DJ Ready D & Azuhl put SA Hip Hop on the Map

DJ Ready D & Azuhl put SA Hip Hop on the Map. – The Great Cape Ambassadors Program (G-CAP) is proud to announce that two of South Africa’s most influential hip hop figures, DJ Ready D and DJ Azuhl, recently represented the country’s vibrant culture at the prestigious Notorious IBE festival in Heerlen, the Netherlands, last month. Their trip showcased the talent and unique spirit of Cape Town’s hip hop community on a global stage, proving that South Africa is not only on par with, but in some aspects surpasses, its international counterparts.

DJ Ready D, a legendary performer and G-CAP’s CEO, described the experience as “deeply humbling.” He highlighted the opportunity to share Cape Town’s “unique Hip Hop language, sound, and rhythm,” which are born from the city’s lived experiences. By performing and leading workshops, Ready D ensured that the world saw, heard, and respected South Africa’s hip hop culture in its own right.

Notorious IBE festival – a powerful learning experience

The trip served as a powerful learning experience, offering both DJs fresh insights into global industry trends. Ready D noted that the infrastructure to host large-scale events similar to Notorious IBE already exists in Cape Town. He aims to replicate the festival’s holistic approach, which combines competitions, workshops, panel discussions, and community storytelling, in future G-CAP events. “We’re not far off from creating something similar back home,” Ready D said. “We just need the will, the partnerships, and the vision.”

DJ Azuhl, head of the Beat Bangaz DJ Academy, was particularly inspired by the dedication and artistry of international performers. He was struck by how dancers used their bodies to tell stories of struggle, joy, and identity. DJ Azuhl noted that this “lived experience in motion” challenged him to deepen his own craft as a DJ. He also highlighted the importance of panel discussions. Covering  topics such as mental health and creative authenticity.  He plans to integrate these into the academy’s curriculum.

Both DJs observed a “raw hunger” from junior artists and fierce dedication from female dancers, which they want to instill in their students. “What I saw in those young dancers was pure fearlessness,” Ready D stated. “That’s the mindset I want our youth to embrace.” Azuhl added that the global hip hop community is connected by a shared “language” of music that unites people across borders, reinforcing the idea that “this culture is family.”

Ready D and Azuhl inspired to push the boundaries

These experiences have inspired both Ready D and Azuhl to push the boundaries of their work back home. The key takeaway, according to Ready D, is to build sustainable, long-term platforms for young people. This includes providing ongoing mentorship, education, and opportunities for aspiring artists to grow their craft. For Azuhl, the trip reinforced his belief that DJs are not just entertainers. They are “culture bearers” responsible for shaping narratives and preserving history.

To pass on their new knowledge, DJ Ready D and DJ Azuhl will be running their next DJ course at the Beat Bangaz DJ Academy. The recently opened studio at Tiny Warehouse in Woodstock. It will run on Saturday, 13 September 2025. Aspiring DJs interested in learning from these industry leaders can sign up on the G-CAP website at BeatBangaz DJ Academy – G-CAP | Great Cape Ambassadors Program.

About the Great Cape Ambassadors Program (G-CAP)

The Great Cape Ambassadors Program is a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa. It aims to empower youth through hip hop culture. Providing mentorship, training, and opportunities that build skills. That create positive change within communities. For more information, visit www.gcap.org.za.