South African-born Ricardo Nunes, better known as DJ Azuhl, is a pioneering force in the country’s hip-hop and DJ culture. Introduced to hip-hop in the mid-80s, he evolved from a dancer to a key member of the legendary Afrikaans hip-hop group Brasse Vannie Kaap (BVK) and a co-founder of The Beat Bangaz, alongside Grandmaster Ready D and DJ E-20. He is also the owner and co-founder of the Beat Bangaz DJ Academy in Cape Town, which has been shaping the next generation of DJs for over 15 years.

While his foundation is in hip-hop, DJ Azuhl’s ability to move crowds spans across genres, from funk, soul, and mashups to house, rock, and dub. His expertise has seen him share the stage with international heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Mos Def, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Coolio, A-Trak, and The Black Eyed Peas. Since 2007, he has toured Europe annually, performing at major clubs and festivals, including Miami Music Conference (USA), Safiko fest (Reunion Islands), U.N Habitat (Spain), Hip Hop Logique (France), Pukkelpop (Belgium), Schoolyard Breaks (Germany), and Battle of the Year (Nigeria) & countless tours with BVK, Beat Bangaz, Godessa & EJ Von Lyrik.

Back home, he has played at South Africa’s biggest events and festivals, such as ULTRA Music Festival, Rocking the Daisies, Back to the City, Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Red Bull BC One, and Oppikoppi.

ON-AIR PRESENCE

You can currently catch DJ Azuhl on the airwaves via:

Future Club Radio – A global online platform showcasing electronic and hip-hop DJ culture.

KFM – One of Cape Town’s largest commercial radio stations.

He contributed South African Hip Hop mixes for over a decade to the acclaimed Ready D Show on Good Hope FM, which was awarded Best Radio Show at the 2020 SA Hip Hop Awards. He also provided weekly DJ mixes for The Good Vibes on the same station for four years, and has featured as a guest DJ on major national platforms including Metro FM and 5FM. also runs his own online platform, Beat Bangaz Radio, dedicated to hip-hop and DJ culture.

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS & MEDIA CONTRIBUTIONS

DJ Azuhl has worked with some of the biggest international and South African brands, including Adidas, Red Bull, Fish Eagle, Puma, and more. His expertise also extends to television, having served as a researcher, co-producer, and presenter for South Africa’s first Afrikaans hip-hop television show, Hip Hop, on the now-defunct channel MK89 in the 2000s. He hosted the show alongside Mr. Fat (RIP) of Brasse Vannie Kaap and DJ Ready D, playing a crucial role in documenting and showcasing South African hip-hop culture.

RECENT ACCOLADES

In 2024, DJ Azuhl held a four-month residency in Mallorca, Spain, performing at high-end venues and luxury hotels, solidifying his international presence. He was also a driving force behind the 2024 documentary Brasse Vannie Kaap – Die Onvertelde Storie, which received a standing ovation at its world premiere at the Silwerskerm Festival 2024. The documentary has since gained international recognition, winning two accolades in 2025—one at the Berlin Indie Festival and another at the Los Angeles Movie and Music Video Awards, awarded to its director Lauren Scholtz.

COMMUNITY & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Beyond music, DJ Azuhl is committed to youth development and community empowerment. He co-ran  HHESA (Hip Hop Education South Africa) from 2003 - 2009 alongside DJ Eazy, facilitating international cultural exchanges and school programs in Cape Town.

He is also deeply involved in G-CAP, a South African nonprofit organization he leads alongside Grandmaster Ready Dand Malikah Daniels. Through G-CAP, they deliver impactful youth programs, including:

Kids Music Fun – Teaching entrepreneurial skills in music and entertainment through community-led youth festivals.

Beat Bangaz DJ Academy – Providing hands-on training in DJing and audio mixing, fostering creativity and practical skills for aspiring DJs.

Safer Roads for All – Using motorsport as a platform to educate young people on road safety, with the goal of reducing road fatalities.

With decades in the game, DJ Azuhl continues to shape the South African music scene, bridging the old and new while remaining a global ambassador for hip-hop culture.