Unquestionably one of South Africa's brightest talents, Shimza real name Ashley Raphala (29) 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 career now growing rapidly on the back of touring and performing over the last few years in Europe and North America including New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Manchester, Sicily and many more. In 2016, Shimza made his Ibiza debut at Destino’s Closing Party alongside Luciano to much hype and immense acclaim. The SA born star was featured in a number of Spanish publications following his historic set and was hailed as a new rising star by Ibiza music and party authority Essential Ibiza.
Midway through 2017, Shimza was poised to take his career to the next level with his latest track ‘Destino’ forthcoming on Djoon Experience. The two track EP included a remix from the inimitable Karizma. Further to that, Luciano’s highly revered imprint Cadenza Music released a 4-track EP ‘Ascendant’ from Tembisa’s proudest export. As he continues his journey of world domination Shimza has signed to a full music service agency which landed the DJ / producer a residency at the worlds biggest club Privilege, Ibiza, Spain. He will officially embark on this four-month blazing trail on 7th June 2018 and will headline the SuperMatrXe parties every Thursday from June until the 04th of October 2018.
The residency solidifies Shimza’s footprint and provides a platform for him to take his sound to places where music is the universal language.
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DJ Shimza buys school shoes for 1 500 kids
2018-01-17 12:00
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DJ SHIMZA (PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/DJ SHIMZA)
The DJ was able to make the huge donation using money he raised during his annual one man show.
“Just in time for #BackToSchool yesterday, through my One Man Show we managed to raise money to buy school shoes for 1500 kids. Good luck for 2018 to everyone going back to school today, have a Kick Ass Year,” he wrote in a social media post on Wednesday.
There's more to DJ Shimza than just beats & gigs
LOCAL / 22 DECEMBER 2017, 2:00PM / HELEN HERIMBI
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DJ Shimza. Picture: Supplied
Ashley Raphala has always preferred the music to talk on his behalf.
The DJ, who is now simply known as Shimza, began to show promise at a very early age. He won competitions left, right and centre, eventually becoming one of the most sought-after DJs on local and international line-ups.
When we sat down shortly after his debut album, Shimuzic, was released, he wasn’t fazed about the international acclaim he was receiving. He remains laser-focused on the music.
The only distraction is a good one: his annual One Man Show. Held every single Christmas since 2009, this party with a purpose sees Shimza raise funds to equip children from his hometown of Tembisa in the East Rand with school uniforms for the following year.
“My surroundings were very musical,” he recently told me. “My parents used to have friends over and they’d play music very loud in the house. I had friends, I played soccer, I went to school. I lived a very normal life growing up.” But he was always aware that that was not everyone’s reality.
“I’m still privy to going back to the hood and seeing how people live,” he said sombrely. “You know next door, they come over and ask to borrow some sugar. You can see some people need a helping hand where possible.” But why get school uniforms as opposed to the proverbial sugar?
“I chose the school uniform route as opposed to buying groceries for them because I want to equip them to be able to use their knowledge and the confidence they have when they get to school in January,” says Shimza.
“The children saying: ‘ah, look, I’m wearing a new uniform just like any other kid’ will boost their morale and push them enough to do something with of their lives. So I’m investing in their stamina to go to school and look forward to their next year.”
Ashley Raphala, better known as Shimza, is focused on the "Shimuzic". Picture: Supplied
As is tradition, the One Man Show takes place on December 25 and features the likes of Riky Rick, AKA, Emtee, Moozlie, Lady Zamar, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai and comedian, Skhumba, among others, on stage. Doesn’t quite sound like a show with one man, does it?
“It’s actually a one DJ show, but we have performers coming through,” Shimza laughs.
“I play for eight hours before the first performer comes through. Throughout the year, you get to a gig, play for 30 or 45 minutes or an hour, max.”
“Then the fans think they didn’t get enough. So I’m trying to create something where fans can get the full Shimza experience. I don’t want this to be like a typical charity show. I want it to be a turn up like any other turn up, but one with a purpose.” As such, all proceeds from ticket sales go towards buying the uniforms.
DJ Shimza. Picture: Instagram (@shimza.dj)
It’s not just the East Rand that gets to experience Shimza. In fact, on Christmas Eve, One Man Show: The Soweto Edition takes place. Both events will no doubt feature a plethora of music from Shimza’s catalogue. His slow-burn vocal house hit, Tidal Wave, featuring Kimosabe is a firm fan favourite.
“Tidal Wave is a different vibe from what I’m used to making,” Shimza admits.
“That was the main reason why I did this song. I was like: ‘everyone is doing this gqom sound, party music. I’m just going to come in and do a song that’s totally different.'"
Another jam people are loving is the cheeky and chart-climbing Makhe - a joint effort between Shimza and Maphorisa which features the quirky Moonchild Sannelly. Shimza laughs when I bring the song up. “Makhe is a December party song,” he exclaims.
“I had the beat but felt like something was missing. So I went to DJ Maphorisa and said: ‘hey man, I have this beat.’ He said he might have something that could work. So we worked on the song together. Just worked and worked and then he said he’d got these Moonchild vocals that he hadn’t used. Once he threw those vocals on the beat it just worked.”
Through Swiss record company, Cadenza Records, Shimza has just put out his new EP, Ascendant. He also has major plans for the One Man Show. “I started the Soweto edition three years ago and I plan to move the event to Durban or whatever,” he says. “Hopefully, in the next few years, we’ll have one in Dubai.”
Shimza’s One Man Show takes place at Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa on December 25. Tickets at Computicket
DJ Shimza tells us about his annual one man show
2017-12-16 12:20
Tshegofatso Makhudu
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PHOTO: SHIMZA DJ INSTAGRAM
Cape Town - DJ Shimza has become a household name in the house music genre over the years and his annual one man show is a much anticipated event every year.
Now nearing the date for the 28-year-old’s show – which is on Christmas Day -- Drum caught up with him to hear more about his One Man Show.
What is your One Man Show all about?
"My one man show, is a show that I have started nine years ago. It's a show that allows me to give back to my community by donating clothes and making a Christmas lunch for the kids but also it creates jobs for the unemployed in the community."
What inspired the One Man Show from the beginning?
" I am from Thembisa, so I realized that the area does not have a lot of events that are done there and I saw an opportunity to start a festival culture in the area but also making sure it's for a good course."
What turn out are you expecting for the show this year?
"I'm expecting a good turnout because the show has been consistent in terms of growth. For the past nine years, the show has been growing not just in terms of the numbers but also in terms of the production and sponsorship."
Does the profit you make go to fundraising?
Yes it does, we buy school uniform for kids. Last year we had 400 kids and this year we expecting to have 800 to a 1000 kids."
Are there any artists that we can look out for at the show?
" I have got the biggest South African acts coming to perform at the show that I feel have been doing quite well in the industry this year. The likes of AKA, Cassper, Ricky Rick and Lady Zamar just mention a few and I also worked on getting you don't upcoming artists to open up for the big acts because I believe that we have to play our role in helping them grow as artists."
