From house parties in Buffalo Flats to packed dance floors across SA, Philip Groom has spent five decades keeping the spirit of old-school music alive.
For Groom, better known as DJ Zeke de Freké, music is more than entertainment. It is a lifelong passion that has taken him from house parties in Buffalo Flats in the 1970s to packed dance floors and clubs across SA.
Groom’s DJ journey began around 1976 when he started playing music at house parties using hi-fi stereo systems.
His introduction to the art of DJing came through his friend and neighbour, Cedric Pringle, who had built his own disco system.
It was through Pringle that Groom learned how to play vinyl records and mix music, laying the foundation for a career that would span five decades.
Before finishing school, another opportunity came when his friend Mark Swinny invited him to join Bisham Sivai and Faried Kops, better known as DJ Uncle Funk, on a mobile DJ system.
The group grew to include several DJs, including Dansuk Daya, Shariff Maziema and Mally Ally, better known as DJ Mr Cool.
Together, they became the mobile disco known as Disco Harmony.
Their popularity quickly grew, taking them to venues throughout KuGompo City, Komani, Qonce, Mdantsane, Mthatha and Port St Johns.
Their trips to Mthatha were particularly memorable, with shows regularly attracting large crowds and often selling out.
It was during this period that Groom received the DJ name that would become synonymous with his musical identity: Zeke De Freké.
The name was inspired by the Isaac Hayes song Zeke the Freak, which Groom regularly used as his opening track. Swinny and Sivai eventually agreed to the name, and DJ Zeke de Freké was born.
One of Disco Harmony’s biggest performances was at Windsor Bowl, where the DJs played to a full house of more than 1,000 people.
The Capital Radio connection
The launch of Capital Radio in December 1979 opened another exciting chapter in Groom’s musical journey.
Disco Harmony developed a strong working and musical relationship with Capital Radio personalities, including the late Oscar Renzi, Treasure Tshabalala and Rafs Mayet.
Whenever Capital Radio hosted outside broadcasts in East London, the Disco Harmony DJs were often part of the entertainment.
It was during these years that Groom developed his distinctive style. He became known for memorable introductions and incorporating instruments such as tambourines and shakers into his performances.
For Groom, a DJ’s job was never simply to play records. It was about creating an atmosphere, reading the crowd and getting people into the party mood.
From mobile DJ to club resident
Philip’s growing reputation eventually caught the attention of legendary disco owner Wilf Royeppen, who recruited him as a resident DJ at Club 99 and later Club 2000, famously known as the first and only club in SA to feature a glass dance floor.
His career also took him to clubs around the country, where he performed alongside established DJs including DJ Solly at Westridge in Mitchells Plain and Dr Boogie at Club Galaxy in Rylands, Cape Town.
He also entered the national DJ competition, earning an opportunity to perform at the famous Jacqueline’s nightclub.
Another memorable experience was accompanying Renzi to Club Fun Valley, south of Johannesburg.
A friendship built around music
One of the most meaningful relationships in Groom’s musical life has been his friendship with Kops.
The pair grew up together in North End and even attended pre-primary school together.
Their friendship has now lasted more than 50 years.
Groom has also known and played alongside DJ Vinay “The Jazzmaster”, another name closely associated with KuGompo City’s rich DJ history.
He fondly remembers his late friend DJ Ossie, who replaced him at Club Harmony before establishing himself as a respected figure in the city’s club scene.
Keeping the old-school spirit alive
For Groom, being a DJ has always been about discovering music, understanding audiences and searching for something special.
His journey evolved from vinyl records to CDs, while he ordered music from Ragtime in Cape Town and followed the influential British music magazine Blues & Soul to discover new sounds.
Today, DJ Zeke De Freké continues to perform at old-school events, senior celebrations, 50th, 60th, 70th and 80th birthday parties, as well as occasional weddings.
He remains passionate about giving audiences the opportunity to experience the music and atmosphere of another era.
He invites music lovers to Beacon Bay Country Club to step back in time and celebrate the golden era of disco and old-school music.
So dust off those bell-bottoms, embrace the Afro hairstyle or grab a long-hair wig and dress for a night of nostalgia, dancing and fun.
There will also be prizes as the event kicks off the festive spirit of 2026.
For DJ Zeke De Freké, it is more than just another party. It is a celebration of music, lifelong friendships and memories built over generations.
The technology may have changed from vinyl to CDs and now digital platforms, but for Zeke, the magic remains unchanged: bring people together, play great music and keep the dance floor alive.
