“In My Bed", a song that appeared in Wizkid's 2014 album was the song that proved enough to announce the arrival of this dynamic Producer to the international music scene.
Wizkid, according to the DJ, was the one who introduced him to Chris Brown, Jermaine Dupri, and Jidenna. "In My Bed" was credited to Uhuru, a production quartet that included Maphorisa (Uhuru has since disbanded). The song was classic Uhuru, with skittering percussion and synths that blended South African house with Afrobeats.
Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, popularly known by his stage name DJ Maphorisa, has since his introduction to the music industry blessed us with jams such as Ngud’, Midnight Starring, Suited, Particula, Ngempela, Jazabel among others.
DJ Maphorisa began his profession at a very young age. He was born into a musical household. The DJ's mother was a minister, and he grew up listening to gospel music.
“I collected more than 10 000 music files on my computer. Every day after school, I would run home to share my music with friends. Music is my life and it comforts me when I’m sad,” he told the Daily Sun in an interview.
Getting a salute from one of the world's most well-known DJs is a huge honor, and DJ Maphorisa recently received one.
Black Coffee recently paid respect to DJ Maphorisa, the king of Amapiano, for the incredible work he's been doing in the music industry recently. The DJ took a minute to express his gratitude to Maphorisa in a Facebook post. On Twitter, Black Coffee commended Maphorisa's work and assured him that if he ever felt unappreciated, he is here to tell him that he is.
We all need a little love now and then, and this post had us reaching for the tissues.
The Twitter timelines are often blazing with celebrities yelling at each other, and DJ Maphorisa drew a lot of attention this time. After calling out Prince Kaybee, Lady Zamar, and Mafikizolo for supposedly not owning the masters to their music, DJ Maphorisa dominated the trends list. Maphorisa felt compelled to remind Mzansi of his star status in the music industry by criticizing his peers in the industry. That was a bad decision.
DJ Maphorisa's comments enraged Prince Kaybee, who clapped back and presented a list of goods he owned. Yes, the list was amazing, but it lacked musical legends. The back and forth continued, with each artist defending himself, while others chastised Maphorisa for hurling insults rather than educating the public about the value of masters.
Lady Zamar was not about to let Maphorisa play with her name on the timeline, and she made sure to tell him that if he wanted to teach artists, he didn't have to be nasty.
DJ Maphorisa recently sparked a dispute on Twitter about who controls the country's music business. Phori tried to persuade Twitter and Coffee that he is in charge of the music industry by citing the number of singers he has helped to become household names.
Phori went on to enumerate the names that he's made famous in the game after Black Coffee replied 'No one' to a tweet.
But here's where things get interesting: followers claim to have known Kabza de Small before Maphorisa. So, who is credited with making someone famous?
DJ Maphorisa is also said to be feuding with several artists in the industry. For years, rumors have circulated that DJ Maphorisa and DJ Cleo do not get along. In a 2018 tweet, the Y-Tjukutja hitmaker acknowledged their feud. DJ Maphorisa was questioned on Twitter if he would ever collaborate with Cleo.
“I don't think so, I gave him my demo in Sunnyside PTA at a YFM show with DJ Fresh and Thato, I won’t forget that day. When he was pushing Brickz he gave me attitude. I told myself I will never be like that guy coz I was a f**kin kid and I know how it feels to be treated like s**t,” he wrote. [tweet edited for grammar].
Shwi Nomtekhala and TDK Macasette are also said to be feuding with DJ Maphorisa.
DJ Maphorisa was born on November 15, 1987, in Soshanguve, Tshwane. He is 33-years-old.
DJ Maphorisa Songs
DJ Maphorisa has a long list of popular tracks to his credit. When he was a part of Uhuru, he had his first huge hit. Khona, Mafikizolo's 2013 big hit, featured the group. DJ Maphorisa worked on the tune as a co-producer.
Y-Tjukutja and The Sound, featuring Nigerian singer Davido, are two of Uhuru's other chart-topping hits. Oskido, Professor, Kwesta, and DJ Buckz have all collaborated with the group.
In 2016, DJ Maphorisa made headlines for his contribution to Canadian rapper Drake's hit single One Dance ft. Wizkid and Kayla.
“We did something small when I was in LA with Wizkid. He sent something to Wizkid, because I’m always with Wizkid I just added some things…. I didn’t produce the song. I did [get credit] just a small thing”. he told Gareth Cliff on Cliff Central.
Here’s a look at some of the hit songs DJ Maphorisa has produced:
1. Shekhinah – Suited
2. Sjava & Dj Maphorisa ft. Howard - Ngempela
3. Kwesta ft. Cassper Nyovest – Ngud
4. Wizkid – In My bed
5. DJ Maphorisa ft. DJ Tira, Busiswa, Moonchild Sanelly - Midnight Starring
6. Major Lazer & DJ Maphorisa ft. Nasty C, Ice Prince, Patoranking & Jidenna - Particula
DJ Maphorisa has also received praise from Beyoncé. The singer took to Instagram a few days after her performance at the Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg in December 2018 to post a video containing highlights from her performance. The video's backing tune was DJ Maphorisa's iWalk ya Phara.
DJ Maphorisa Booking Fee
DJ Maphorisa is one of Africa's most well-known DJs and producers. His booking fee is said to be over R120 000.
DJ Maphorisa is rumored to be unattached. While many DJs are known for having affairs with their groupies, DJ Maphorisa prefers to keep his personal life private. The celebrated producer has severally been rumored to be dating Thuli Phongolo.
DJ Maphorisa Cars
DJ Maphorisa owns a collection of high-end vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 valued at more than R1 million. Despite his incredible automobile collection, the Ama Blesser singer claims that having a flashy ride isn't everything.
"Being an artist isn't about purchasing vehicles," he told TshisaLIVE, "it's about discovering the wisdom and using my purpose in life, which is music, to impact others."
