MC Battle
Johannesburg kicks off the electrifying DJ competition as Durban and Cape Town prepare for an epic showcase of South Africa’s hottest talent.
If there’s one thing South Africans proved in 2024, it’s that DJs are the heartbeat of Mzansi’s party scene. From festivals to clubs, they’ve turned music into a universal language of joy and connection. Now, to celebrate that energy, Red Bull Turn It Up has officially arrived in South Africa for the first time—bringing a high-intensity DJ battle that is as much about skill as it is about crowd engagement.
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What Is Red Bull Turn It Up?
This global phenomenon sees DJ duos facing off in an adrenaline-fueled competition, tackling surprise themes and remixing tracks on the spot to win over the crowd. The audience plays a key role, with their cheers and energy deciding which team takes the crown.
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First Event in Braam
The first-ever South African edition kicked off in Johannesburg on February 24, and the night was nothing short of electrifying. With a packed venue in Braamfontein, DJs brought their A-game, blending genres and mixing on the fly to create unforgettable moments.
Mac Shawty & DJ PH Dominate Johannesburg’s First Battle
In the end, it was the Blue Team—featuring the powerhouse duo of Mac Shawty and DJ PH—who stole the show. Their seamless transitions, killer track selections, and undeniable chemistry had the entire venue on their feet, singing along and dancing to every beat.
“Being on stage was both exciting and terrifying because we had to think on our feet,” said Mac Shawty after their victory. “You never know what to expect from the opposition. The crowd was amazing, and the energy was electrifying. This was my first-ever DJ competition, and to have won against such great DJs is surreal.”
DJ PH echoed the sentiment: “The entire concept of the show was dope! Competing under pressure while making sure we entertained the crowd made for an interactive, unforgettable night.”
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Durban Was Hot!
Que DJ and Asvante captivated the Durban scene with their electrifying beats, clinching victory at Red Bull Turn It Up. Their seamless synergy and musical mastery impressed the crowd to secure a well-deserved win in the Durban leg of the competition. Get ready to groove to the tunes of these talented artists as they continue to make waves in the music scene.
“Our set was strong from the onset, we came to the gig prepared and knew what the Durban crowed wanted, we are so grateful to the people and respect to our opponents, they really kept us on the edge but ultimately, we won and I’m so proud of us and what we brought to the Durban club scene. We want to entertain and that’s what we aimed for and that is why we won, thank you to Red Bull and we need more of these unique events”. Que DJ and Asvante said.
Top DJ duos compete in an explosive battle of sounds at Red Bull Turn It Up, which has been held in cities all over the world. As participants tackle unexpected themes and create live mixes to excite the audience, each performance is a dynamic demonstration of talent and artistry. However, the audience is crucial because their participation and cheers determine who wins each round, so it's not just about the DJs.
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More Events To Come
- Cape Town – March 15
Each event promises local talent, unexpected musical twists, and an unbeatable vibe. If Joburg’s competition was anything to go by, the next rounds are going to be unmissable.