DJ Shimza on his 'One Man Show'
SUNDAY INDEPENDENT / 4 DECEMBER 2017, 08:30AM / CONSTANCE GAANAKGOMO
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DJ Shimza wants to inspire others to give back with his One Man Show and hopes the initiative goes global. Picture: Supplied
“It should never be just about you. I feel if we have the platform to make a difference in our communities and in other people’s lives we should try and do that,” says Ashley Raphala, aka DJ Shimza, about why he started his annual Christmas One Man Show whereby he raises funds to feed and buy school uniforms for hundreds of needy children.
“Whether we like it or not, malapa halekane (we are not equal), there are people that struggle out there. We should all try, if it’s not giving back with food, our time or something inspirational that they can take home. We can do something. I think that’s the least we can all do.”
This year DJ Shimza is targeting 800 kids, double the number he had the previous year. “Last year we had about 400 kids from different homes in Tembisa, and this year I want to push it to 800 or 1000. But the goal is to host as many kids during the day as the people that come through at night.
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“If I’m going to have 10 000 people at night, I should have 10 000 kids during the day that we feed and give school uniforms to for the next year. So it’s all about growth - the more tickets I sell, the more I can give back.”
DJ Shimza, who has been hosting the event for eight years, says he tries to grow the event every year, but this year his focus is on making people more aware of the charity aspect.
“I feel like it’s important for people to know that when they come to this event, it’s not just for a party. I’m sure a lot of people come to the event but they don’t know what actually happens. Maybe they see it in January when we do the school uniforms handover to the kids that we bought with the money we’ve raised.
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The more tickets sold, the more kids I can dress to school in 2018, I need your support! If you can’t come then I’d appreciate your help spreading the word to those that can. A great event with a great cause! Let’s gooo!!! #OMS2017 #AllWhiteColourFest
DJ Shimza says the presence of his daughter has made his quest to leave a lasting legacy even more important.
Now more than ever, DJ Shimza is determined to leave a legacy that his five-year-old daughter will be proud of. And his charity inspired One Man Show is one of the ways he intends to cement it.
Just a few weeks away from hosting his 9th annual One Man Show in his kasi, Tembisa, Shimza explained to TshisaLIVE that his daughter's presence has ignited his fire to soldier on, despite various challenges including finances.
"My daughter is turning five in January and it's been a great experience being her dad. It has taught me so much about responsibility and I didn't know that I could love for another human being so much. Now more than ever, I have to continue doing what I do for my community. Because one of the kids I help, will one day tell my daughter, 'your father contributed to my success'," Shimza said.
Each year the DJ hosts a Christmas lunch for orphans in his community and later hosts a show, where all the proceeds go towards buying school uniforms and essentials for the needy kids in January.
Shimza was also one of the latest acts announced to be part of rapper Cassper Nyovest's Fill Up FNB Stadium concert. He shared the stress of finding sponsors to foot the bill.
"Of course bills need to be paid and its hard to find sponsorship. But like I said, it's been nine years that I've been doing this and not making real money from it. But that isn't the purpose anyway. The more kids I can help every year the better it is for me... that's more than enough."
The DJ said the annual cost for his show went up to R1.5-million, but he couldn't afford to compromise on the quality of the production "just because his overall goal is charity".
He explained that he doesn't even take bookings around that day to ensure proper execution of his plans. Shimza said the event has also introduced a new tradition in his home, one that he hopes his daughter will continue.
"Even my family knows that we don't have Christmas lunches together anymore, we have them with 700 and 800 children. It is a tradition now and the happiness on their faces is always enough to validate the movement."
The One Man Show will take place on December 25 at Mehlareng stadium.
DJ Shimza To Host His Ninth Annual One Man Show In Tembisa
DJ Shimza
Michael Sekhu Celebrity news Entertainment Local celebrities Music November 15, 2017
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DJ Shimza
DJ Shimza is back with his 9th annual One Man Show at Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa. The 28 year-old is once again hosting one of the biggest, star-studded Christmas shows this year, featuring the likes of Cassper Nyovest, Riky Rick, AKA, Black Motion, Sjava, Lady Zamar, and Moozlie among many others.
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Hosted by the entertaining, Skhumba and Somizi, the show will be nothing short of laughter and jaw-dropping moments. Not strangers to the OMS, both stars have hosted the show before and familiar with audiences over South Africa.
DJ Shimza
The show is also a charity driven event hosted annually to benefit orphaned school children from Tembisa. Last year, he managed to buy school uniform for over 400 pupils and he hopes to raise it to a thousand one day.
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The one man show will take place on December 25, 2017 and tickets are available at computicket from R150 for general access and R350 for VIP.
Ladies and gents, connect with Shimza on social media.
The DJ and music producer uses the One Man Show to uplift and give back to the Tembisa community.
DJ Shimza, real name Ashley Raphala, is set to host his sixth annual One Man Show (OMS) at the Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, on Christmas Day.
But the popular show goes beyond the entertainment factor. The 27-year-old DJ and music producer also uses the OMS to uplift and give back to his Tembisa community.
“The show has looked after hundreds of disadvantaged children, paying for their school uniforms while taking the pressure off struggling caregivers,” DJ Shimza said.
“The concept arose out of concern for the numerous homes in Tembisa housing orphaned children – struggling to get sustained support from government or the private sector.”
Using his crowd-pulling star power, Shimza introduced the first show at the Caprivi Music Lounge in Tembisa.
“The funds raised were used to buy children’s school uniforms and to tackle the operational costs of several orphanages,” Shimza said.
“This year, we are looking to generate enough money for more than 1 000 children.”
The DJ said fans could expect an electric show, with music from his 2015 debut album – featuring the likes of Dr Malinga, among other artists.
And despite several accomplishments under his belt, the Metro FM DJ remains one of the most humble entertainers.
His passion not only shines through in his work, but extends to addressing the needs of his community. Shimza’s OMS gig last year drew more than 12 000 people, and is expected to attract an even bigger crowd this year.
The show had previously featured the likes of Bucie, Mpumi, Black Motion, Cassper Nyovest, DJ Sbu, Major League DJz, AKA and Boom Shaka.
OMS tickets are available at Computicket from R150 (general) and R300 (VIP) to R1 500 (VVIP).
DJ Shimza is all set to reprise his One Man Show (OMS) which the musical artist and producer uses to change the lives of many in his Tembisa community.
The 27-year-old DJ whose real name is Ashley Raphala, is not afraid to give back to the society. Thus, the star is set to host his sixth annual One Man Show at the Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, on Christmas Day.
The show which everyone now looks forward to is not just about entertainment. In fact, the idea of putting up the show was born out of the necessity to help the needy in the community.
