DJ Tira is a South African DJ, record producer, and Durban kwaito artist. DJ Tira is also the founder of a record label called Afrotainment. The DJ discovered the music genre Gqom. Learn more about him in this DJ Tira's biography.
A household name in all of Mzansi, DJ Tira knows all about music. Founder of the Afrotainment record label, Kwaito artist, and a Gqom pioneer, he's come a long way since he started as a DJ in 1996. Here's DJ Tira's biography.
DJ Tira was born Mthokozi Khathi in KwaHlabisa Village, located in KwaZulu-Natal on 24 August 1976. While still a young boy, he moved from the village to Durban in 1979. DJ Tira’s age is now 46.
DJ Tira | Source: Instagram
Described as a delightful and quiet young boy, Mthokozi enjoyed cycling and video games. He grew up very close to his mother, Abigail.
DJ Tira was also crazy about soccer as a young boy, and along with his friends, he'd often disregard the curfew his mother gave them. According to him, that was the exact time the game got exciting.
Mthokozi completed his high school education at Mlokothwa High School, where he was a border. It was at this time that he discovered his love for music.
Tira then pursued a Bachelor's in Social Science degree at the University of Natal (now the University of KwaZulu-Natal), and by his second year, he was already a DJ at the Durban Youth Radio (DYR). Radio listeners already knew him very well.
DJ Tira on the decks | Source: Instagram
In school, he bought music cassettes to stay entertained and was a huge fan of the band, Boys To Men. HDJ Tira developed an interest in deejaying in 1996, while he was still in university.
He did gigs for small events, university parties, and weddings. This was when he established M1 Entertainment.
In 2001, he released his first record named Real Makoya, which is a compilation album in collaboration with the late DJ Khabzela. Around that time, he also won the Smirnoff South Africa DJ Competition.
In 2005, he formed the group Tzozo En Professor and was signed by Oskido's Kalawa Jazzmee. He managed to release three compilations.
He (Oskido) was also very involved in the entertainment section at school too. He organized weekend movie nights and dance music for the school's fun evenings.
DJ Tira on the decks | Sources: Instagram
He then formed Durban's Finest together with Sox, also under Kalawa Jazzme Records.
Dj Tira and Oskido have a long history together. He was the one who signed him in his first music contract, and Dj Tira has become a star since then.
Tira later established Ezase Afro, which fell under Kalawa but soon afterwards, he went solo. Tira and Sox also worked together a lot and together released a series of albums under Durban's Finest.
DJ is well-known for having an eye for talent. In 2019, he took the Qwabe twins under his wings. After witnessing their dramatic exit from Idols SA, DJ Tira asked them to join him at his studio, and that's when the magic began, and although he didn't sign the twins under Afrotainment, they produced amazing music together.
In 2007, DJ Tira launched his very own recording studio, Afrotainment and DJ Cndo, was signed as the first DJ under his label. That same year, DJ Tira signed kwaito group Big Nuz, after relocating from Johannesburg to their origin, Durban.
DJ Tira deejaying | Source: Instagram
In 2008, DJ Tira released his first project under his record label, Ezase AfroVol:1. The album has guest appearances from the likes of Big Nuz, Bricks, Daddy and Joocy of Afrosoul. The album was a hit and sold over 20,000 copies.
DJ Tira released his fourth studio album, 21 Years of DJ Tira on 24 August 2020. The Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) certified the album platinum.
Less than a year later, in June 2021, he released his fifth studio album titled Rockstar Forever.
The album features a host of musicians, including the Q Twins, Mampintsha, Joocy, Makhadzi, Western Boyz, Jumbo, Prince Bulo, Biza Wethu, Worst Behavior, and a whole lot more. It ranked first on the iTunes SA charts.
Some popular DJ Tira songs that have been ruling the charts include:
'Nguwe': From his 2020 album 21 Years of DJ Tira, this is one of DJ Tira’s latest songs that also features Nomcebo Zikode, Joocy, and Prince Bolo.
'Thank You, Mr DJ': This 2019 release from the album IKhenani features a guest appearance by Joocy and was produced under the EzaseAfro label.
