Shimza

South African DJ, producer, and cultural visionary Shimza, born Ashley Raphala, has become one of the leading forces in the global Afro House movement. Emerging from the township of Tembisa, his rise from local prodigy to internationally celebrated artist has been driven by technical mastery, relentless ambition, and a deep commitment to uplifting his community through music.

Nicknamed the “Effect Master” and “Vinyl Assassin,” Shimza is renowned for his electrifying DJ performances, blending intricate looping, precision mixing, and hypnotic Afro-tech rhythms into powerful dancefloor experiences. His distinctive sound fuses African percussion, deep grooves, and forward thinking electronic production, earning him recognition as one of Africa’s most influential electronic artists.

“Music is the universal language. Through rhythm, we connect people, cultures, and purpose.”

Shimza’s career accelerated after joining Soulistic Music alongside South African icons like Black Coffee and Culoe De Song. Releases such as African Woman, Akulalwa, Destino, and Ascendant established him as a global Afro House ambassador, while performances across New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Ibiza, and beyond solidified his international presence. His Ibiza residency at the legendary Privilege Ibiza marked a defining milestone in his global journey.

Beyond music, Shimza is deeply committed to social impact through his annual One Man Show, a Christmas Day initiative launched in 2009 that raises funds for underprivileged children in Tembisa through education support and job creation.

With world class performances, visionary entrepreneurship, and a passion for African excellence, Shimza continues to push Afro-tech onto the global stage while remaining proudly rooted in his South African heritage.