In the heart of Limpopo, where music echoes through mountains and vinyl crackles under the African sun, one man has carved out a cultural movement built on groove, grit, and grassroots growth. Victor Mashitoa, founder of Duplay Music and the visionary behind Vinyl Camp, is not only preserving the essence of analogue sound – he’s reviving it as a lifestyle, a legacy, and a love letter to South Africa’s rich musical tapestry.

 

“My journey started in 2000,” Victor shares. “I was inspired by my brother Chris, a DJ from the ’90s. Watching him work the decks sparked something in me, and I’ve never looked back.” That early fascination would evolve into a two-decade-long commitment to vinyl – not just as a format, but as a philosophy.

 

 

Between 2010 and 2013, while DJing across Gauteng, Victor began to see vinyl culture flourish in new, unexpected ways. “I kept meeting collectors, old friends from the record shop days,” he says. “I had this idea – let’s gather, network, and share music in a private space, almost like a getaway. I’d always seen camping as a lifestyle in white communities, so I thought: what if we fused that with what we love most – music?”

 

And so, Vinyl Camp was born. From humble beginnings in 2013 with just 21 friends, it has grown into a weekend retreat that now welcomes over 1,000 vinyl lovers. Nestled in nature, it’s not just a festival – it’s a movement. One that reconnects people to the raw, warm, organic sound that only records can deliver. “Vinyl holds a sentimental value. You feel it, you watch it spin. It’s alive. I could talk about it all day,” he laughs.

 

Victor credits South Africa’s own Vinny Da Vinci as a lifelong inspiration. “House Afrika and that era shaped my ear,” he says. “Vinny taught me the art of sound curation. I wanted to bring that magic home, to people who didn’t have access to those records.”

 

Today, vinyl culture in South Africa is not only surviving – it’s thriving. From Menlyn’s Vinny’s Vinyl Thursdays to multiple dual-stage events featuring both digital and vinyl floors, it’s clear the scene is shifting. “Vinyl’s not just for DJs anymore. It’s become a lifestyle. People buy them just for personal indulgence,” Victor says.

 

But challenges remain – particularly around accessibility. “There’s a serious lack of physical record stores locally. Not everyone can import. We need more infrastructure to really grow this culture.”

 

Despite the hurdles, Victor sees vinyl DJs as the gatekeepers of music heritage. “There’s no piracy in vinyl. That means you have to really value the music you buy and play,” he explains. “It’s pure. It’s honest.”

 

As both a creative and a business leader, Victor wears many hats – but he’s clear on what keeps him grounded. “To balance the two, you need flexibility, collaboration, and clear goals. That’s how we’ve been able to grow Duplay and Vinyl Camp.”

His long-term vision? To make Vinyl Camp a tourism drawcard. “We already have guests from Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini. Eventually, I want to take it across provinces and even countries – a kind of roadshow rooted in music and community.”

 

For Victor, the Vinyl Camp community is everything. “You have to build trust and loyalty. Give people good service. Listen to what they want. That’s how you build a legacy,” he says. That legacy is also about empowering talent: “We give young DJs a platform, and pair them with experienced mentors. It’s about growing the culture, not just showcasing it.”

 

When asked what thought leadership means to him, Victor doesn’t hesitate: “You should inspire, empower, and be the change.”His driving force? “Passion and love for music. There’s still a level in this game we haven’t reached yet – and I want to be part of getting there.”

 

If given the chance to collaborate with anyone, it’d be international producer Julius Papp. “I love his versatility – he doesn’t limit himself.”To the next generation, his advice is simple: “Stay humble, be open-minded, and always be willing to collaborate.”

 

Looking ahead, Victor is optimistic. “The SA music industry is growing fast. Our artists are going global, and that trend will continue. I can only imagine how powerful it’ll be in 10 years.”Through Duplay Music and Vinyl Camp, Victor is building more than a brand — he’s building a sound signature. “I want it to live on for future generations,” he says. “To bring people together, one record at a time.”