“The show has looked after hundreds of disadvantaged children, paying for their school uniforms while taking the pressure off struggling caregivers,” DJ Shimza said. “The concept arose out of concern for the numerous homes in Tembisa housing orphaned children – struggling to get sustained support from government or the private sector.” Consequently, Shimza introduced the first show at the Caprivi Music Lounge in Tembisa and pulled quite a crowd. And banking on his star power, the DJ hopes to make more to make life better for more children. “The funds raised were used to buy children’s school uniforms and to tackle the operational costs of several orphanages,” Shimza added.
“This year, we are looking to generate enough money for more than 1 000 children.” Thus, the DJ said fans could expect an electric show that will blow their minds away. With music from his 2015 debut album – featuring the likes of Dr Malinga, among other artists, party goers are sure of having a good time.
Last year, Shimza’s OMS attracted more than 12 000 people and the number is expected to grow this year. In the past, the show had featured top artists like Buci;, Mpumi; Black Motion; Cassper Nyovest; DJ Sbu; Major League DJz; AKA and Boom Shaka. Tickets are available at Computicket – R150 (general), R300 (VIP) and R1 500 (VVIP).
Read more: http://buzzsouthafrica.com/dj-shimza-one-man-show/
It seems like we are not the only ones completely obsessed with DJ Shimza!
The African Woman hitmaker, made his debut in the party capital of the word, Ibiza, recently. And while the thought of such a nerve-raking experience might have most of us wetting our pants, Shimza looks to have taken it all in his stride.
Shimza made his debut at the closing night at popular Ibiza venue Destino and, according to international press, blew the crowd away.
The SA born star was featured in a number of Spanish publications following his historic set and was hailed as a new rising star by Ibiza music and party authority Essential Ibiza.
The publication gushed over Shimza in a length article, detailing how they had fallen in love with our boy.
Sitting down with the publication, Shimza said that it was now South Africa's time to shine on the world stage.
"People are really warming to our sound. They like the groove, how the percussion is. To them it’s something different and they’re really opening up to it," he said.
Shimza is the latest SA DJ to steal the headlines in Ibiza, following in the footsteps of Culoe De Song and Black Coffee, and he explained what it is that makes South African house unique and so attractive to the world.
"We take what we’ve heard from around the world, so the music has a techie and a deep house side to it, but there’s a distinctively South African dimension, which comes from the townships. It’s the ghetto and that’s where all the music comes from," Shimza said.
5FM Live Loud presents Oh Ship on the MSC Sinfonia Cruise Ship from 2 December to Monday 5 December. The party, which will travel from Durban to Mozambique and back again, will be hosted by 5FM DJs Fresh and Euphonik.
Oh Ship 2016Attendees may expect similar experiences to last year’s event, which included wet t-shirt contests, LMAO comedy, weddings and clubbing until the early hours of the morning.
Those listening to 5FM’s daytime shows will catch all the latest news and updates and can also stand a chance to win cabins for this experience.
Our newbies on the deck
DJs celebrating their freshman year on Oh Ship include Timo O.D.V of ‘Save Me’ fame; DJ Capital aka Out of Town Cap; and the first lady of 5FM’s daytime line-up Thando Thabethe, aka Thando Thabooty.
DJs Shimza and Speedsta will return to party with the crowd all weekend long!
5FM DJs Milkshake, Roger Goode, Forbes and Fix, and Ultimix resident Ryan The DJ will also be performing on board.
How to book
Call 0860 11 44 11 to book.
Find out more details at ohship.co.za
It’s amazing. The thundering conclusion of Ibiza summer 2016 has eclipsed even previous years’ tumultuous finales. Every club and every promoter has sought to outdo the other with breathtaking line-ups that have left us exhausted, footsore, but still smiling from ear to ear. By the time Destino’s closing came around we feared we’d seen and heard it all. Could any party give us more than we’d already experienced in our joyful marathon of dance? Well, yes it could. The glamorous open-air clifftop club found one more breathtaking stop to pull out. And the way Destino did it was as unexpected as it was memorable. A new star, Shimza, was born. And that doesn’t often happen at a closing party.
We arrived early, well before the sun went down. Previous experience had taught us that this seasonal finale would be a real roadblock and a long trudge back to the car on aching feet, despite the well-organised parking. Later on, we knew we’d made the right decision. But for now, we had the chance to enjoy a mildly lethal cocktail and a surprisingly cheap, but equally delicious, proper Italian pizza. It was an opportunity to chill by the still uncrowded pool area and drink in the view across Talamanca Bay to Ibiza Town’s Dalt Vila. Later, that vista became even more romantic as the lights from the ancient city sparkled on the water accompanied by the glow of a perfect crescent moon. But, by then, we had been more than distracted by what was happening on Destino’s spectacular timber-arched stage.
Destino resident Asabai was already setting the tone for the party with a blend of laid back deep house, enough to get your feet going gently under the still warm Mediterranean sun. After Asabai, British DJ George Fitzgerald’s set gradually gathered pace. The dancefloor was now beginning to fill. Guests, fortunate enough to be staying at the glamorous Pacha-owned resort, began to appear on their balconies. Foot-tapping, gradually developed into gentle swaying then full fledged dancing. You couldn’t help it. The party was on.
By the point George Fitzgerald handed over control of the decks there was no turning back. And it was time for DJ Shimza. Now, I’m not ashamed to say that when I saw his name second only to Luciano on the bill for this massive closing party, I turned straight to Google. I’d never heard of him, and I’m sure I’m not alone. He’d never been to Spain, let alone Ibiza, although he has gigged around much of the rest of Europe. But, his base is in his home country of South Africa and especially the township of his birth Tembisa where he plays regularly to thousands of fans. But, here he is, making his first ever appearance in Ibiza at one of the biggest closing parties of the season just before the mighty Cadenza boss Luciano. The guy must be terrified.
It doesn’t show. At first the crowd is almost perplexed, for a moment or two not knowing quite how to react. This is something different. Like all the best sets, it’s a journey, ‘deep tech house’, I suppose, if you have to stick a label on it. It’s brave. Shimza isn’t afraid to let the music ebb, bringing the crowd down, before raising it up again. To use the ‘journey’ metaphor again, this was one where much of the musical landscape was almost familiar, but there were regular glimpses of something different, something brought from Shimza’s home in the townships of South Africa. We were entranced, lost in the music, at least we were until my phone vibrated in my pocket. (Work at Essential never ends.) It was only then that we realised just how full Destino had become as day turned to night.
We were particularly lucky to catch up with Shimza for a chat while he was at Destino. Chilling in one of the resort’s deep white sofas, he’s happy to talk about what makes South African dance music so distinctive and why he thinks the world is ready to hear it. ‘People are really warming to our sound,’ he says. ‘They like the groove, how the percussion is. To them it’s something different and they’re really opening up to it. We take what we’ve heard from around the world, so the music has a techie and a deep house side to it, but there’s a distinctively South African dimension, which comes from the townships. It’s the ghetto and that’s where all the music comes from.’