'The Q twins and DJ Tira Hamba': This is a QTwins special from their album Gift of Love, 2020. DJ Tira makes a significant appearance in this one.
'Uthando': This hit from the 2019 album, Ikhenani features Joocy, Duncan, Beast, and Kwesta.
DJ Tira and his wife Gugu Khathi | Source: Instagram
DJ Tira's wife is Gugu Khathi. The two tied the knot in an Umabo ceremony in October 2016 at the DJ's home in KwaZulu-Natal. DJ Tira and Gugu Khathi have three children; two boys, Junior and Chase, and one daughter named Gigi.
DJ Tira and Gugu Khathi with their daughter Gigi Khathi | Source: Instagram
The couple is known to be very close and strong and even have their fashion game on point. They are always decked out at any event, be it formal or casual.
DJ Tira is quite the family man who goes above and beyond for his kids. He spends his free time with his family and makes sure they are close-knit.
DJ Tira's Children | Source: Instagram
He even encourages and supports their interest in deejaying, even though he admits that the industry is cruel.
DJ Tira and DJ Hlo | Source: Instagram
DJ Tira was dragged by fans on Twitter and accused of sleeping with upcoming talent, Hlosiwe Mthalane, popularly known as DJ Hlo, after her song, Isbani, was named Ukhozi FM's Song of The Year.
Fans argued that her song wasn't popular and only got the award because of her alleged sexual relationship with DJ Tira.
DJ Tira refuted the claims and threatened to fight the fans.
This was not the first time DJ Tira has been accused of unfairness. Previously, he's been accused of bribing Ukhozi FM, which is how he managed to win some of the accolades the station offers.
Twitter was on DJ Tira's neck again after his Tweet on Riky Ricky's death. The deejay expressed sadness over how society treats men which forces some to consider decisions like suicide.
Fans jumped on his tweet and accused him of drawing attention to himself. However, some defended him and opined that he raised legitimate concerns.
DJ Tira’s car collection is quite impressive. He has been seen driving a very expensive Porsche 911 Carrera S convertible. He added an R2 million Range Rover SVR Sport to his collection and owns a silver BMW, a Bentley and a Mercedez Benz AMG G63.
DJ Tira's Mercedez Benz AMG G63 | Source: Instagram
DJ Tira lives in a swanky mansion in one of South Africa's best suburbs. In 2020, during the coronavirus lockdown, he gave fans an inside look into his home, as he jogged from the gate through to his spacious corridor.
Part of DJ Tira's house | Source: Zambia News 365
With his hit songs, successful record label, and memorable legacy in the music industry, DJ Tira has made a fortune over the decades. He is said to be worth about $2.2 million as of 2021.
Some awards & recognitions garnered by DJ Tira are:
2020: Won Special Achievement Award at the 1st KZN Entertainment Awards.
2019: Won GQ Best Dressed Award.
2018: Nominated for Best Live Act at the Dance Music Awards South Africa.
2004: Durban Finest Vol:1 wins Best Compilation Album at the AMFMA.
2010: Umlilo Big Nuz feat. Tira was nominated for the South African Music Award for Song of the Year.
2010: Party 101 Teargas feat. Tira was nominated for the Channel O Video of the Year Award
2010: South African Music Award Song of the Year
2008: Mzansi Star Best Club Dj Award
DJ Tira's Instagram: @DJTira
DJ Tira's Twitter: @DJTira
DJ Tira's Facebook: DJ Tira
DJ Tira was born in KwaHlabisa Village, Kwa-Zulu Natal, SA. He later moved to Durban as a young boy and grew up there.
Yes, DJ Tira has a Bachelor’s in Social Science degree from the University of Natal.
DJ Tira's wife is Gugu Khathi. The two tied the knot in an Umabo ceremony in October 2016 at the DJ's home in KwaZulu-Natal. DJ Tira and Gugu Khathi have three children; two boys, Junior and Chase, and one daughter named Gigi.
As of 2021, DJ Tira is said to be worth about $2.2 million, owing to his record label and hit songs.
