Shimza is the stage name of Kholofelo Ashley Raphala, a South African DJ, music producer, label owner, and promoter known for his Afro tech and house sound. He rose from Tembisa to become one of South Africa’s most recognized electronic music figures, with an expanding international presence.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Kholofelo Ashley Raphala |
| Date of birth | May 15, 1985 |
| Place of birth | Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Province of Origin | Gauteng |
| Partner | Athi Geleba (girlfriend) |
| Children | one daughter |
| Occupations | DJ, music producer, promoter, label owner |
| Labels | Soulistic Music, Kunye Records |
| Net worth | Estimated at $800,000 to $6 million |
Early Life and Education
Shimza was born in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa. He developed an interest in DJing as a teenager and began building his music career at a young age.
Public information about his formal education is limited, as most available accounts focus more on his music journey than on academic background.
Career
Shimza began his career as a teenager, developing an early passion for DJing and performing at local events in Tembisa. His breakthrough came when he won the Red Square DJ Competition, which helped him gain recognition in South Africa’s electronic music scene and opened the door to bigger opportunities.
He later signed with Soulistic Music, which gave his career a stronger professional platform and helped expand his reach as both a DJ and producer. Over time, he released projects such as Shimuzic (2015), One Man Show (2016), Eminence (2019), and Kimberly (2021), building a reputation for Afro tech and deep house music.
Shimza also became known for his collaborations with artists like Prince Kaybee, Black Motion, Ami Faku, Aloe Blacc, and Elderbrook. He also worked on “Mnike” in 2023 alongside Tyler ICU, Tumelo.za, DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA, and Tyron Dee.
In 2020, he launched Kunye Records, strengthening his role not just as an artist but also as a promoter of South African electronic music talent.
Personal Life
DJ Shimza is not married, but he has been in a long‑term relationship with Athi Geleba for over 12 years. Athi Geleba is a prominent South African communications professional, currently serving as the Head of Digital Communications in The Presidency.
In terms of children, Shimza has one daughter. He occasionally shares photos of her on social media, such as during her birthday celebrations, but he generally keeps details about her and family life private.
He is also known for his philanthropy and community involvement, especially through the One Man Show, which has supported various initiatives in his hometown.
Discography
| Type | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Studio album | Shimuzic | 2015 |
| Studio album | One Man Show | 2016 |
| Studio album | Eminence | 2019 |
| Studio album | Kimberly | 2021 |
| EP / release | Calling Out Your Name | 2020 |
| Release | Dreaming | 2024 |
| Single | Fire Fire | 2025 |
| Single | Falling | 2026 |
Production Discography
Shimza’s production work is centered on Afro tech and house music. He has worked on original productions and collaborations with artists such as Prince Kaybee, Black Motion, Ami Faku, Aloe Blacc, Rachel Chinouriri, Elderbrook, and Kasango.
- Uwrongo — 2019 — Prince Kaybee, Black Motion, Ami Faku, Shimza
- African Woman — 2020 — Shimza
- Akulalwa — 2020 — Shimza
- Destino — 2021 — Shimza
- Ascendant — 2021 — Shimza
- Higher — 2022 — Shimza
- Calling Out Your Name — 2020 — Shimza
- Dreaming — 2024 — Shimza, Aloe Blacc
- Darling — 2024 — Shimza
- Parachute — 2024 — Shimza
- Bado — 2024 — Shimza
- Citadelle — 2024 — Shimza, Elderbrook
- Skill of Love — 2024 — Shimza, Rachel Chinouriri
- Fire Fire — 2025 — Shimza
- Falling — 2026 — Shimza
- No Shape Without You — 2026 — Shimza
- Mnike (Shimza Remix) — 2023 — Tyler ICU, Tumelo.za, Shimza (feat. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA, Tyron Dee)
Net Worth
Shimza’s net worth is estimated to be around $800,000 to $6 million, as of 2026.
Awards and nominations
Shimza has earned recognition through DJ competitions and performance-driven achievements. One of his earliest notable wins was the Red Square DJ Competition.
He has also received attention for later award claims tied to his music, but those are not always confirmed by official award sources.