Shimza’s not a man to forget his roots, despite a career which seems set to follow the same meteoric trajectory as Black Coffee, the first South African DJ to really break through onto the world stage. Home for Shimza is the rugged township of Tembisa, in the centre of South Africa. There, he is already a star, pulling thousands to his stadium events. For the last eight years, his One Man Show has become the stuff of legend, playing 12 hours on Christmas Day, with occasional breaks so friends can perform. South Africa is a country of orphans, many because of the Aids crisis, and the event provides them with a festive lunch before the real party begins. Later, money raised from the show is used to buy them books and school uniforms. ‘My One Man Show is about giving something back to where I come from, because I feel I’m so blessed to be travelling the world and doing what I love. It’s where my support is and I really feel I owe them,’ he tells Essential.
Meanwhile, on Destino’s stage the end of his set is met with a huge hug from Luciano who salutes him by touching his heart to cheers from the dancefloor. (Luciano has actually been involved in supporting South African music since 2013 when he Richie Hawtin and Skrillex joined the programme ‘Bridges for Music’.) Tonight, we know we’ve experienced something as memorable as Black Coffee’s first DC10 set. Even the crowd seems to be momentarily lulled and it takes a short while before they move into Luciano’s groove, even though he’s the man who has made Destino his own over the four summers it’s been open. But, it’s not long before the Swiss-Chilean magician has the dancefloor in the palm of his hand in a three-hour set which seems over all-too-soon. But, it was the way he brought the crowd down that lives on in the memory. Going from the Spanish guitar of Timo Maas’s Subtellite, into Snoop Dogg’s No Guns Allowed, followed by Rufus and Chakha Khan’s Ain’t Nobody before finally releasing us with two glorious tracks from Michel Cleis, La Tortuga and Mira Nero.
Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort cerró ayer su temporada 2016 con una gran fiesta que comenzó a las 16.00 horas y que concluyó a partir de las 00.00 horas en el Club Tox privé.
La música sonó al ritmo de dj’s consagrados en el lugar como Luciano, George FitzGeral y Asobital. El suizo volvió a reinar en la cabina haciendo vibrar a todo su público en torno a la gran piscina y con los magníficos acantilados de Cap Martinet como telón de fondo.
Después, la sorpresa llegó con el dj sudafricano Shimza, un nuevo talento que se ha dado a conocer por su estilo afro deep house electronic music y su técnica impresionante para los 26 años que tiene. Y así, Shimza, que actuó por primera vez en Ibiza, hizo bailar, viajar, pensar y olvidar a todos los presentes durante unas horas.
Un cierre magnífico para una temporada en la que Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort ha batido sus propios récords de alojamiento, beach club diario en la piscina, restaurante, club o eventos.
Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort cerrará hoy su temporada 2016. A partir de las 16.00 horas de la tarde comenzará a sonar la música en los espacios exteriores del resort y de este modo arrancará «un evento tan especial como único al aire libre», tal y como destacaron sus organizadores. A partir de las 00.00 horas, la fiesta seguirá en el Club Tox privé.
La música sonará al ritmo de dj’s consagrados en el lugar como Luciano, también George FitzGeral y Asobital. El dj y productor suizo volverá a reinar en la cabina del resort más internacional de la isla, haciendo vibrar a todo su público en torno a la gran piscina y con los magníficos acantilados de Cap Martinet como telón de fondo. Para una celebración tan importante como esta, Destino Pachá Ibiza Resort no ha querido dejar a Luciano sólo y traerá un line up de primera línea a su fiesta de clausura.
La sorpresa llegará de la mano del dj sudafricano Shimza. «Lo encontré en Youtube por casualidad, me pareció un nuevo talento y me enamoré de su música y de su estilo porque los dos son importantes. Su estilo es África house electronic music y su técnica impresionante para la edad que tiene. Es muy joven, solo tiene 26 años», destacó el director de Alimentación, Bebidas y Eventos de Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort, Radouane Mahroula quien se mostró convencido de que la música de Shimza «va a gustar mucho a la gente porque es una nueva tendencia musical que está llegando a a la isla y al resto del mundo. Es algo muy tribal, humano, que nos hará viajar, pensar y olvidar».
Por su parte, Shimza, recién llegado a Ibiza para el particular cierre de Destino, comenzó en la música con 16 años y directamente lo hizo con la electrónica.
El dj sudafricano, que actuará hoy por primera vez en Ibiza dijo que prefiere «no preparar los temas ni la sesión que ofrecerá al público de Destino porque me han contratado por lo que hago, por mi música misma, mi esencia de África y esta es la sensación que quiero transmitir esta noche a toda la gente que acuda a esta despedida de la temporada, mi estilo afro deep house».
Otro invitado de excepción para este evento será George FitzGerald, el Dj británico que brillará con su estilo techno, house y garage bajo un telón melódico, que permitirá bailar durante horas bajo las estrellas.
Esta noche, Destino dará el adiós a una temporada 2016 marcada por los «récords». Mahroula afirmó que éste ha sido un año de récords en todo: en alojamiento, beach club diario en la piscina, restaurante, club, eventos, etc.», por lo que se mostró especialmente contento.
Así cerrará Destino Pachá Ibiza Resort su cuarta temporada en la que su principal hilo conductor ha sido una gastronomía de altura en un entorno excepcional. Sus veladas en el restaurante Modest acompañadas por el flamenco de Rafael Amargo o el jazz han sido todo un éxito no solo entre turistas sino también residentes de la isla.
LA CITA
Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort cierra su temporada 2016. La fiesta de despedida de Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort comenzará esta tarde, a partir de las 16.00 horas. Hasta las 00.00 horas tendrá lugar en los espacios exteriores y después, la música continuará en el club.
Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort cerrará hoy su temporada 2016. A partir de las 16.00 horas de la tarde comenzará a sonar la música en los espacios exteriores del resort y de este modo arrancará «un evento tan especial como único al aire libre», tal y como destacaron sus organizadores. A partir de las 00.00 horas, la fiesta seguirá en el Club Tox privé.
La música sonará al ritmo de dj’s consagrados en el lugar como Luciano, también George FitzGeral y Asobital. El dj y productor suizo volverá a reinar en la cabina del resort más internacional de la isla, haciendo vibrar a todo su público en torno a la gran piscina y con los magníficos acantilados de Cap Martinet como telón de fondo. Para una celebración tan importante como esta, Destino Pachá Ibiza Resort no ha querido dejar a Luciano sólo y traerá un line up de primera línea a su fiesta de clausura.
La sorpresa llegará de la mano del dj sudafricano Shimza. «Lo encontré en Youtube por casualidad, me pareció un nuevo talento y me enamoré de su música y de su estilo porque los dos son importantes. Su estilo es África house electronic music y su técnica impresionante para la edad que tiene. Es muy joven, solo tiene 26 años», destacó el director de Alimentación, Bebidas y Eventos de Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort, Radouane Mahroula quien se mostró convencido de que la música de Shimza «va a gustar mucho a la gente porque es una nueva tendencia musical que está llegando a a la isla y al resto del mundo. Es algo muy tribal, humano, que nos hará viajar, pensar y olvidar».
