Meet Aerakii, a South African DJ and producer who is redefining his sound with fresh energy. Formerly known as Funky J SA, he is back with a bold new identity and a clear vision. His debut album, ‘Journey To The Main Stage (Festival Edition)’, is a 19-track collection that blends euphoric progressive house with emotional melodies and powerful drops. Crafted independently, this album tells a story of growth, resilience, and big dreams. It is made for the festival crowd but carries a personal touch that shows his journey both as an artist and as a person finding his true sound. Recently, we had an opportunity to sit and talk with the artist. So, let’s see how that went…
DMR: Hi, welcome to Daily Music Roll. What inspired you to take on the new artist name Aerakii after being Funky J SA?
Aerakii: Thank you for having me. The transition from Funky J SA to Aerakii was both a personal and artistic rebirth. Funky J SA reflected a different chapter rooted in club residencies and local stages. But as my sound evolved, so did my vision. Aerakii represents a cleaner, more focused identity. It’s future-facing made for festival mainstages, emotional storytelling, and international reach. I wanted a name that felt timeless, a bit mysterious, and open to global ears.
DMR: How did growing up in Durban shape your musical style?
Aerakii: Durban gave me rhythm literally and spiritually. It’s a city with diverse cultural beats, from house and gqom to Indian classical sounds. That melting pot wired me to always look for soul in music, no matter the genre. The energy of Durban’s people resilient, expressive, and vibrant definitely inspired me to make music that moves both hearts and feet.
DMR: When did you first realize music was your calling?
Aerakii: I grew up in a neighbourhood full of DJs music was always around me. I first dabbled in DJing and music production when I was about 11 or 12, helping out local mobile DJs at house functions and community events. That exposure lit a spark. But the moment it really clicked for me was when I entered a DJ competition at 17, ended up winning, and became the resident DJ at that club. From there, things just kept building. That early hustle taught me everything like how to read a crowd, how to build a vibe, and most importantly, how to tell my story through music.
DMR: What inspires the melodies and emotions in your debut album?
Aerakii: This album was a reflection of everything I’ve lived through the highs of creativity, the lows of self-doubt, the moments I wanted to give up, and the sparks that kept me going. I drew inspiration from memories, dreams, even conversations with my son and wife. Each melody is layered with real emotion, hope, nostalgia, euphoria, and even sadness. It’s not just about drops; it’s about storytelling.
DMR: How do you balance festival energy with emotional depth in your songs?
Aerakii: That’s probably the hardest but most beautiful part of producing this album. I never wanted to compromise one for the other. The trick is in layering giving the drop its punch but making sure the breakdown tells a story. I think festival-goers today crave both: energy and emotion. So I treated each track like a journey, not just a loop.
DMR: What was the most rewarding part of creating this album?
Aerakii: Hearing the final master for the first time. After 19 tracks, endless hours, moments of doubt and creative breakthroughs just sitting back and pressing play was surreal. But more than that, the messages from family and my one very close friend (zee zee) who said the simplest thing – “This track gave me goosebumps” , reminded me why I do this.
DMR: Were there any unexpected moments or surprises during production?
Aerakii: Definitely. I had a few tracks I didn’t expect to make the final cut , one was created accidentally while experimenting with vocal chops. It ended up being one of my personal favorites. Also, my son once came in while I was working and started humming something — that inspired a whole lead melody I later built a track around (My Son, Don’t You Worry). Moments like that are priceless.
DMR: Are there any standout tracks on the album that capture the essence of your journey?
Aerakii: Yes ,Pursuit of truth, Watching Over You, Inner Child are some of them. It’s pure progressive energy with a hook that really mirrors my dream of rising above limitations. Another one is My Son, Don’t You Worry, which blends euphoria with vulnerability. That track feels like my personal diary set to a dance beat.
DMR: How do you want listeners to feel when they hear the album from start to finish?
Aerakii: I want them to feel seen. Whether they’re chasing a dream, healing from something, or dancing through life, this album is for them. I want them to feel inspired, uplifted, and emotionally connected. And if just one track becomes someone’s go-to song in tough times or special moments, then my job is done.
DMR: Are there any artists or genres outside EDM that influence your sound?
Aerakii: Definitely. I’ve always been a huge fan of hip-hop artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Biggie, Tupac, and Eminem played a big role in shaping how I connected with music early on. That raw storytelling, rhythm, and emotion stuck with me. While my sound leans toward EDM, I still carry that influence in how I build tension, use vocal elements, and approach rhythm.
At the same time, my favorite EDM artists Afrojack (my all-time favorite), David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Avicii (RIP), Steve Aoki, and Swedish House Mafia have had a massive impact on my production style. From Guetta’s crossover genius to Avicii’s emotional melodies and Afrojack’s signature drops, all of them helped me find the balance between energy and emotion in my tracks. So yeah, it’s a blend , hip-hop gave me the soul, EDM gave me the stage.
DMR: Any collaborations or new sounds you are excited to explore?
Aerakii: Yes I’ve been chatting with some amazing vocalists and instrumentalists from both South Africa and abroad. I’m also diving into more cinematic EDM blending orchestral layers with dance elements. There’s something powerful about making people feel like they’re in a movie while they dance.
DMR: How do you see Aerakii evolving in the next years?
Aerakii: Aerakii isn’t just a name it’s a movement. I see myself playing global stages like Ultra, Tomorrowland, and Coachella. But beyond that, I want to create immersive shows that blend visuals, storytelling, and sound.
Album Links:
https://open.spotify.com/album/2ThyaVNI3oBQBwOtElxNfU
https://music.apple.com/us/album/journey-to-the-main-stage-festival-edition/1814696194
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