A strapping all-rounder - built like a Hulk - Justin Kemp hails from a strong cricketing background. Kemp's grandfather John Miles Kemp played a single match for Border in 1947–48, while his father John Wesley Kemp made three appearances for the same province in 1975–76 and 1976–77. His cousin is former South African international David Callaghan.

On his day, Kemp could generate massive power and launch bowlers out of the park with ease. He also chipped in with some good right-arm medium pace. Kemp was earmarked as Lance Klusner's successor, but he did not have a long career.

He had a dream start though to his Test career, registering match figures of 5-52 in his debut Test against Sri Lanka at Centurion in 2001. Lacking a solid defensive technique with the bat, Kemp was found out in Tests. As it stands, he has played only 4 Tests. He was also pulled up for ill-discipline when he was caught smoking marijuana when South Africa went on to beat West Indies in their own backyard in a Test series in 2001.

Kemp was more effective in limited overs cricket. He delivered a series win for South Africa in England in 2005 - following up his 36-ball 57 in Cape Town with a 50-ball 80 in East London. He scored his maiden and only ODI ton against India the next year in a big winning cause. However, he fizzled out in the World Cup and soon became the forgotten man in the international circuit.

Despite his international career meeting a premature end, Kemp has been a key player for Cape Cobras in domestic cricket. Kemp also represented Chennai Super Kings in 2010 after severing ties with the rebel ICL.