Por su parte, Shimza, recién llegado a Ibiza para el particular cierre de Destino, comenzó en la música con 16 años y directamente lo hizo con la electrónica.
El dj sudafricano, que actuará hoy por primera vez en Ibiza dijo que prefiere «no preparar los temas ni la sesión que ofrecerá al público de Destino porque me han contratado por lo que hago, por mi música misma, mi esencia de África y esta es la sensación que quiero transmitir esta noche a toda la gente que acuda a esta despedida de la temporada, mi estilo afro deep house».
Otro invitado de excepción para este evento será George FitzGerald, el Dj británico que brillará con su estilo techno, house y garage bajo un telón melódico, que permitirá bailar durante horas bajo las estrellas.
Esta noche, Destino dará el adiós a una temporada 2016 marcada por los «récords». Mahroula afirmó que éste ha sido un año de récords en todo: en alojamiento, beach club diario en la piscina, restaurante, club, eventos, etc.», por lo que se mostró especialmente contento.
Así cerrará Destino Pachá Ibiza Resort su cuarta temporada en la que su principal hilo conductor ha sido una gastronomía de altura en un entorno excepcional. Sus veladas en el restaurante Modest acompañadas por el flamenco de Rafael Amargo o el jazz han sido todo un éxito no solo entre turistas sino también residentes de la isla.
LA CITA
Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort cierra su temporada 2016. La fiesta de despedida de Destino Pacha Ibiza Resort comenzará esta tarde, a partir de las 16.00 horas. Hasta las 00.00 horas tendrá lugar en los espacios exteriores y después, la música continuará en el club.
The annual Spring Fiesta drew thousands of revellers to the Wild Waters complex on Saturday, October 1.
The sixth Annual Spring Fiesta was held at the Wild Waters complex in Boksburg.
The mother of all parties featured several stages, including the main stage called Soul Candi Live, along with House of Flava, What About Soul and We Live Hip Hop.
The star-studded line-up of performers at this year’s festival consisted of renowned local and international music stars.
They included the UK-based and world-renowned House music DJ Atjazz, New York’s Monique Bingham, Babes Wodumo, DJ Kent, Mi Casa, AKA, DJ Shimza, Kwesta, Boom Shaka, DJ Christos and Vinny Davinci, Sphectacula and DJ Naves, Naked DJ, DJ Merlon, Twins on Decks, Fistaz Mixwell, Mobi Dixon, and Prince Kaybee.
The thousands of party-goers were met with a high-visibility police operation at the festival, targeting alcohol-related crimes, illegal weapons and substances and anti-social behaviour.
The large contingent of police from the Ekurhuleni Central SAPS Cluster, and EMPD took part in the operation, which took place in and around the venue.
Festival-goers were, for days prior to the event, encouraged to stay safe and enjoy themselves within the law. -@FanieFLK
Après avoir pris la claque de l'année à la première Open Minded x The Djoon Experience à La Machine en février, on était tout simplement obligé de remettre ça...
Rendez-vous le 14 Octobre avec DJ Shimza, DjeffAfrozila, ce génie de la deep qu'est Manoo, Afshin Djoon bien sûr et l'incontournable live d'Africaine 808 qui a déjà fait ses preuves cet été sur les plages siciliennes pour le festival du DJOON !
LineUp : Djeff Afrozila,Dj Shimza,Manoo,Afshin,AFRICAINE 808
Tarif : Sur place=18 EUR
Destino Ibiza, the cult location of Pacha group, has announced the official closing.
The event will take place October, 7th, and the line up for this unmissable closing includes as main guest Luciano, then Shimza (that will play in Ibiza for the first time, George Fitzgerald, Asobitai, Javier Gonzalez & many more.
The event will start at 4 pm, and our suggestion is: don’t miss it!
This is the official poster!
For the updated list of Ibiza closing parties 2016, click here.
Popular house musician DJ Shimza has lent a hand to people who were affected by a tornado that ripped through Tembisa earlier this week.
The area was rocked by a devastating tornado, leaving dozens of people injured and hundreds of homes destroyed.
While emergency services and task teams assessed the damage, DJ Shimza took to social media to offer his support to victims of the tragedy.
In a post on Wednesday, he called on fans and followers to join him in rebuilding some of the shacks that were destroyed in the tornado.
“Those of you who are available tomorrow, please can we meet at Boisantha in Tembisa tomorrow at 9am to go and help those who were affected yesterday, just helping them rebuild the shacks,” he wrote, while also encouraging those who were not available to spread the message.
He returned to Instagram on Thursday to post a picture of the devastation the group found.
“(These are) some of the homes affected by the tornado in Tembisa, out here helping where we can to help rebuild,” he wrote.
Other local celebs, including DJ Sbu and gospel singer Winnie Mashaba, have previously urged fans and followers to pray for those affected by the tornado.
Popular house musician DJ Shimza has lent a hand to people who were affected by a tornado that ripped through Tembisa earlier this week.
The area was rocked by a devastating tornado, leaving dozens of people injured and hundreds of homes destroyed.
While emergency services and task teams assessed the damage, DJ Shimza took to social media to offer his support to victims of the tragedy.
In a post on Wednesday, he called on fans and followers to join him in rebuilding some of the shacks that were destroyed in the tornado.
“Those of you who are available tomorrow, please can we meet at Boisantha in Tembisa tomorrow at 9am to go and help those who were affected yesterday, just helping them rebuild the shacks,” he wrote, while also encouraging those who were not available to spread the message.
He returned to Instagram on Thursday to post a picture of the devastation the group found.
“(These are) some of the homes affected by the tornado in Tembisa, out here helping where we can to help rebuild,” he wrote.
Other local celebs, including DJ Sbu and gospel singer Winnie Mashaba, have previously urged fans and followers to pray for those affected by the tornado.
Popular house musician DJ Shimza has lent a hand to people who were affected by a tornado that ripped through Tembisa earlier this week.
The area was rocked by a devastating tornado, leaving dozens of people injured and hundreds of homes destroyed.
While emergency services and task teams assessed the damage, DJ Shimza took to social media to offer his support to victims of the tragedy.
In a post on Wednesday, he called on fans and followers to join him in rebuilding some of the shacks that were destroyed in the tornado.
“Those of you who are available tomorrow, please can we meet at Boisantha in Tembisa tomorrow at 9am to go and help those who were affected yesterday, just helping them rebuild the shacks,” he wrote, while also encouraging those who were not available to spread the message.
He returned to Instagram on Thursday to post a picture of the devastation the group found.
“(These are) some of the homes affected by the tornado in Tembisa, out here helping where we can to help rebuild,” he wrote.
Other local celebs, including DJ Sbu and gospel singer Winnie Mashaba, have previously urged fans and followers to pray for those affected by the tornado.
Popular house musician DJ Shimza has lent a hand to people who were affected by a tornado that ripped through Tembisa earlier this week.
The area was rocked by a devastating tornado, leaving dozens of people injured and hundreds of homes destroyed.
