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Uncle Cal – Your Uncle in the Music Business

From his first steps as a music-loving teenager to becoming one of South Africa’s most beloved and versatile entertainers, Uncle Cal has grown into a true force in the entertainment world. Known affectionately as Your Uncle in the Music Business, he blends deep musical knowledge, showmanship, and an unrelenting passion for creating unforgettable experiences.

Music has always been part of his DNA. From a young age, Uncle Cal was surrounded by musicians and show business, and by age 12, he was already building his vinyl collection using his saved-up pocket money. Just two years later, driven by his fascination with a club DJ he admired, he snuck into a nightclub by lying about his age—and ended up landing his first gig.

Since then, Uncle Cal has evolved far beyond just a DJ. Today, he is a multifaceted entertainment brand, a performer, music producer, event host, and the charismatic alter ego known as The Afro Ninja. Whether he’s commanding the stage in his signature kung fu outfit, curly disco afro, and space-age sunglasses, or delivering an eclectic mix of genres at a luxury cruise or corporate event, Uncle Cal is instantly recognizable for his energy, crowd connection, and ability to ignite any audience.

A National & International Presence

Uncle Cal has performed in every province of South Africa as well as neighbouring countries like Namibia, Swaziland, and Mozambique. His crowd-pulling sets have entertained audiences at festivals, theatres, and corporate functions—including high-profile stages like:

  • Cape Town International Jazz Festival (Free Concert, Greenmarket Square)
  • GrandWest Arena (4,000–5,000 capacity)
  • Jazz on the Rocks (Tietiesbaai)
  • MosJazz Festival (Mossel Bay)
  • Nekkies Easter Festival (5,000+ attendees)
  • Sevens Rugby – Cape Town Stadium (25 000+ attendees)

He has shared the stage with celebrated local and international artists such as Jonathan Butler, Phil Fearon, Judy Boucher, Dr. Victor, Early B, Kurt Darren, and Emo Adams, among others.

A recent highlight includes a performance in New Zealand for a South African expat community event, where he left such a strong impression that fans are already calling for his return. In Namibia, he headlined a massive retro party to rave reviews

Now one of the most versatile and recognizable DJs in the country, Uncle Cal has broken boundaries—not only across genres and borders, but also through performance formats. He’s one of the rare DJs to perform in shows at formal theatres like the Baxter and Artscape, presenting shows that fuse live musicians, visuals, and themed storytelling—bringing DJ culture into spaces traditionally reserved for drama and concerts…

Uncle Cal – The Radio Presenter

Uncle Cal’s journey into radio began in 1998 on South Africa’s first iconic community station, Bush Radio—a natural extension of his passion for sharing music and stories. Equally at home with an unseen audience as he is on stage, he developed a signature programming style that blends entertainment with cultural relevance.

In recognition of his engaging on-air presence and innovative approach, Uncle Cal was named Best National Community Radio Presenter at the inaugural National Community Radio Awards in 2017, held in Bloemfontein.

Today, he hosts the syndicated radio show The Uncle Cal Xperience, broadcasting every Saturday from 18h00 to 22h00 on:

  • KC 107.7 FM in the Cape Winelands
  • Eldos FM 87.6 in Johannesburg

The show has become a trusted destination for music lovers seeking retro gems, soulful vibes, and authentic storytelling—delivered with the warmth and charisma only Uncle Cal can bring.

Uncle Cal – The Producer

Beyond the decks, Uncle Cal has been honing his craft as a music producer and remixer. What began with bootleg remixes shared online has evolved into professional productions and official remakes. A career milestone was his 2019 remake of Judy Boucher’s classic “Can’t Be With You Tonight”, recorded with Boucher herself and featuring Caribbean artist Choko, giving it a fresh island twist.

He continues to work on retro-inspired South African remakes, original productions, and collaborative releases—building a growing discography across digital platforms.

A Defining Moment

When the South African Rugby team brought home the World Cup trophy, Uncle Cal was the DJ chosen to entertain the crowd of over 60,000 people at the victory parade in Cape Town. His image was broadcast live on CNN and other major global networks—solidifying his place as a recognizable and respected name in South African entertainment.

The Uncle Cal Experience

For Uncle Cal, every performance—big or small—is treated as if it were his last. Whether entertaining a crowd of 50 or 5,000, his mission remains the same: to move people with music, create magical moments, and make memories that last a lifetime.

“I never take my audience for granted,” he says. “It’s all about creating those special moments that sustain a lifetime of memories.”

With a spirit shaped by his Afro Ninja persona and inspired by Bruce Lee’s timeless wisdom—

“Be formless… shapeless… like water… it can flow, or it can crash… Be like water, my friend.”

—Uncle Cal continues to reinvent himself and pour his soul into every beat, mix, and performance.