Shimza

Kholofelo Ashley Raphala, known as Shimza, is a DJ and producer from Tembisa, South Africa, and one of the leading figures in Afro-tech music. He started his musical journey at around 15 years old, winning the Red Square DJ Competition in 2006 – the springboard for his international career. His breakthrough came after signing with Black Coffee's Soulistic Music label, followed by the release of his debut album *Shimuzic* in 2015. His sound fuses deep basslines, African rhythms and techno structures into a distinctive Afro-tech style. In 2020, the collaboration "Uwrongo" with Black Motion, Prince Kaybee and Ami Faku hit No. 1 on the South African Radiomonitor Charts and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa. That same year he founded Kunye Records – a label dedicated to bringing African electronic music producers to the global stage. Notable releases include the Eminence EP on Cadenza (remixed by label head Luciano) and the Kings And Queens EP on Knee Deep In Sound. In 2026 he released "Missing You" alongside Topic and A7S on Helix Records/Universal Germany. Shimza has performed at Ultra South Africa, the SXM Festival and made his Ibiza debut in 2016 at the Destino Closing Party alongside Luciano, subsequently holding a residency at Pacha Ibiza. He is also celebrated for his annual One Man Show charity event held on Christmas Day.