Blom Blom with Shimza
Loading player...
Unquestionably one of South Africa’s brightest talents, Shimza real name Ashley Raphala has made the transition from aspirant industry young blood to leading light of the global afro house scene at almost breakneck speed.
The Tembisa-born DJ, producer and promoter’s musical skills can be traced as far back as the age of fifteen, fuelled by the support and encouragement from his family. And his resultant rise to fame is littered with accomplishments too numerous to list but include winning a string of high profile DJ competitions to single handedly hosting his One Man Show event brand – a large scale outdoor party held every Christmas Day to raise funds for under privileged children.
A philanthropic focused initiative started in 2009, Shimza’s One Man Show sponsors school uniforms and stationary for school kids from his hometown of Tembisa whilst also driving job creation. Over the years, the event has showcased some of South Africa’s hottest artists including AKA, Cassper Nyovest, Riky Rick, Black Coffee, Mi Casa, Black Motion and many more.
Shimza however has not shied from proving that his altruistic heart by no means overshadows the innate musical talent and unparalleled technical prowess that he possesses. In 2013, Shimza was signed to the Soulistic Music record label, taking up his place on a roster of internationally established artists including Black Coffee and Culoe De Song. Over the last few years, the release of his full-length album Shimuzic as well as countless collaborations and singles such as ‘African Woman’ and ‘Akulalwa’ have firmly established Shimza as one of South Africa’s leading house music producers.
Nicknamed the “Effect Master’ and ’Vinyl Assassin’ by many adoring fans, Shimza’s playing style is infectious and creative with dance floors left speechless by how deftly Shimza punctuates his sets with complicated queuing and looping as he weaves together his signature “Afro-tech’ sound.
It’s no surprise that he has his international music
The Tembisa-born DJ, producer and promoter’s musical skills can be traced as far back as the age of fifteen, fuelled by the support and encouragement from his family. And his resultant rise to fame is littered with accomplishments too numerous to list but include winning a string of high profile DJ competitions to single handedly hosting his One Man Show event brand – a large scale outdoor party held every Christmas Day to raise funds for under privileged children.
A philanthropic focused initiative started in 2009, Shimza’s One Man Show sponsors school uniforms and stationary for school kids from his hometown of Tembisa whilst also driving job creation. Over the years, the event has showcased some of South Africa’s hottest artists including AKA, Cassper Nyovest, Riky Rick, Black Coffee, Mi Casa, Black Motion and many more.
Shimza however has not shied from proving that his altruistic heart by no means overshadows the innate musical talent and unparalleled technical prowess that he possesses. In 2013, Shimza was signed to the Soulistic Music record label, taking up his place on a roster of internationally established artists including Black Coffee and Culoe De Song. Over the last few years, the release of his full-length album Shimuzic as well as countless collaborations and singles such as ‘African Woman’ and ‘Akulalwa’ have firmly established Shimza as one of South Africa’s leading house music producers.
Nicknamed the “Effect Master’ and ’Vinyl Assassin’ by many adoring fans, Shimza’s playing style is infectious and creative with dance floors left speechless by how deftly Shimza punctuates his sets with complicated queuing and looping as he weaves together his signature “Afro-tech’ sound.
It’s no surprise that he has his international music