While emergency services and task teams assessed the damage, DJ Shimza took to social media to offer his support to victims of the tragedy.
In a post on Wednesday, he called on fans and followers to join him in rebuilding some of the shacks that were destroyed in the tornado.
“Those of you who are available tomorrow, please can we meet at Boisantha in Tembisa tomorrow at 9am to go and help those who were affected yesterday, just helping them rebuild the shacks,” he wrote, while also encouraging those who were not available to spread the message.
He returned to Instagram on Thursday to post a picture of the devastation the group found.
“(These are) some of the homes affected by the tornado in Tembisa, out here helping where we can to help rebuild,” he wrote.
Other local celebs, including DJ Sbu and gospel singer Winnie Mashaba, have previously urged fans and followers to pray for those affected by the tornado.
Popular house musician DJ Shimza has lent a hand to people who were affected by a tornado that ripped through Tembisa earlier this week.
The area was rocked by a devastating tornado, leaving dozens of people injured and hundreds of homes destroyed.
While emergency services and task teams assessed the damage, DJ Shimza took to social media to offer his support to victims of the tragedy.
In a post on Wednesday, he called on fans and followers to join him in rebuilding some of the shacks that were destroyed in the tornado.
“Those of you who are available tomorrow, please can we meet at Boisantha in Tembisa tomorrow at 9am to go and help those who were affected yesterday, just helping them rebuild the shacks,” he wrote, while also encouraging those who were not available to spread the message.
He returned to Instagram on Thursday to post a picture of the devastation the group found.
“(These are) some of the homes affected by the tornado in Tembisa, out here helping where we can to help rebuild,” he wrote.
Other local celebs, including DJ Sbu and gospel singer Winnie Mashaba, have previously urged fans and followers to pray for those affected by the tornado.
Popular house musician DJ Shimza has lent a hand to people who were affected by a tornado that ripped through Tembisa earlier this week.
The area was rocked by a devastating tornado, leaving dozens of people injured and hundreds of homes destroyed.
While emergency services and task teams assessed the damage, DJ Shimza took to social media to offer his support to victims of the tragedy.
In a post on Wednesday, he called on fans and followers to join him in rebuilding some of the shacks that were destroyed in the tornado.
“Those of you who are available tomorrow, please can we meet at Boisantha in Tembisa tomorrow at 9am to go and help those who were affected yesterday, just helping them rebuild the shacks,” he wrote, while also encouraging those who were not available to spread the message.
He returned to Instagram on Thursday to post a picture of the devastation the group found.
“(These are) some of the homes affected by the tornado in Tembisa, out here helping where we can to help rebuild,” he wrote.
Other local celebs, including DJ Sbu and gospel singer Winnie Mashaba, have previously urged fans and followers to pray for those affected by the tornado.
Popular house musician DJ Shimza has lent a hand to people who were affected by a tornado that ripped through Tembisa earlier this week.
The area was rocked by a devastating tornado, leaving dozens of people injured and hundreds of homes destroyed.
While emergency services and task teams assessed the damage, DJ Shimza took to social media to offer his support to victims of the tragedy.
In a post on Wednesday, he called on fans and followers to join him in rebuilding some of the shacks that were destroyed in the tornado.
“Those of you who are available tomorrow, please can we meet at Boisantha in Tembisa tomorrow at 9am to go and help those who were affected yesterday, just helping them rebuild the shacks,” he wrote, while also encouraging those who were not available to spread the message.
He returned to Instagram on Thursday to post a picture of the devastation the group found.
“(These are) some of the homes affected by the tornado in Tembisa, out here helping where we can to help rebuild,” he wrote.
Other local celebs, including DJ Sbu and gospel singer Winnie Mashaba, have previously urged fans and followers to pray for those affected by the tornado.
Music lovers to meet at Germiston Lake for the Ekurhuleni Youth Festival on Saturday.
“Germiston Lake will be a hive of activity this coming Saturday when young revellers flock to the park for a musical festival,” said the metro’s spokesman, Themba Gadebe.
“The concert will form part of the Ekurhuleni Youth Festival to celebrate sheer musical talent.”
Gadebe also said that the festival’s big stage will host some of the well-known chart-topping musicians bred in Ekurhuleni such as Kwesta, DJ Mshega, DJ Shimza, The Muffins, Reason, and DJ Sbu.
“Other well-known musicians set to grace the festival include Cassper Nyovest, M-Tee, Nathi (Nomvula) and Ricky Rick.
“The metro will provide buses at all customer care centres which will leave for Germiston Lake at 10am.”
Entrance is free and cooler boxes are allowed but bottles will not be allowed into the venue.
The festival is set to start at noon.
We all know how hard it is to get your name out there when you are an up-and-coming DJ. And while your gigs at school dances and your granny's birthday party might get you somewhere, it's certainly not to the top of the charts.
You've been waiting for your big chance to impress and DJ Shimza might just have it.
The popular house DJ, who recently returned from an extensive European tour has announced that he wants to collaborate with an aspiring musician.
The DJ revealed that musicians are welcome to send him their demos on a loop he's providing. So far, the loop has been downloaded over 4,500 times.
"Lets make music. Download this loop I've done and finish it off in your own style and send the final track to demo@djshimza.com. Who knows? We might have a hit together," he wrote on Instagram.
Sounds easy enough, right?
If so, why not download the loop here and try your hand at becoming a super duper DJ.
Local DJ Ashley Raphala‚ popularly known as DJ Shimza‚ has announced a massive world tour that will see him perform across seven countries. The tour‚ which will kick off in the desert oasis of Dubai on Friday will see Shimza undergo a gruelling 10-day tour that will see him perform across Africa‚ Europe and the Middle East. The DJ hints that several more dates in Angola‚ Zanzibar and Amsterdam may be added to the tour in the next few days.
"It’s a great feeling. My international career is finally taking off‚ a part of my dream that has now been realised. I’m excited to perform at all of the show’s I’m booked at. I’ll give 100 percent at all the events because I need to leave my mark so that I am remembered‚” Shimza told TMG Entertainment.
Last week‚ Shimza took to Instagram to thank the likes of DJ Black Coffee and Culoe De Song for opening doors for him and other local artists to travel the globe with their music.
“I’m going to spend less and less time in South Africa. International doors are opening‚ all thanks to Black Coffee‚ Culoe and all the other DJs from SA that have paved the way for us. They are doing such kick ass moves that it’s hard for anyone to ignore what our country has to offer‚ the doors are open for all of us‚ let’s push!”
The second edition of the free festival will run from June 30th through July 4th.
The Djoon Experience has announced the first wave of acts playing in 2016.
Launched last year by Parisian club Djoon, the festival will return from June 30th through July 4th to Favignana, a Sicilian island located ten minutes from Trapani airport. As in 2015, the lineup will mostly feature artists who have already played at the club, with slots for international names like Borrowed Identity, Jamie 3:26, Marcel Vogel and Terrence Parker, who will DJ with live vocals from Merachka.