DJ Tira is a South African DJ, record producer, and Durban kwaito artist. DJ Tira is also the founder of a record label called Afrotainment. The DJ discovered the music genre Gqom. Learn more about him in this DJ Tira's biography.
A household name in all of Mzansi, DJ Tira knows all about music. Founder of the Afrotainment record label, Kwaito artist, and a Gqom pioneer, he's come a long way since he started as a DJ in 1996. Here's DJ Tira's biography.
DJ Tira was born Mthokozi Khathi in KwaHlabisa Village, located in KwaZulu-Natal on 24 August 1976. While still a young boy, he moved from the village to Durban in 1979. DJ Tira’s age is now 46.
DJ Tira | Source: Instagram
Described as a delightful and quiet young boy, Mthokozi enjoyed cycling and video games. He grew up very close to his mother, Abigail.
DJ Tira was also crazy about soccer as a young boy, and along with his friends, he'd often disregard the curfew his mother gave them. According to him, that was the exact time the game got exciting.
Mthokozi completed his high school education at Mlokothwa High School, where he was a border. It was at this time that he discovered his love for music.
Tira then pursued a Bachelor's in Social Science degree at the University of Natal (now the University of KwaZulu-Natal), and by his second year, he was already a DJ at the Durban Youth Radio (DYR). Radio listeners already knew him very well.
DJ Tira on the decks | Source: Instagram
In school, he bought music cassettes to stay entertained and was a huge fan of the band, Boys To Men. HDJ Tira developed an interest in deejaying in 1996, while he was still in university.
He did gigs for small events, university parties, and weddings. This was when he established M1 Entertainment.
In 2001, he released his first record named Real Makoya, which is a compilation album in collaboration with the late DJ Khabzela. Around that time, he also won the Smirnoff South Africa DJ Competition.
In 2005, he formed the group Tzozo En Professor and was signed by Oskido's Kalawa Jazzmee. He managed to release three compilations.
He (Oskido) was also very involved in the entertainment section at school too. He organized weekend movie nights and dance music for the school's fun evenings.
DJ Tira on the decks | Sources: Instagram
He then formed Durban's Finest together with Sox, also under Kalawa Jazzme Records.
Dj Tira and Oskido have a long history together. He was the one who signed him in his first music contract, and Dj Tira has become a star since then.
Tira later established Ezase Afro, which fell under Kalawa but soon afterwards, he went solo. Tira and Sox also worked together a lot and together released a series of albums under Durban's Finest.
DJ is well-known for having an eye for talent. In 2019, he took the Qwabe twins under his wings. After witnessing their dramatic exit from Idols SA, DJ Tira asked them to join him at his studio, and that's when the magic began, and although he didn't sign the twins under Afrotainment, they produced amazing music together.
In 2007, DJ Tira launched his very own recording studio, Afrotainment and DJ Cndo, was signed as the first DJ under his label. That same year, DJ Tira signed kwaito group Big Nuz, after relocating from Johannesburg to their origin, Durban.
DJ Tira deejaying | Source: Instagram
In 2008, DJ Tira released his first project under his record label, Ezase AfroVol:1. The album has guest appearances from the likes of Big Nuz, Bricks, Daddy and Joocy of Afrosoul. The album was a hit and sold over 20,000 copies.
DJ Tira released his fourth studio album, 21 Years of DJ Tira on 24 August 2020. The Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) certified the album platinum.
Less than a year later, in June 2021, he released his fifth studio album titled Rockstar Forever.
The album features a host of musicians, including the Q Twins, Mampintsha, Joocy, Makhadzi, Western Boyz, Jumbo, Prince Bulo, Biza Wethu, Worst Behavior, and a whole lot more. It ranked first on the iTunes SA charts.
Some popular DJ Tira songs that have been ruling the charts include:
'Nguwe': From his 2020 album 21 Years of DJ Tira, this is one of DJ Tira’s latest songs that also features Nomcebo Zikode, Joocy, and Prince Bolo.
'Thank You, Mr DJ': This 2019 release from the album IKhenani features a guest appearance by Joocy and was produced under the EzaseAfro label.
