DJ Christos (Christos Katsaitis) is one of the founding figures of South African house music and is widely known as the “Godfather of House.” With a career spanning more than three decades, he has played an integral role in shaping South Africa’s house and dance-music landscape — as a DJ, producer, label founder, mentor and music entrepreneur.
Christos began DJing in the late 1980s after developing his love of music and vinyl from an early age. Growing up surrounded by jazz, soul and R&B, he started working in a Pretoria record store while still a child and later established himself behind the decks at clubs including Jacquelines, Fourth World, Caesars Palace and Club Gemini. His early work was particularly significant during apartheid, when he regularly performed for multicultural and predominantly black audiences despite the racial restrictions of the period.
In the early 1990s, Christos co-founded the influential record store Megatrax, which became an important meeting point for the emerging South African house scene. He was subsequently involved in the creation of Kalawa Records, which evolved into the hugely influential Kalawa Jazmee stable and helped launch and develop some of South Africa’s most important dance and kwaito artists.
Alongside fellow house legend Vinny Da Vinci, Christos formed DJs At Work, an influential collaboration that became synonymous with South Africa’s deep-house movement. The partnership earned a South African Music Award (SAMA) and helped establish a distinctly South African deep Afro-funk and house sound.
Christos has also played an important mentorship role in the industry. Artists including Black Coffee, DJ Kent and THEMBA/Euphonik have been associated with his guidance and support during their development, reinforcing his influence not only as a performer but as a builder of South Africa’s wider dance-music ecosystem.
Another important part of his legacy is the Southern African Music Conference / Dance Music Summit, which he established as a platform for DJs, producers and aspiring music professionals to learn, network and develop their understanding of the business of music.
Career Highlights
- More than three decades at the forefront of South African house music
- Widely recognised as one of the pioneers and “Godfathers” of South African House
- Co-founder of Kalawa Records, an important foundation of the subsequent Kalawa Jazmee movement
- Founder of Katsaitis Music
- Formed the celebrated DJs At Work partnership with Vinny Da Vinci
- SAMA-winning work with DJs At Work
- Instrumental in the development and mentorship of artists including Black Coffee, DJ Kent and THEMBA/Euphonik
- Founder of a major Southern African dance-music conference/summit, supporting industry development and education
- Has performed alongside internationally recognised house artists including Louie Vega and Dennis Ferrer
- Continues to perform at major house-music events and festivals, maintaining his position as one of the country’s most respected veteran selectors.
Known for sets rooted in deep, soulful and Afro-influenced house, DJ Christos brings decades of musical knowledge to the dance floor. His ability to combine classic house selections with contemporary African sounds has enabled him to remain relevant across generations.
More than simply a DJ, Christos Katsaitis is part of the foundation of South Africa’s modern dance-music story. His contribution through performance, production, record labels, artist development and music education has helped create the platform from which subsequent generations of South African house artists have reached audiences around the world.
