Justin Vee: Three Decades of Music, Culture and the Journey Behind Mutha FM

DJ. Producer. Sound engineer. Songwriter. Radio presenter. Music industry professional.

After more than 30 years in electronic music, Justin Vee has experienced the industry from almost every angle. From Johannesburg’s legendary club scene and the early days of vinyl, to music production, record labels and the evolution of digital broadcasting, his career has followed the transformation of dance music itself.

Today, Justin is also part of the team behind Mutha FM, helping develop the station and its position as a platform for electronic music culture in South Africa and around the world.

Where It All Began

For Justin, the journey into music started with a fascination for the dance floor.

“I am a DJ, producer, music industry professional and, above all, someone who has dedicated most of his life to music and electronic culture.”

As a teenager, Justin was drawn to the energy of electronic music, while also exploring hip hop, dance and R&B. Playing at parties with friends became his informal introduction to DJing.

In 1996, an important chapter began when Justin came under the guidance of South African DJs including Paul Almeida and DJ Spiro. Their influence helped him make the transition from someone who simply loved music into someone who understood how to play to a dance floor.

His opportunity at ESP in Johannesburg became another defining moment.

“Things really changed when I got my opportunity at ESP in Johannesburg.”

Residencies at ESP and Nexus followed, along with events such as Slippery ‘n’ Wet. At the same time, Justin was working at BMG Studios as a sound engineer.

This gave him an opportunity to experience music from both sides of the console — behind the decks and behind the mixing desk.

“I was experiencing music from both sides: behind the decks and behind the mixing console.”

That experience expanded his understanding of recording, production, songwriting and working with artists.

Looking back, Justin doesn’t identify one specific moment when he decided music would become his career.

“I don’t think there was one single moment when I decided, ‘This is my career.’ It just evolved. One opportunity led to another, and I kept saying yes because I genuinely loved being around music.”

More than three decades later, that passion remains.

“The technology has changed, the genres have evolved and the industry is almost unrecognisable from when I started, but that feeling of hearing a great track and knowing it belongs on a dance floor hasn’t changed at all.”

The Record That Started the Journey

Every DJ has those records that become part of their musical DNA.

For Justin, one of those records is Jomanda’s “Got A Love For You.”

“I would have to say Jomanda – ‘Got A Love For You.’ That record really stands out for me.”

The energy, vocal and house groove left a lasting impression and helped establish an early connection with the sound that would eventually become central to his career.

“It’s funny how music works like that — you don’t always realise in the moment that a particular record is going to stay with you for decades.”

From DJ to Producer

Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Justin has accumulated countless milestones, but one production stands out.

“Get Together”, his collaboration with Adrian Shannon from Grannysmith, brought together several aspects of Justin’s career — DJing, production, songwriting and his experience within the record industry.

The track reached the Top 10 across major South African radio stations, reached number one twice on 94.7 Highveld Stereo’s Homebrew chart and appeared on compilations including The Hits 15 and Club Anthems 2006.

But the chart success wasn’t what mattered most.

“But beyond the numbers, what made it special was hearing something I had created being played on radio and then walking into clubs and hearing people dance to it.”

For a DJ, there is a unique satisfaction in playing music created by someone else. For a producer, hearing an audience respond to something you created yourself is an entirely different experience.

Adapting to a Changing Music Industry

Justin began his career during an era when physical music dominated the industry.

Vinyl, CDs, record stores, studios and record labels were central to the DJ experience. Building a reputation meant spending time in clubs, buying records, networking and proving yourself on the dance floor.

Then the industry changed.

Digital music, streaming, downloads and social media transformed how music is created, discovered and consumed.

“I had to constantly reinvent myself without losing the foundation that made me who I am.”

For Justin, adapting wasn’t simply about learning new technology. It also meant understanding the business behind music.

His experience with BMG and Sony Music gave him insight into how records are produced, marketed and delivered to audiences.

“Talent alone isn’t enough. You have to be adaptable, you have to keep learning, and you have to understand the business side of music.”

That philosophy has remained central to his career.

“I’ve learned not to chase what’s fashionable, but to evolve with the industry while staying true to who I am and what I believe in musically.”

The Evolution of South African Electronic Music

Few people who have been involved in South African electronic music for three decades have witnessed as much change as Justin.

When he started, electronic music was largely an underground culture. DJs, record shops, clubs and vinyl played an important role in developing the scene.

Johannesburg and Pretoria became significant centres for house music, while South African artists began taking international influences and developing sounds of their own.

“South Africa took international electronic music and made it its own.”

The evolution of house music into sounds such as Kwaito, Deep House and Afro House, followed by the global rise of Amapiano, has helped place South African music firmly on the international stage.

Justin believes this represents one of the biggest changes he has witnessed.

