MC Battle
Red Bull Turn It Up Brings the Ultimate DJ Battle to SA
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.
01
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.
Courtnae and Rox on stage
© Craig Kolesky / Red Bull Content Pool
DJ Tshegu
© Craig Kolesky / Red Bull Content Pool
The crowd chose the winners
© Craig Kolesky / Red Bull Content Pool
First time ever in SA
© Craig Kolesky / Red Bull Content Pool
02
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.”
03
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.
Nomadik
© Mpumelelo Macu / Red Bull Content Pool
Asvnte
© Mpumelelo Macu / Red Bull Content Pool
Up for grabs
© Mpumelelo Macu / Red Bull Content Pool
The crowd decides the winner
© Mpumelelo Macu / Red Bull Content Pool
“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.
04
The Mother City Did Not Disappoint
The crowd loved it
© Mpumelelo Macu / Red Bull Content Pool
Teddy Good Fella Fuelling Up
© Mpumelelo Macu / Red Bull Content Pool
Elly The Entertainer Kept It Going
© Mpumelelo Macu / Red Bull Content Pool
Kyeezi and Miles The Deejay
© Mpumelelo Macu / Red Bull Content Pool
Enrico Celento and Waggy made waves in Cape Town as they emerged triumphant in the Red Bull Turn It Up competition. Their infectious energy and exceptional talent set the stage on fire, captivating the audience to clinch the win. With their unique sound and undeniable flair, this dynamic duo proved why they are a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
“Communication was the biggest factor that played a role in helping us win, adapting to the crowd and what sounds made them happy also helped us,” they said when asked what their strategy to winning the competition was. “It would be great to have a national Red Bull Turn It Up with the winners from Johannesburg and Durban,” they added.
