My City: DJ Ready D on Cape Town

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One of South Africa’s most influential hip-hop turntablists, producers and social activist (and a celebrated stunt driver too), DJ Ready D explains his hometown is such a creative city

 

I LOVE CAPE TOWN BECAUSE…

Whether in the Cape Flats, suburbs or the townships, I am constantly blown away by just how imaginative Capetonians are. Its creatives are never afraid to experiment and the culture, activism and overall sense of drive is inspiring. DJs, graffiti artists, drag racers, vocalists and others are always so expressive in the execution of their different crafts. We rap in Afrikaans, isiXhosa and our interesting accents make our offerings unique.

I also love how we do not wait for others to make a plan for us, as a lot of the creativity in the city is run entirely by communities. Through my weekly show on GoodHope FM and workshops in Nyanga township, I’m always meeting such incredibly talented Capetonians and we see just how much untapped potential there is out there.

FAVOURITE HIP-HOP SPOTS

NYANGA YETHU is a weekend recreational programme that gets kids and youth off the streets by introducing them to film screenings, open mic nights, yoga and pop-up activities. safetylab.co.za

PARK JAMS happens in Mitchells Plain during the summer months. Through this initiative, the organisers provide the youth with alternatives to gangsterism, which is a real problem in Cape Town. #mitchellsplainparkjam on social media and graffitisouthafrica.com

FLYWHEEL CUSTOM CHARIOTS is owned by Zahier Davids from Kensington and he makes the most breath-taking low-rider bicycles imaginable that perfectly complements the culture of hip hop. He now has ventured into customised low-rider motorbikes as well. flywheelbikes.withtank.com

BATTERY PARK & EYETHU SKATEPARK Hip hop and other genres of music incorporate various other disciplines, and one of these is skateboarding. A new skatepark had been built at the V&A’s Battery Park and they’re currently constructing the Eyethu Skatepark in Hout Bay.

 

FOR SOME GOOD FOOD TRY …

NURI SUSHI FACTORY I’m a huge sushi fan and this place in Parliament street is my favourite place. nuri.co.za

CAPE TOWN FISH MARKET There are several around Cape Town and what I love is how consistent they all are. You know you’ll always get fresh, delicious food. I love traditional Cape Malay cuisine too and they have some great dishes. ctfm.co.za

LEKKER VEGAN It’s in Kloof Street and they even make a vegetarian Gatsby … which seems a bit weird but is actually great. The vegetarian burger and sweet potato fries are also fantastic. lekkervegan.co.za

I GET MY SNEAKERS FROM …

SNEAKERX_CPT I follow them on Instagram (@SneakerX_CPT) and they’re really good at finding those unique, collectable models.

 

FAVOURITE PLACE TO CHILL

HOUT BAY BEACH. I can take my dogs for a walk on the long, wide stretch of beach and the fresh sea breeze just does something to you. I like the vibe there.

I TRY TO GIVE BACK TOO

Regardless of where we live, I think all South Africans should use their passions and interests to better the lives of people we interact with.

DRIFT SQUAD I got into the art of drifting after seeing the statistics that show how many thousands of young people die on Cape Town roads every year due to excessive speed and lack of training. Drift Squad is my precision driving initiative and we host legal events that not only entertain, but also help those who are interested in drifting to be able to safely perfect their skills. We are regularly at the Killarney International Raceway and we host our annual Drift City event there as well.

MEN’S HEALTH MOBILE CLINIC I am also involved in improving men’s health, particularly male circumcision. In the Western Province, a large number of young men die from being infected after they have been circumcised, as part of their culture. We have a mobile clinic that accompanies us at various hip-hop, graffiti, arts and music-related events, where we spread the message about various men’s health issues.

 

 

 

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