“We’ve gone from importing the music and learning from what was happening overseas, to creating sounds that the rest of the world now wants to hear.”

The Justin Vee Sound

Ask Justin to describe his musical identity and the answer is clear.

“I’d describe my signature sound as chunky, groove-driven beats with big, funky basslines and catchy vocals.”

For Justin, a great record needs character.

“Every track needs to have something memorable — whether it’s the bassline, the vocal, a particular groove or just that one moment that makes you want to turn the volume up.”

His philosophy is straightforward.

“I’ve always believed that a great house record should make you move first and think about it later.”

That philosophy also influences how he approaches DJing.

Rather than planning every track in advance, Justin prefers to prepare a selection of music and then respond to the room.

“I’m definitely someone who reads the crowd and goes with the flow.”

For him, DJing is a conversation between the music and the audience.

“The best sets are conversations between the DJ, the music and the crowd.”

The Record That Became Part of His Identity

Another important record in Justin’s career is Kinane’s “So Fine (Sharp South Park Vocal).”

Early in his career, Justin had the opportunity to mix ESP EP 7, one of the notable ESP releases. He wanted to include “So Fine” and had to convince Nic Burger from RPM to allow him to use it.

The track went on to become closely associated with Justin’s sets.

“That track went on to become almost a signature record for me.”

It helped open doors to guest sets around South Africa and became an important part of his development as a DJ.

“Looking back, it’s amazing to think that one track could have such an impact on my career.”

Justin Vee and Mutha FM

Justin’s relationship with Mutha FM goes back much further than his time behind the microphone.

For years, Nick E Louder had approached him about joining the station and hosting a show.

There was just one problem.

Justin was uncomfortable with the idea of being a radio presenter.

“I was incredibly mic-shy. I never saw myself as a radio presenter, and I honestly didn’t like the sound of my own voice on a microphone!”

In 2025, the conversation happened again.

This time, Me’shalle, the presenter behind She Sets the Sweet Spot, convinced Justin that they should do the show together.

The pair were already established as the DJ duo Love Mee, making the transition into radio a natural extension of their work together.

“The first month was definitely a challenge for me. I had to get comfortable behind the microphone and find my voice, but slowly I started enjoying it.”

Then came an even bigger opportunity.

Nick E Louder offered Justin and Me’shalle the chance to become involved in running the station.

“What started as a radio show has now become a genuine passion project for us.”

Over the following months, they focused on developing the station, strengthening the brand and expanding its programming and audience.

For Justin, Mutha FM has become much more than radio.

“Mutha FM has become much more than a radio station. It’s a platform for electronic music, DJs, producers and the culture that I’ve been part of for more than three decades.”

What Makes Mutha FM Different?

Justin believes Mutha FM’s greatest strength is its authenticity.

“We’re not trying to be just another online radio station. We’re building a platform around electronic music culture.”

Rather than focusing solely on commercial playlists, the station aims to provide space for established artists, underground talent, DJs, producers and emerging sounds.

“We don’t want every show to sound the same.”

That individuality is an important part of the station’s identity.

Every DJ brings their own musical taste, personality and interpretation of electronic music.

For Justin, Mutha FM exists because of a genuine passion for the culture.

“Mutha FM isn’t something we built because we thought online radio was a good business opportunity — it came from a genuine passion for the scene.”

At its core, he believes the station is about community and discovery.

“We’re connecting South African electronic music with a global audience, giving DJs and artists a platform, while creating a station that feels like it belongs to the people who actually live and breathe this culture.”

Keeping Electronic Music Culture Moving

Justin believes platforms such as Mutha FM are important because electronic music exists far beyond mainstream radio.

“Electronic music needs platforms that are willing to go beyond the obvious and give the culture a voice.”

Online radio provides the freedom to introduce audiences to DJs, producers, labels and underground movements that might otherwise remain undiscovered.

“For me, Mutha FM is about discovery.”

That discovery applies to Justin as well.

Despite having more than three decades of experience, he believes there is always something to learn from new artists and DJs.

“I’m not just helping develop the next generation of DJs; they’re also helping me continue to develop as a DJ and music lover.”

Advice for the Next Generation

Justin’s advice to aspiring DJs is simple.

“Listen, watch, educate yourself and stay as humble as possible.”

He encourages new DJs to explore different genres and eras, learn from other DJs, understand their equipment and develop an understanding of music production and the business side of the industry.

He also believes new DJs need to master the fundamentals.

“Learn your equipment. Learn your music. Learn how to mix properly, understand phrasing, timing, beatmatching and how to read a crowd.”

Technology can assist a DJ, but it cannot replace skill.

“You need to build the skills behind the passion.”

Social Media and DJ Culture

Justin sees both sides of the social media revolution.

On one hand, social media has given DJs and producers unprecedented access to global audiences.

