibe left fans with a clear call to action:
“28 March, Jozi — The Block Party. Mexican wave. I hope to see you there.”
Built on Longevity and Culture
With nearly two decades in the game, KayGee The Vibe continues to prove that longevity in South African dance music is built on adaptability, authenticity, and an unwavering connection to the dancefloor.
