Aerakii’s Electrifying Debut: ‘Journey To The Main Stage (Festival Edition)‘
Aerakii, the South African DJ and music producer, just dropped his much-anticipated debut album, Journey To The Main Stage (Festival Edition), a vibrant 19-track exploration into electronic dance music (EDM). This release marks a transformative milestone in his career—a powerful shift from his previous identity as Funky J SA to Aerakii. This new persona embodies a complete creative rebirth, presenting a sound that’s nothing short of exhilarating, packed with progressive house rhythms, emotional melodies, and the undeniable pulse of festival energy. Available now on Spotify and Apple Music, the album encapsulates Aerakii’s journey, inviting listeners into his sonic world.
The Birth of Aerakii: From Funky J SA to Festival Mainstages
Before stepping onto the scene as Aerakii, Jeetesh B.—the man behind the music—made waves as Funky J SA. Born and raised in Durban, Jeetesh grew up immersed in the vibrant city rhythms that deeply influenced his musical tastes and style. His earlier persona saw him electrifying clubs and festivals across South Africa, performing at legendary events like Dusk Til Dawn and Summerfest. His expertise behind the decks earned him over a dozen club residencies and headline spots at major outdoor festivals, sharing stages with renowned local and international artists.
Yet, despite his impressive trajectory, Jeetesh felt a pull toward deeper artistic authenticity. Thus, Aerakii was born—signaling not just a name change, but a profound reinvention. This shift allowed him to fully embrace his evolving musical vision, freeing him from labels and expectations. Aerakii represents a bold move forward, capturing the essence of his ambition and the spirit of the festival scene.
A Sonic Odyssey: 19 Tracks of Reinvention and Raw Energy
Journey To The Main Stage (Festival Edition) isn’t just an album—it’s a narrative of resilience, passion, and evolution. Each track represents a different chapter in Aerakii’s story, showcasing his versatile production style and deep emotional resonance. From heart-pounding anthems crafted for packed dancefloors to emotionally charged melodies that evoke profound introspection, the album holds listeners captive from start to finish.
Aerakii’s music stands apart due to its genuine emotional connection. His creations effortlessly merge euphoric moments with intricate, storytelling melodies. This dynamic blend speaks to Aerakii’s aim to craft music that resonates on both an emotional and physical level—tracks designed not just to be heard, but deeply felt.
Throughout the album, Aerakii collaborates with talented freelance vocalists, each contributing a unique dimension to his sound. This combination results in tracks brimming with life and energy, each carefully produced to evoke a powerful emotional response from listeners. Every beat, melody, and lyric comes straight from Aerakii’s soul, creating an experience that’s personal, honest, and undeniably compelling.
From Cape Town to Ultra Music Festival: Aerakii’s Dream and Vision
Currently based in the dynamic city of Cape Town, Aerakii continues to draw inspiration from his South African roots. Yet, his aspirations reach far beyond local stages. His ultimate dream? Lighting up the mainstage at Ultra Music Festival, taking thousands on a mesmerizing, unforgettable sonic adventure. This ambition fuels his relentless pursuit of excellence, pushing him to constantly innovate and refine his sound.
Aerakii firmly believes music mirrors life’s unpredictable, boundless nature. His tracks echo this belief, offering listeners a chance to immerse themselves in an ever-evolving soundscape. Each release signals growth, representing who he was, who he has become, and the endless possibilities of where he’s headed next.
Welcome to the Aerakii Era: Just Getting Started
Aerakii’s debut album, Journey To The Main Stage (Festival Edition), is more than just music—it’s an invitation into his world, a promise of boundless creativity, and a testament to resilience and reinvention. His music breaks free from boundaries, inviting fans to dream bigger, feel deeper, and rise higher.
For anyone craving a fresh, electrifying EDM experience, Aerakii delivers. His journey—from the rhythmic heartbeats of Durban to the pulsating energy of festival mainstages—symbolizes the power of passion, persistence, and authenticity.
This is just the beginning for Aerakii. The music is alive, the energy unstoppable, and the stage—waiting. Welcome to the next chapter of EDM: vibrant, emotional, and endlessly thrilling. Aerakii is here, and he’s just getting started.
We had the privilege of interviewing Aerakii. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share with our readers about yourself.
Hey! I’m Aerakii, a DJ and music producer based in South Africa. My sound blends euphoric progressive house, emotional melodies, and mainstage festival energy. Before this project, I was known as Funky J SA, performing across clubs and festivals in South Africa — but Aerakii is my full creative rebirth.
Please tell us about your music album.
I’ve just released my debut album titled Journey to the Main Stage (Festival Edition). It’s a 19-track story of reinvention, resilience, and raw energy — no label, no shortcuts. This is me pouring everything into a sound that belongs on a festival stage. From high-energy anthems to emotional builds and club-ready drops, it’s a mix of who I was, who I am, and where I want to go.
Please share your journey with our readers.
I grew up in Durban and spent years DJing under the name Funky J SA. I played legendary stages like Dusk Til Dawn and Summerfest, held over a dozen residencies, and headlined various outdoor events. But after stepping away from music for a while, I came back with a new purpose — and a new identity: Aerakii. This album is me reclaiming my sound, redefining my path, and dreaming bigger than ever. I also wouldn’t have made it to this point without my wife and son, who’ve been my biggest supporters behind the scenes. They’ve stood by me through the quiet years and the late-night studio sessions — this album is just as much theirs as it is mine.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
The biggest one? Do it yourself and don’t wait for permission. I produced all my tracks independently, built my brand from scratch, and crafted my entire rollout without a label or manager. Another key: consistency. Not just in music, but in storytelling, visuals, and energy. Every track, every post, every move had to reflect the dream — to one day play on the Ultra mainstage.
Any message for our readers?
Whatever you’re chasing — do it with intention. Don’t wait for validation, don’t wait for a big break. Build your own stage. Journey to the Mainstage wasn’t backed by a team — it was built on belief, late nights, emotion, and hard drops. If you’ve got a sound, a vision, or a dream — push it. People will feel it.
Thank you so much, Aerakii, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!