DJ Shimza - Bio, Early Life, Career Achievements, Personal Life and Songs

Kholofelo Ashley Raphala, known professionally as Shimza, is a South African DJ and music producer. He was born and raised in Tembisa, where he developed a keen interest in music at the age of 15. Shimza's passion for music led him to sign a recording deal with Soulistic Music, a significant milestone in his career. In 2015, he released his debut studio album Shimuzic, which marked his entry into the music industry as a talented producer and DJ.

DJ Shimza’s Bio

Full Name	Ashley Raphala
Nickname	DJ Shimza
Date of Birth	15th of May, 1984
Birth Place	Swaziland, South Africa
Age	40 years
Profession	Professional Disk Jockey and music producer
Nationality	South African
Online Presence	Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Early Life

DJ Shimza, born Kholofelo Ashley Raphala on May 15, 1984, in Swaziland, is a renowned South African DJ and music producer. Although he was born in Swaziland, he hails from Tembisa township in Ekurhuleni, South Africa. Shimza's passion for House Music began in 2003, and his dedication to the craft quickly gained him recognition. In 2006, his talent was validated when he won the Red Square DJ Competition. As of 2024, DJ Shimza is 40 years old and continues to be a significant figure in the South African music scene.

Personal Life

DJ Shimza, born Kholofelo Ashley Raphala, has kept much of his personal life private, especially following his past relationships. He previously dated K Naomi, a beautiful young woman with whom he shared a public relationship. However, after their breakup, which K Naomi announced on social media, DJ Shimza became more reserved about his personal life and romantic relationships.

In November 2020, DJ Shimza's love life again caught the public's attention when it was widely reported that he was in a relationship with Athi Geleba. Athi, who is the Head of Digital Communication for the South African president, and DJ Shimza shared photos of themselves on their respective Instagram pages, sparking interest in their relationship. The background of one of the photos notably showcased DJ Shimza's impressive footwear collection.

While DJ Shimza is not currently married, fans and followers remain curious about his future plans in this area. For now, he continues to focus on his thriving career while maintaining some privacy regarding his personal relationships.

Career Achievements

In addition to winning the Red Square DJ Competition in 2006, DJ Shimza (Kholofelo Ashley Raphala) further solidified his status in the South African music scene by winning the South African Music Conference DJ Spin-Off Competition. His success continued when he claimed victory in the 2011 Gauteng Carnival DJ Competition, a win that proved to be a turning point in his career. This victory provided him with essential exposure and the start-up equipment needed to launch his career to new heights.

Building on this momentum, DJ Shimza established the annual DJ Shimza's One Man Show, a festival he continues to host to this day. This event, which he created to give back to society and raise awareness of his contributions, has become a staple in the South African music scene. During the first annual Spring Festival, DJ Shimza had the opportunity to perform alongside other prominent South African DJs, including Black Coffee. Over the years, he has become a regular feature at major South African concerts such as the Spring Fiesta and YFM gigs, where he shares the stage with industry giants like DJ Fresh, Black Coffee, and Oskido.

In February 2020, DJ Shimza collaborated with Black Motion, Prince Kaybee, and Ami Faku on the track "Uwrongo," which made a significant impact on the music charts. The song debuted at No. 1 on the Radiomonitor Charts and was later certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa. Earlier in his career, in June 2015, DJ Shimza released his first studio album titled "Shimuzic," marking his official entry into the world of recorded music production.

Discography

Studio Albums

Shimuzic (2015)

One Man Show (2016)

Eminence (2019)

Kimberly (2021)

Singles

2022 - Higher

2024 - Darling

2024 - Parachute