Vinny Da Vinci
DJ Vinny Da Vinci is a true icon of the South African electronic dance music scene, with an impressive career spanning over two decades. He has played a vital role in shaping the deep underground club culture in South Africa through his various endeavours and is considered one of the most important figures in the industry.
Vinny’s journey in the music industry began in the late 80s, when he was first introduced to the art of DJing by watching his mentor, Dj Correy, blend records on a pair of Technics turntables at a club called Ship Ahoy in Mabopane. He was fascinated by the craft and began buying vinyl, honing his skills and experimenting with different sounds.
In the early 90s, Vinny got his first break when the resident DJ at a club in Mabopane failed to show up, and he was asked to stand in. His performance impressed the owners, and he landed a residency, later quitting his day-job at a clothing store to become a full-time DJ. He began playing at clubs in Pretoria and Johannesburg, quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best deep house DJs in the area.
Vinny’s talent and dedication to the genre earned him a loyal following, and he became known as one of the most respected and influential figures in the South African deep house scene. He did stints at Club Gemini and The Arena in Hillbrow, where he formed a friendship with another talented DJ, Dj Christos. Together, they formed Djs At Work in 1998, with the goal of changing the way people think about music in South Africa. Over the course of five critically acclaimed and platinum-selling studio albums and a slew of top-notch DJ mixes, they have certainly achieved this goal.
In 1996, Vinny became a partner in House Afrika Records, where he assisted in overseeing the release of landmark CD compilations like Dj Fresh’s “Fresh House Flava Volume 1.” He also handled a DJ residency at Club Ellesse in Pretoria, where Djs At Work were a permanent fixture and driving force of the local house culture at the time.
In addition to his work as a DJ and producer, Vinny is also known for his work as a radio personality. He hosts a weekly radio show called “Deep Sensation” on YFM, where he plays the latest and greatest deep house tracks and interviews with the biggest names in the industry. He has also been involved in other business ventures such as being a co-owner of the classic Tshwane nightclub Carnalita.
Throughout his career, Vinny has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the South African music scene. He has been nominated for multiple awards, including the South African Music Awards, and has won several awards for his contributions to the genre.
In conclusion, Vinny Da Vinci is a true icon of South African deep house music. His passion for the genre, his dedication to his craft, and his contributions to the South African music scene have made him an important and respected figure in the industry. He continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world with his unique sound and undeniable talent. His influence on the music scene in South Africa is undeniable and his legacy will continue to live on through the music he has created and the many DJs he has mentored.