'The Q twins and DJ Tira Hamba': This is a QTwins special from their album Gift of Love, 2020. DJ Tira makes a significant appearance in this one.
'Uthando': This hit from the 2019 album, Ikhenani features Joocy, Duncan, Beast, and Kwesta.
DJ Tira and his wife Gugu Khathi | Source: Instagram
DJ Tira's wife is Gugu Khathi. The two tied the knot in an Umabo ceremony in October 2016 at the DJ's home in KwaZulu-Natal. DJ Tira and Gugu Khathi have three children; two boys, Junior and Chase, and one daughter named Gigi.
DJ Tira and Gugu Khathi with their daughter Gigi Khathi | Source: Instagram
The couple is known to be very close and strong and even have their fashion game on point. They are always decked out at any event, be it formal or casual.
DJ Tira is quite the family man who goes above and beyond for his kids. He spends his free time with his family and makes sure they are close-knit.
DJ Tira's Children | Source: Instagram
He even encourages and supports their interest in deejaying, even though he admits that the industry is cruel.
DJ Tira and DJ Hlo | Source: Instagram
DJ Tira was dragged by fans on Twitter and accused of sleeping with upcoming talent, Hlosiwe Mthalane, popularly known as DJ Hlo, after her song, Isbani, was named Ukhozi FM's Song of The Year.
Fans argued that her song wasn't popular and only got the award because of her alleged sexual relationship with DJ Tira.
DJ Tira refuted the claims and threatened to fight the fans.
This was not the first time DJ Tira has been accused of unfairness. Previously, he's been accused of bribing Ukhozi FM, which is how he managed to win some of the accolades the station offers.
Twitter was on DJ Tira's neck again after his Tweet on Riky Ricky's death. The deejay expressed sadness over how society treats men which forces some to consider decisions like suicide.
Fans jumped on his tweet and accused him of drawing attention to himself. However, some defended him and opined that he raised legitimate concerns.
DJ Tira’s car collection is quite impressive. He has been seen driving a very expensive Porsche 911 Carrera S convertible. He added an R2 million Range Rover SVR Sport to his collection and owns a silver BMW, a Bentley and a Mercedez Benz AMG G63.
DJ Tira's Mercedez Benz AMG G63 | Source: Instagram
DJ Tira lives in a swanky mansion in one of South Africa's best suburbs. In 2020, during the coronavirus lockdown, he gave fans an inside look into his home, as he jogged from the gate through to his spacious corridor.
Part of DJ Tira's house | Source: Zambia News 365
With his hit songs, successful record label, and memorable legacy in the music industry, DJ Tira has made a fortune over the decades. He is said to be worth about $2.2 million as of 2021.
Some awards & recognitions garnered by DJ Tira are:
2020: Won Special Achievement Award at the 1st KZN Entertainment Awards.
2019: Won GQ Best Dressed Award.
2018: Nominated for Best Live Act at the Dance Music Awards South Africa.
2004: Durban Finest Vol:1 wins Best Compilation Album at the AMFMA.
2010: Umlilo Big Nuz feat. Tira was nominated for the South African Music Award for Song of the Year.
2010: Party 101 Teargas feat. Tira was nominated for the Channel O Video of the Year Award
2010: South African Music Award Song of the Year
2008: Mzansi Star Best Club Dj Award
DJ Tira's Instagram: @DJTira
DJ Tira's Twitter: @DJTira
DJ Tira's Facebook: DJ Tira
DJ Tira was born in KwaHlabisa Village, Kwa-Zulu Natal, SA. He later moved to Durban as a young boy and grew up there.
Yes, DJ Tira has a Bachelor’s in Social Science degree from the University of Natal.
DJ Tira's wife is Gugu Khathi. The two tied the knot in an Umabo ceremony in October 2016 at the DJ's home in KwaZulu-Natal. DJ Tira and Gugu Khathi have three children; two boys, Junior and Chase, and one daughter named Gigi.
As of 2021, DJ Tira is said to be worth about $2.2 million, owing to his record label and hit songs.