On the other, he believes some of the mystery and discovery that once defined underground music culture has disappeared.

“When I started, you had to go looking for the music.”

There was a time when discovering a DJ meant hearing about an underground night, walking into an unfamiliar club and taking a chance on what you were about to hear.

“You weren’t there because of how many followers the DJ had or what they looked like on Instagram. You were there for the music.”

Justin believes social media is valuable, but hopes people continue to discover artists through the music itself.

Building a DJ Brand in 2026

For Justin, branding is essential for modern DJs — but branding should never replace ability.

“Your brand should represent who you are, what you sound like and what you stand for.”

A strong DJ brand should be recognisable, consistent and authentic.

However, the music remains the foundation.

“You can have the best logo, the biggest Instagram following and the most impressive visuals, but if you can’t deliver behind the decks, people will eventually see through it.”

His philosophy can be summed up in one line:

“Make people remember your name — but give them a reason to remember your music.”

Justin Vee: The Quick Fire Round

Vinyl or Digital?

“Both. Vinyl is the roots, digital is the evolution.”

Sunrise or Sunset?

“Sunrise.”

Club or Festival?

“Club.”

Justin enjoys the intimacy of a club environment and the direct connection between the DJ and the dance floor.

Deep House or Tech House?

“Tech House.”

Coffee or Energy Drink?

“Energy drink. I love the bubbles!”

Studio or Stage?

“Stage.”

For Justin, performing is where he feels most connected to an audience.

Warm-up or Closing Set?

“Closing set.”

He enjoys bringing a night together and giving the audience a final musical memory before they leave.

Two Dream B2B Partners

If Justin could choose two artists for a B2B set, his choices are Andy from Shermanology and Amine Edge.

“Andy from Shermanology — his energy, technical proficiency and the bounce he brings to everything he does pushes me to be better every time I see him perform.”

His second choice is somewhat more direct.

“Amine Edge — he’s just too fucking cool!”

Some records simply refuse to age, and for Justin that record is Sneaker Pimps’ “Spin Spin Sugar (Armand’s Dark Garage Mix).”

“Some records just become timeless — this is one of them.”

Beyond the Music

Away from DJing and production, Justin’s focus is on family, relationships and making memories.

He enjoys spending time with his son, Bodhi, and going on spontaneous adventures with Me’shalle.

“Those moments outside of music are what keep me balanced — family, love, adventure and making memories with the people who matter most.”

If he hadn’t become a DJ or producer, Justin believes he would have become a chef.

“I’d be a chef — mainly because I absolutely love to eat!”

There is also an unexpected musical side to Justin.

“I’m a complete sucker for a sad song or a good ballad — from absolutely any genre.”

Behind the house music, basslines and dance floors is someone who appreciates music because of its emotional connection.

The Time Justin Emptied a Dance Floor

Every DJ has had a moment they’d rather forget.

For Justin, one of those moments involved Josh Wink’s “Higher State of Consciousness.”

While training at a club, he managed to clear approximately 1,000 people in around four minutes.

“I was at a club I was training at — I won’t mention the name — and somehow managed to clear out about 1,000 people in roughly four minutes.”

Ironically, the same track became an important part of his musical journey.

“So yes, I emptied the dance floor — but at least I learned something from it!”

His conclusion is perhaps the most important lesson of all:

“Believe in your sound, there is always a place for it.”

Looking Towards the Future

After more than three decades in the music industry, Justin’s definition of success has evolved.

For him, legacy isn’t simply about chart positions, productions or accolades.

It’s about people.

“Music can be a very lonely road at times, and behind every track, every performance and every DJ is someone who has dedicated their heart and soul to what they do.”

Justin believes artists and DJs need to hear appreciation.

“I think every DJ needs to hear ‘thank you’ sometimes.”

His idea of legacy is therefore simple.

“If I can leave this industry having supported artists, encouraged people and made them feel appreciated, that would mean more to me than any chart position or accolade.”

And perhaps that says more about Justin Vee than any list of achievements ever could.

“Be kind, say thank you, appreciate the music and never forget the human being behind the artist.”

A Message to the Mutha FM Family

After 30 years in music and a new chapter with Mutha FM, Justin’s message to listeners is one of gratitude.

“To the entire Mutha FM family, and to everyone listening around the world, I’d simply say thank you.”

He wants Mutha FM to remain a place where music comes first, DJs are heard, artists are appreciated and electronic music culture continues to thrive.

“Keep discovering music. Support the artists you love. Go and see DJs play. Find the underground. Dance with strangers. Make memories.”

And most importantly:

“Never lose your love for the music.”

Justin Vee

DJ | Producer | Sound Engineer | Songwriter | Mutha FM Presenter

More than 30 years in electronic music.

One Frequency. Worldwide Electronic Culture.