Shimza

Since winning the 2006 Red Square DJ Knockout Challenge—the first in a string of high-profile competitions he dominated—Afrotech specialist Shimza has remained one of South Africa's more popular house DJs. Born Ashley Raphala in Eswatini in 1984, Shimza was raised in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, where he returns every Christmas for the One Man Show benefit events he launched in 2009 for disadvantaged children. After signing to Black Coffee's Soulistic label, Shimza released Shimuzic in 2015. Featuring the singles “African Woman” and “Akuwala”, his debut album introduced his signature blend of hypnotic beats, interlaced synthesiser loops, and sensuous female vocals, and led to his Ibiza debut the following year. Shimza's 2019 album Eminence included the hit track "Kunye"—which happens to be the name of the record label he launched in 2021 with the EP Calling Out Your Name, whose title track reflects the DJ's environmental concerns.