On another tip, African sounds will come via South African artist Shimza, Angolan DJ DjeffAfrozila, Berlin duo Africaine 808 and Mr Raoul K, who returns from 2015. They'll share the decks with a few club stalwarts, including longtime resident Greg Gauthier and Djoon owner Afshin. Like last year, all the events will be free. More names will be announced in the coming weeks.
Johannesburg - Not content with just taking over Mzansi with his beats, DJ Shimza has taken his tunes to the city of love.
The popular house DJ, who has a show in the UK set for April, jetted off to Paris recently to perform in the city, wowing crowds with a performance at the prestigious La Machine du Moulin Rouge venue.
And when he wasn't representing SA on the decks, Shimza was kicking back and taking in the sights and sounds of Paris.
Johannesburg - There were talks of a storm brewing between DJ Shimza and his boss, Black Coffee, last year. But all seems to have been forgotten after DJ Shimza made good on his promise to donate 1 000 school shoes.
Late last year, Shimza promised that he would donate 1 000 school shoes from his annual One Man Show. And with the new school year now in full swing, Shimza has made good on his promise.
The DJ posted a snap of the shoes that would be donated to school children this year, and it immediately brought warm praise from Black Coffee.
"This is what happens when you allow God to you use you for the greater good. Well done DJ Shimza. Only those who believe make it this Far. Keep changing the world #onemanshow#onemantouchingmillionsouls," DJ Black Coffee wrote in response to Shimza's post.
Johannesburg- DJ Shimza's annual one man show aims to raise much-needed funds for orphaned children.
This year will mark seven years since Shimza started hosting the annual Christmas lunch and performance for kids who don't have families to spend this special day with.
Every year Shimza caters for around 500 children and this year he wants to double the number of orphans who benefit from the show. Shimza hopes to have 1000 children at the Mehlareng stadium in Tembisa.
"After my one man show in January, I normally buy stationary and school uniforms for those that I can reach so that they are also well equipped for the school year ahead. This year through my one man show I want to raise 1000 new school shoes for 2016. I urge people to please support the show because I believe that this is a reachable goal. If one man can do a bit for their community then together we can build a stronger nation," Shimza said.
In order to put the show together Shimza also needs sponsorship for food supplies, tents, transport, jumping castles or anything that can help make the day fun for the kids.
Tickets for the show are available at Computicket or if you'd like to help visit djshimza.com
There are only two weeks left until East Rand township, Tembisa, turns into a place of great festivity, as DJ Shimza will host his 7th annual One Man Show on Christmas, 25 December.
This year’s show will be extra special for Shimza as plans to double the number of orphans that benefit from the show.
The 26-year-old DJ will host a Christmas lunch for orphaned kids.
He usually caters for around 400-500 kids, but this year he plans on doing things even bigger by feeding 1000 kids at the Mehlareng stadium in Tembisa.
"After my One Man Show in January, I normally buy stationary and school uniforms for those that I can reach so that they are also well-equipped for the school year ahead.
"This year through my One Man Show I want to raise 1000 new school shoes for 2016. I urge people to please support the show because I believe that this is a reachable goal. If One Man can do a bit for their community then together we can build stronger nation," said the DJ in a statement.
However, DJ Shimza does require help to pull this venture off, and is appealing to anybody who will be able to help him achieve this goal for the kids.
Whether you want to provide an extra pair of hands, or contribute with food supplies or any services you specialise in - catering, tents, transport, jumping castles or anything that can assist in providing a fun day for the kids.
For more information on how to assist DJ Shimza's One Man Show e-mail info@djshimza.com.
Let's support Shimza's great cause.
“I woke up one day to (someone on) Twitter saying: ‘We’re going to leak your album because you’re always playing exclusive songs and you don’t want to share your track list’.” Kholofelo Ashley “DJ Shimza” Raphala puts his fork and knife down and places his back against the chair.
After a compilation as Bertrams Brandy’s Next Big Thing winner and a few more offerings under brands like Soul Candi and EMI, the 25-year-old Thembisa-bred DJ and producer has just released his debut album, Shimuzic. This is the official release straight from the artist himself, but a few weeks ago, an unauthorised version of Shimuzic was leaked on the internet.
“By that Monday,” he remembers, straight-faced, “I woke up and the album was online. These guys, more than anything, disrespected my craft. I don’t expect you to take my music without my permission and share it with everyone. I learnt that people who were going to download the album illegally were going to do that whether it had leaked or not. I also learnt that when making an album, stay away from the internet.”
By the time he breaks down his lessons, Shimza is back to eating his food. It’s clear that he’s not over the disrespect that resulted in him and his Soulistic Music team taking down all the links to the illegal download and shutting down a Facebook page that specialises in piracy of South African music. But it’s also evident that he’s ready to move on as this has sharpened his arsenal as a businessman.
With this 13-track album that smoothly traverses through deep house, tribal house and drum-driven dance, Shimza has transformed into someone who wears many hats in the music industry. He describes the journey to Shimuzic’s release as “a learning chapter”.
This is because “I learnt a lot about the business side of things. Now I understand what type of deal I went into with the record label. That making an album is about more than just going into the studio. What it’s like to work with people, especially when the energy is not right.”
He cites his infectious song about partying all night, Akulalwa, featuring Dr Malinga, as an example. After passing the song to a few artists, “it just wasn’t right,” Shimza explains. “But when Dr Malinga came through, he didn’t even get time to write and the song just came out like that!”
Lyrically, Shimza flexed his pen on songs like the aspirational No Lie, featuring King Jay, but also enlisted the talents of Mishka, Soulstar and BK. On vocalist BK, whose soft yet strong voice is the only one that features twice as a guest on the album, Shimza says: “Friends With Benefits, with BK, is the first single off the album and is about two years old. It’s still sounding fresh and I believe strongly in BK’s writing abilities.”
He also believes in his penchant for collaboration. He co-produced No Lie with Uhuru’s Maphorisa as well as Lolo with Heavy K and Friends With Benefits with Cuebar. The Metro FM mix DJ who has been doing his One Man Show (also a title of a banging song on the album) events to help orphans in Thembisa get school uniforms and stationery, can’t hide his excitement about what this album represents for him.
“I was just making music that’s going to best represent me and music I believed would grow on people,” he confesses. “That’s why Shimuzic is a word that I created to say: ‘this is Shimza’s music!’ I discovered who I truly am and am not just chasing hits. What I have to offer will make me stand out from a lot of guys.”
DJ Shimza’s Shimuzic is at music stores.
In this latest Shimza Interview the DJ/Producer talks about his desire to conquer the world stage, the importance of being professional and why his One Man Show continues to succeed…
If you tried to pinpoint the reason behind DJ Shimza’s success, you’d probably come up with a fair number of explanations. They’ll range from having a great team. Knowing major players in the game like Black Coffee and Oskido. Being on massive platforms like Channel O and national radio. But ultimately, there’s no denying that Ashely ‘DJ Shimza’ Raphala is simply a very hard working individual.
