Nothing beats enjoying sundowners with friends, with live music and chilled vibes. The stunning alfresco setting on Eat Street offers the perfect location for relaxed ‘Sundowner Sessions,’ and these talented DJs provide the tunes.

KATIE LA FEMME

Originally from Durban, Katie has always loved music. “I was fascinated by how music could shift moods and create a sense of space beyond the physical. As soon as I discovered electronic music, I knew I wanted to create musical journeys that could transport people.”

1. Tell us about your music career thus far.
“My music career has been a blend of exploration and evolution. I’ve been DJing for over a decade, performing at various venues across South Africa, from beachside lounges to intimate rooftop settings. I’ve also delved into sound healing and yoga, which has influenced how I approach music, seeing it as an experience that moves beyond just entertainment into something more immersive and intentional.”

2. Describe your performance style and genre of music.
“My performances are all about storytelling through sound. I mix melodic house with organic elements, weaving together emotive beats with natural textures that create an atmosphere of warmth and connection. It’s a style that feels effortless yet intentional – perfect for sunset sessions, open-air venues, and spaces where people can lose themselves in the music.

3. What do you think people enjoy most about your performances on Eat Street?
Eat Street has an incredible ambience. People come together to enjoy good food, conversation, and a shared experience. I think what people like most about my sets is how the music blends seamlessly into that environment. My sound is uplifting yet soothing, creating a soundtrack that enhances the moment rather than overpowering it. It’s about setting a mood that makes people feel present, at ease, and connected.

4. What is your ultimate music career goal?
My goal is to take my music to a level where it becomes more than just performance, but an experience that transforms spaces and people. Whether that’s through DJing at stunning outdoor venues, curating sound journeys, or integrating music with wellness and meditation, I want to create something that resonates deeply. Music has the power to elevate and heal, and I see my career as a continuous journey of exploring that potential.

DARIUS NAYIN

Darius, often referred to as ‘Darius The Sound Guy,’ was born in the small town of Tongaat just outside Ballito. Having studied Architecture after school, Darius discovered his passion for music and the entertainment industry and pursued DJing while working full-time as a professional architect.

1. Tell us about your music career thus far.
“My interest in sound and music started at an early age when I watched my dad connecting small sound systems and heard his stories about being a DJ at nightclubs. My first genuine experience in entertainment was when I joined the sound team at my church at age 14 where I learned all about live shows by being the ‘front-of-house’ sound engineer. I worked at various live events in and around Durban and started my own sound engineering business in 2018 while I was studying. It is called Darius Digital Sound and still runs as a full-service sound company catering to all events today.

2. Describe your performance style and genre of music.
“My first DJ gig was at the Virgin Active in Ballito. After that, I started performing at big promotions, like store openings, and at awards evenings. I am an ‘open format’ DJ, which means my music sets differ to suit the event. My area of expertise though, includes R&B Soul, Afro Deep and House music.”

3. What do you think people enjoy most about your performances on Eat Street?
“The indoor/outdoor offering at Eat Street makes it a fantastic area to perfectly capture the essence of Africa. A lot of people enjoy the diverse, genuine Afro Deep House music that I play during my performance sets, and it perfectly complements the scenic, sundowners setting.”

4. What is your ultimate music career goal?
“My goal is to continue sharing the beauty of Africa through music and allow people to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life … even just for a little while.”

DJ MARCEL

Music runs in the family for Marcel, whose grandfather and father were both DJs in the 1980’s and 1990’s, respectively. He moved to Ballito from Pretoria 12 years ago with his parents and younger brother and got a certificate in Audio Engineering from Boston College Umhlanga in 2017.

1. Tell us about your music career thus far.
“I would say my music career started at the age of about 16 when I was playing Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and commercial remixes at house parties in high school. I played at birthday parties and school dances and did resident DJ gigs at local clubs, where I played Deep House, Tropical House, and Jungle House Lounge, as well as commercial sing-alongs and ‘sokkie’ nights. During this time I built up my sound equipment, which then led me to do weddings and corporate functions. I am now a professional Wedding DJ and have a large array of sound equipment with all the bells and whistles.”

2. Describe your performance style and genre of music.
“It depends on the event I’m DJ’ing for. At weddings and corporate functions, I often get asked to play a lot of 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and Afrikaans sokkie music (and any requests that come my way). When I do resident gigs on Eat Street, I play a lot of 80s, Country and Deep House.  

3. What do you think people enjoy most about your performances on Eat Street?
“The fact that I create a vibe and atmosphere for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves with great music, food and fun!”

4. What is your ultimate music career goal?
“My ultimate musical career goal is to one day DJ at clubs and continue my professional wedding DJ career in Australia.”

ROYAL LOVE

Jarod Ferreira, better known as DJ Royal Love, is a born-and-bred Ballito DJ who has made a name for himself on the local music scene. A former Ashton International College pupil, Jarod comes from a family of entrepreneurs and dreams of one day making his debut as an international DJ.

1. Tell us about your music career thus far.
“My love for music started at an early age. My parents listened to various kinds of music and by the time I was 13 (after spending hours watching my favourite DJs, such as Tiesto, Swedish House Mafia and Black Coffee perform online), I knew I wanted to be a DJ. I started DJing at clubs at the age of 16, and I now play all over South Africa (and have performances booked overseas this year). I’ve had the opportunity to perform at some of the biggest festivals in the country, like Splashy Fen, Rage Festival, Anywhere In Your City and Fun in the Sun. I have also released singles and have collaborations coming out this year.”

2. Describe your performance style and genre of music.
The music genres that I perform are a mix of Afro House, Afro Tech and Deep House.

3. What do you think people enjoy most about your performances on Eat Street?
I believe people enjoy the rhythms in the songs that I choose to perform. They allow you to socialise and enjoy familiar beats and often become great conversation pieces as to how you may know this or that song, etc.

4. What is your ultimate music career goal?
My ultimate music career goal is to perform at the biggest festivals in the world, such as Ultra Music Festival in Miami and Tomorrowland. I would also love to perform at some of the biggest clubs in the world, like Hi Ibiza, Ushuaia Beach Club and Space Miami. Ultimately, though, I would love to produce chart-topping singles and make collaborations with artists I look up to, such as DJ Merlon and Black Coffee.