Shimza

Over Shimza

Unquestionably one of South Africa’s brightest talents, Shimza (Ashley Raphala) has risen from Tembisa to become a leading force in global Afro House. A DJ, producer and promoter, he is the visionary behind the iconic One Man Show, launched in 2009 to raise funds for underprivileged children while driving community upliftment. On the world stage, Shimza has performed at some of the most prestigious platforms and festivals including Cercle, Tomorrowland, Burning Man and Ultra Music Festival. His Ibiza footprint is solidified through his residency at Chinois and past performances at Privilege, while his voice has been featured on industry panels at IMS Ibiza and Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE). In 2020, Shimza founded Kunye, a platform dedicated to showcasing African electronic music and connecting it to global audiences. His artistry has earned him nominations for both the South African Music Awards (SAMA) and the Ibiza DJ Awards. His latest single, “Fire Fire,” has taken his sound to new heights, gaining strong international support across clubs and festivals. From Tembisa to Ibiza and the world’s biggest stages, Shimza continues to push boundaries as an artist, curator and cultural leader.