Shimza has built a career that reaches far beyond the DJ booth, taking his Afro-house sound to international audiences while staying connected to his South African roots. The producer and maestro also spoke about a possible Tyla collaboration, his upcoming global performances and the continued growth of his Christmas Day One Man Show.
Finding his own sound
- Shimza began by entering DJ competitions as a passionate young music fan who wanted to discover how far his talent could take him.
- Over time, he learned that the role involves more than selecting strong tracks. Reading a crowd, shaping an atmosphere and forming a bond with audiences became just as important to his artistry.
- Travelling internationally and encountering different cultures helped develop his approach, while also making him more confident in the sound that is uniquely his own.
“The biggest change has been feeling comfortable with my own sound and realising I don’t need to imitate anybody else,” Shimza says. He has embraced the idea of placing his background into his music and sharing it with listeners around the world.
An Instagram post was shared by SHIMZA (@shimza.dj).
South African sounds cross borders
With a series of performances in the United States and Europe ahead, Shimza believes audiences around the world are showing an increasing appetite for genuine South African music.
He says authenticity is what allows people to connect with his performances. Whether he is playing in Johannesburg or visiting a city for the first time, his goal is to remain true to himself.
South African music and culture have gained significant international attention, he adds, creating both curiosity and admiration for the country’s sound. His mission is to carry that energy to every destination without losing the spirit of home.
Another Instagram post was shared by SHIMZA (@shimza.dj).
That spirit was on display during his European summer appearance in Ibiza, where Shimza brought Grammy-winning star Tyla onto the stage. The surprise moment celebrated South African talent on an international platform and immediately prompted speculation about whether the pair could eventually record together.
An Instagram post was shared by Platoon (@weareplatoon).
Shimza remains open to the possibility, but says any joint project would need to happen naturally. Tyla already has a clearly defined identity and musical style, he explains, so a collaboration should never feel manufactured or pressured.
Returning home for Christmas
As South Africa moves toward the festive season, Shimza is concentrating on his annual One Man Show in Tembisa, scheduled for Christmas Day.
The event holds particular meaning for him because Tembisa is his home. He describes the holiday performance as a chance to return, contribute to the community and unite the people and place that helped shape his life.
For Shimza, the occasion is about far more than staging a concert: it is his way of giving back to the community that played a central role in making him who he is.
Every edition has grown in scale, from its production and atmosphere to the artists and overall curation. That steady expansion, he says, inspires him to make each new show larger and stronger than the last.
His work beyond music has also expanded through a recent partnership with Monkey Shoulder. Shimza views the relationship as an organic fit because his own values align with those represented by the brand.
He says both sides are focused on bringing people together, enjoying memorable moments and building experiences around music and culture. In his view, the strongest artist partnerships come from a genuine connection between the performer and the brand, rather than simply placing a company logo beside an artist’s name.
As Shimza continues performing across the globe, his career reflects a broader idea of artistry: success does not require abandoning one’s origins. Instead, he carries his roots with him wherever his music takes him, including during his biggest achievements.
