Ashley Raphala, widely known by his stage name Shimza, is a South African DJ, record producer, and electronic music artist whose influence on the house music scene has been profound and enduring. Emerging from Tembisa, a township in the Gauteng province, Shimza has built a reputation for his energetic and innovative musical style that blends traditional African rhythms with modern electronic beats. His career began to rise sharply after winning the Red Square DJ competition in 2006, which catapulted him into the limelight and marked the beginning of his journey as a prominent DJ both in South Africa and internationally.

Over the years, Shimza has garnered acclaim for his ability to craft tracks that resonate well with a wide audience, as evidenced by his popular releases such as "Parachute," featuring Rachel Chinouriri, and "Darling," in collaboration with Aloe Blacc. His remixes, like the reimagined "Mnike" (Shimza Remix), showcase his talent for giving existing songs a vibrant new life. Shimza is not just known for his music production; he is also celebrated for his electrifying live performances and as the founder of the annual "One Man Show," a charity event that demonstrates his commitment to giving back to his community. His innovative approach to music and dedication to his craft continue to shape the landscape of house music, making him an inspirational figure for aspiring DJs and producers around the world.

Genres

South African House

Related Artists

DJ Maphorisa

Black Coffee

Kabza De Small

THEMBA

Da Capo

Kenny Dope

Nora En Pure

Focalistic

TSHA

DBN Gogo

Moonchild Sanelly

Major League Djz

Latest Release

Citadelle

Shimza•

Maline Aura

Single - Released September 19, 2024