In a world dominated by streaming algorithms and digital convenience, one man is taking South Africa back to the roots of music culture—where sound was raw, tangible, and deeply human. Victor Mashitoa, founder of Duplay Music and the visionary behind Vinyl Camp, has turned a personal passion into a grassroots cultural movement that is transforming how people experience music.
From the mountains of Limpopo to the urban sprawl of Gauteng, Victor’s story is a testament to passion, persistence, and the enduring magic of vinyl.
From Childhood Inspiration to Cultural Architect
Victor’s journey into vinyl began in 2000, inspired by his older brother Chris, a DJ from the ’90s. Watching Chris work the decks lit a fire that would burn for decades.
By the early 2010s, Victor was DJing across Gauteng and noticing a revival of interest in vinyl. Record collectors, nostalgic DJs, and curious newcomers were beginning to re-embrace analog sound. But something was missing: a community space where vinyl could thrive as culture, not just format.
“I always loved the lifestyle aspect of camping in white communities,” Victor recalls. “I thought—what if we blended that with what we love most, music?”
The idea became Vinyl Camp: a weekend getaway where records meet nature, groove meets grassroots, and strangers become family.
Vinyl Camp: From 21 Friends to a Thousand Voices
The first Vinyl Camp in 2013 gathered just 21 close friends. Today, the event attracts over 1,000 vinyl enthusiasts from across Southern Africa.
Held in natural, open-air settings, Vinyl Camp offers more than a party—it’s a cultural pilgrimage. Attendees experience DJ sets, crate-digging sessions, panel discussions, and fireside jam sessions, all anchored in the warm, organic sound of vinyl.
“Vinyl is alive,” Victor says with a smile. “It spins, it breathes. You feel every crackle. That’s something digital will never replace.”
Building a Legacy: Duplay Music & Cultural Preservation
Through his company Duplay Music, Victor has built infrastructure to support this movement: sourcing rare records, mentoring young DJs, and creating platforms where vinyl can shine.
He credits legendary figures like Vinny Da Vinci and the House Afrika era for shaping his ear and inspiring his curatorial style.
Yet challenges persist. South Africa lacks physical record stores, making accessibility a hurdle. “Not everyone can afford imports,” Victor admits. “That’s why local infrastructure is critical if we want to grow vinyl culture sustainably.”
Still, he sees vinyl as the guardian of music heritage:
“There’s no piracy in vinyl. Every record you buy, you respect. Every record you play, you value. That honesty keeps the culture pure.”
Mentorship, Tourism & The Future of Vinyl Culture
Victor is determined to use Vinyl Camp as a launchpad for young talent. By pairing emerging DJs with experienced mentors, the platform nurtures skills and preserves knowledge.
But his vision goes beyond music. He dreams of turning Vinyl Camp into a tourism drawcard, attracting guests not just from Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini—as it already does—but from across Africa and beyond.
“Imagine a Vinyl Camp roadshow,” he says. “Taking the culture across provinces and eventually across borders. Music as a unifier, as a passport.”
Thought Leadership, Collaboration & Growth
Victor’s philosophy is simple yet powerful:
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Inspire others through passion.
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Empower young talent with opportunities.
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Collaborate widely to grow the movement.
He names Julius Papp, the international producer known for his versatility, as a dream collaborator.
His advice to the next generation of DJs and entrepreneurs?
“Stay humble, be open-minded, and never stop collaborating. That’s how we grow.”
South Africa’s Global Music Future
Looking at the broader industry, Victor is optimistic:
“The SA music industry is growing fast. Our artists are going global, and in 10 years, the world will be watching us. Vinyl is part of that story—it reminds us where we came from, even as we push forward.”
Through Duplay Music and Vinyl Camp, Victor Mashitoa is not just building a brand. He’s building a living legacy—one that connects past, present, and future.
As the vinyl needle drops and the groove takes hold, one thing is clear: Victor isn’t just spinning records. He’s spinning soul into sound.