He may be over a decade younger than most of his counterparts and yet in the short space of time that he has been at the forefront of the house music industry, he has made more headway than fellow DJs make in their entire careers. He has accomplished multiple sold out shows, regularly played overseas and now is tackling his latest endeavour, his debut full-length album titled Shimuzic which was released last month.
Us at IDM Mag have long followed Shimza’s meteroic rise and with this latest milestone it was only right that we pinned the extremely busy young DJ down for a quick catch up.
Fans and music lovers have been waiting for a DJ Shimza album for a while and finally it’s here! How did you now that now was the right time to give us a full-length project?
Shimza Interview: Natural progression and just a feeling that it was long overdue. I worked on it for so long and I finally felt ready.
I also fail, I just don’t give up.”
Can you take us through the album? What was the process of putting it together like? From finding the artists you wanted to collaborate with to carving out your own unique sound for the record.
Shimza Interview
Shimza Interview: I chose people I have been working with over the years and people whose music I enjoy, friends and colleagues I respect. It was natural collaborations- synergy between my sound and the artists’.
And we’re sure it’s hard to pick but what would you say is your favourite track on the album and why?
Shimza Interview: I don’t have one. I’ve put in the same amount of work and effort in every song so they are all very special to me.
In addition to the album, we’ve seen you increase your signature events from just the annual One Man Show to the Tembisa Easter festival, the Soweto edition of the OMS and more. What’s the secret to making your events so succesful when others are so often failing to achieve the same?
Shimza Interview: I also fail, I just don’t give up. Drive and appeal, the ability to identify a niche and do something that people will want to support over a long period of time is key.
Branding has also become a key avenue of the DJ Shimza empire. What is the importance of branding when it comes to your career?
Shimza Interview: You need to make sure people remember who you are, out of sight, out of mind. Differentiation – there’s a lot of good work in the market and we are all fighting to grow our brands.
Shimza Interview
One of the most notable things about your career is the regular free workshops you host prior to your major events. What is the motivation behind hosting these workshops?
Shimza Interview: I feel we need to teach people from our experiences and not [just] give them textbook knowledge.
You recently returned from New York and earlier in the year we saw you play around Europe; from your observations, is there anything we as the South African music industry learn from our counterparts overseas?
Shimza Interview: Yes, professionalism. You need to believe in your brand more than anything.
Lastly, from headphones to sold out shows and one of the most anticipated albums of the year, what’s the next big challenge for DJ Shimza that we’ll see you embark on?
Shimza Interview: To play in big festivals around the world.
Ashley Kholofelo Raphala, famed as DJ Shimza knows his strong points and likes to keep to what he knows best as a mix DJ.
“I am more of a mix dj, I will not force to be a radio presenter I know where my strength lies. I can’t be jack of all trades.”
Making waves in the industry he joined Metro FM mixing for DJ Oskido’s ‘I believe’ show on Metro FM every Saturday.
“I was fortunate to get a slot on YFM doing a YTKO mix and now I am on Metro Fm, something I consider big as it’s national,” Shimza said
At 25 he has accomplished much and it all started with choosing to be a DJ and making a success out of it.
“I honestly wanted to make this a career, I had to choose between school and DJ, and I had to make it work.
“My career had to be a success because my parents wanted to see how this will turn out. I started at 15 and I am here now.”
Shimza believes to crack it as a DJ you have to have the attitude because a lot of work comes with it.
“A lot of guys take it for granted, hard work is needed in this game. Things like the right attitude and being at the right space no for girls. Breaking in is tough.”
Many times we have heard people count buying a house or a fancy car as a success but for Shimza although he has accomplished that he says what defines him is giving back to his community.
“I grew up in Tembisa, what fulfils me is the impact I have in my community, helping those that have the same dreams as me.”
“I do charity gigs to help others and that puts a smile on my face.”
You can catch the vibrant DJ, spinning his ones and two’s at the Rhythm Fest in Bloemfontein this Friday.
DJ Shimza's Annual Birthday Party
In the North Sea Jazz Club, cultural orientated people from Amsterdam mingle with music lovers, business people, locals and tourists. Together they enjoy quality music, food and drinks in a warm, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
The North Sea Jazz Club brings live jazz and jazz related music. Just like at the North Sea Jazz Festival, many styles are represented. On a regular basis, big names from the jazz scene will perform on the North Sea Jazz Club stage.
Before the live acts, you can dine in the North Sea Jazz Club on Friday and Saturday night, in a pleasant and intimate setting.
Every Thursday doors open at 9pm and the concert starts at 10pm. On these nights, it’s standing room only.
The program covers everything from experimental, progressive and mostly danceable live music, evolving into a clubnight with dj-acts. On these nights there is maximum capacity of 450 people.
On Friday and Saturday, the club opens at 6:30pm and the live-act starts around 9pm. Before and during the concert you can dine in a cosy club setting: all in all a great night out. There is a 3 course menu for 34 euros, with a choice of starters, main courses and desserts. It can be reserved beforehand in combination with your concert ticket. The concert is paid upfront, food and drinks on the night itself. For these evenings there are about 190 seats available. We advise you to buy a dinerticket in advance in our webshop. It’s not possible to reserve specific tables in the club.
Beside the seated places, there are some 60 standing places available for a reduced fee, around the bar and at the back of the hall.
After the concerts on Friday and Saturday, you can dance until late to the sound of club jazz, provided by our resident dj’s. After 11:30pm our bar-restaurant joins the jazzclub to serve as a late night bar. A great place to relax and order finger food.
Join us for the 2nd annual One Man Show SOWETO Edition #OMSSoweto
SHIMUZIC Productions presents one of its biggest shows in South Africa and its back with a bang!
Surprise performances which will keep you entertained and on your feet for hours! Without any doubt this will be a show that will leave you looking forward to our next event.
The Djoon Experience
Five (5) days of music, sun, and sicilian food with a lineup 100% in the Djoon spirit. The festival is FREE, you just have to find yourself a flight and a place to stay on the beautiful island of Favignana, then join us on the beach and start dancing!
The Djoon Experience
Five (5) days of music, sun, and sicilian food with a lineup 100% in the Djoon spirit. The festival is FREE, you just have to find yourself a flight and a place to stay on the beautiful island of Favignana, then join us on the beach and start dancing!
The Djoon Experience
Five (5) days of music, sun, and sicilian food with a lineup 100% in the Djoon spirit. The festival is FREE, you just have to find yourself a flight and a place to stay on the beautiful island of Favignana, then join us on the beach and start dancing!
The Djoon Experience
Five (5) days of music, sun, and sicilian food with a lineup 100% in the Djoon spirit. The festival is FREE, you just have to find yourself a flight and a place to stay on the beautiful island of Favignana, then join us on the beach and start dancing!
The Djoon Experience
Five (5) days of music, sun, and sicilian food with a lineup 100% in the Djoon spirit. The festival is FREE, you just have to find yourself a flight and a place to stay on the beautiful island of Favignana, then join us on the beach and start dancing!