From De Doorns to the spotlight: how DJ Ice Flake revolutionised the Western Cape music scene

If you’ve ever vibed to Yaadt (yard)  mixes, smooth R&B, or caught a weekend set that made you forget your worries, chances are DJ Ice Flake was behind it.

In coloured communities across the Western Cape, his mixes aren’t just songs on a playlist; they’re part of the culture.

Backyard braais, weekend turn-ups, even those late-night chill sessions where you smaak (want) to sing your heart out for a breakup that happened in 2012, all carry a little Ice Flake magic.

His journey began not in big clubs or flashy venues, but in the small town of De Doorns, a tight-knit community where small-town life and music often go hand in hand.

Even then, he was the guy everyone relied on for the perfect mix, the beats that made friends and family move.

“It all started for me back in 2008 in De Doorns. At that time, I was part of a dance crew, and I was the one who used to put our dance mixes together, but I wasn’t a DJ yet. I didn’t know anything about DJing; I was just the guy behind the music for our performances,” he recalls.

The real turning point came in 2012 when his father gifted him his first DJ controller.

“I started playing around with it, just trying things out, because I was so fascinated by the DJs who were big in my area at the time. I used to watch them and think, ‘I want to be like that one day'.”

Flake’s journey is a story of self-taught perseverance. He practised tirelessly, learned from mistakes, and slowly mastered his craft. By 2014/2015, mentorship from DJ Deon gave him his first real break.

“He gave me my first real opportunity to play alongside him. He taught me a lot about the craft, things like reading the crowd, not sticking to just one genre, and always staying versatile. From there, I just kept building and growing.”

Even with all the ups and downs, the payoff has been huge. From sold-out shows on his birthday "Turn Up Tour", to the self-funded "Ice Flake One Man Show" in Beaufort West, every performance reminds him why he does this.

“It honestly feels amazing … I built that channel from scratch, and to see it grow to over 121,000 subscribers is something I’m super proud of. With my mixes, I’ve actually become like a household name, part of some families’ weekly routine.

"Playing such a big role in people’s lives is honestly mind-blowing. When young kids come up to me, saying they want to be like me. That’s when I remind myself I need to go even harder. I just want to be that example of hope, for the young and the old, for as long as I can.”

Flake isn’t just the guy you blast at a house party or family gathering anymore. His "Birthday Turn Up Tour" in May hit eight venues, two of them in Namibia and every single one sold out. 

“It was crazy to go to another country and see how many people already knew me and supported me,” he says. 

For young DJs chasing their dreams, Flake has some simple but powerful advice: “Make sure this is really what you want to do. Be all in, stay focused, and never rush the process. Be unique, don’t try to copy anyone else’s sound or style.

"Build your own lane and create your own opportunities. Protect your brand, know your worth, and invest in yourself. The rewards are so much greater when you believe in your name and run your own shows.”

Flake’s story proves that even as a creative from a small town, dedication and passion can turn backyard mixes into a career that inspires communities.

Reflecting on his journey, he is clear about what matters most.

“This industry is competitive - hyped today, gone tomorrow. For me, it’s about staying relevant, evolving, and giving my people what they want. I’ve burned bridges that weren’t meant for me, and kept my circle small. My name and career mean everything; it’s my purpose.

"I’m not chasing numbers or praise. Crowds celebrate you today and crucify you tomorrow. I’d rather walk with God unseen than be praised by people who don’t even know me.

"At the end of the day, I just want to be a hope for the young ones to show them that if you believe, work hard, and trust God’s timing, anything is possible. For now, it’s Ice Flake to the world," Flake concludes.