DJ Vistar channels jazz-rooted soul and hard-won resilience into authentic, deep Afro-house grooves.
DJ Vistar is the artist persona of Vuyo Magwa, a DJ, producer and actor from the Western Cape, South Africa. He began DJing in 2008 and moved into production the following year, building a sound that channels revolutionary, Socialist-inspired jazz influences alongside deep house heroes like Black Coffee, Atjazz and Cuebur into what he calls authentic, soulful, jazzy Afro-house. His catalogue runs from “Cape to London” and “Heaven” on SRNDR Records through to his first EP, the five-track “Things Around Me” on Rogue Decibels, which drew coverage from house music blog Essential House. Versatile across deep house, funk and EDM, he’s now hard at work on a second EP, five tracks strong, aiming for release later this year, and is currently in conversation with MN2S Label Services about distribution for his upcoming releases. His back catalogue is available to stream in full on Beatport.
How did you get into music? What is your musical background?
DJ Vistar’s musical journey started young, collecting his neighbours’ old records back home in the Western Cape. He began DJing in 2008 before moving into production a year later.
“Music has been a calling for me since I was very young,” he says. “To this day, I’m still doing it.”
Tell us about your first release and what was special about that one.
DJ Vistar’s debut, “Cape to London,” started life as a free upload on SoundCloud. “All my songs are special to me, but ‘Cape to London’ is the one that made numbers and that people loved the most,” he says. The track caught the attention of UK label SRNDR Records, who reached out off the back of it. “Then the rest was history.” SRNDR gave the track its formal release in March 2020, and followed up with “Vistar’s Award” months later, pairing the new title track with “Cape to London” as its B-side.
Tell us about the latest project you worked on.
DJ Vistar’s most recent full project is “Things Around Me,” his first EP, released on Rogue Decibels in June 2025 and featuring contributions from Sihle Zondie and Siphe Tebeka, which earned a feature on house music blog Essential House.
He’s now deep into work on his second EP, five tracks in total, due for release later this year. “I’ve worked on it very hard because I’m independent,” he says. “Some songs carry a message, and others just make sure you feel happy to be alive.” He’s also hoping a collaboration with Siphe Tebeka will come together in time for the release.
Could you describe your musical style and creative vision?
DJ Vistar describes himself as a versatile artist at heart, with a particular love for deep house blended with funk and EDM. His music channels the revolutionary, Socialist-inspired jazz of artists like Jimmy Dludlu and Donlaka, alongside deep house producers such as Black Coffee, Julian Gomez, Atjazz and Cuebur, resulting in what he calls proper, authentic, deep, soulful, jazzy Afro-house.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of entering the music industry?
“Make sure you do your research about this industry, and make sure you understand the business side of it,” DJ Vistar says. “Just know that there are websites out there that will decide how much to sell your music for, without you having a say in it.”
What are your plans for the rest of the year and beyond?
DJ Vistar has a busy year ahead: a one-hour production mixtape, a birthday celebration in December, and more music on the way alongside his second EP. Looking further out, he’s set his sights on supporting other artists and giving back. “I want to open doors for a lot of artists in the future, and also do charity,” he says.