DJ strives and thrives
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF HIS ANNUAL ONE-MAN SHOW Bringing in a stellar line-up featuring Lady Zamar, Shekhinah, Nadia Nakai and Busiswa.
himza, whose real name is Ashley Raphala, is celebrating 10 years of his annual One Man Show (OMS) on Christmas day in Tembisa.
The popular DJ, producer and philanthropist, who made the transition from aspirant industry young blood to leading light of the global afro house scene at almost breakneck speed, is expected to stage an even bigger and better show this year.
The line-up includes Busiswa, Shekhinah, Lady Zamar, AKA, Kwesta, Cassper Nyovest, Nadia Nakai, as well as Black Motion.
It’s a fundraising event with the proceeds going to help the needy.
Shimza said the inclusion of more female artists than there were in his previous shows was not deliberate.
He said he just chose artists who are a force to be reckoned with in the music industry and they happened to be women.
Shimza’s One man Shows started in Tembisa.
As he put it: “Tembisa is my backbone. Without the Tembisa One Man Shows, none of my other one-man shows would have happened.
“The Tembisa shows are a reminder of where I come from; hence they are very close to my heart.”
Music has a deeper purpose for him.
“Music means I can speak to the masses without listening to them individually.
“It’s a device I use to give back to my community, and a tool I use to bring people together.”
This year’s show will start at 5pm and there will be food stalls and bars at the venue, the Me-
Fans have nicknamed him the ‘Effect Master’ and ‘Vinyl Assassin’.
In 2016, Shimza made his Ibiza debut at Destino’s Closing Party alongside Luciano to massive acclaim. hlareng Stadium.
To be hosted by South African choreographer and television personality Somizi Mhlongo and award-winning comedian Skhumba, who are no strangers to the Tembisa crowd, the show promises to be an epic one.
Nasty C, Mlindo The Vocalist, Sjava, Stilo Magolide, and A-Reece are among the other acts who will be entertaining the crowd at the Christmas party.
The OMS party grows with each year, with about 12 000 people attending last year.
The event starts off with a daytime children’s party for orphans from Tembisa.
In January, they receive school shoes from Shimza’s Shimuzic.
He explained he is passionate about giving back and wants to do better for his community.
“I am so excited about this year’s show, we have raised the bar; we have an amazing line-up and, yes, there are more female artists this year as well, which I’m very excited about.
“I’m grateful for the support my fans and peers give me.
“We have a great programme for the kids before the adult party starts.
“Somizi and Skhumba are back as hosts, and I can’t wait for the day,” Shimza said.
He also thanked the City of Ekurhuleni, adding their help goes a long way towards making the shows a success.
The Tembisa-born DJ is undeniably one of Mzansi’s brightest talents.
This talent has made the transition from aspirant young blood to leading light of the global afro house scene at almost breakneck speed.
Shimza has signed on with a full music service agency, which landed him a residency at the world’s biggest club, Privilege, on the holiday island of Ibiza in Spain. Tickets to OMS are available at computicket.co.za