Ashley Raphala (born 15 May 1989), known professionally as Shimza, is a South African DJ and music producer.
The Akulalwa hit-maker is celebrated as a pioneer of the Afro-tech and Afro-house genres. He has also won the prestigious South African Music Award for Best Male DJ and the Red Bull Music 3Style South Africa.
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| Quick Facts | |
| Name: | Ashley Raphala |
| Born: | 15 May 1989 (age 36 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Tembisa, East Rand, Gauteng |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Occupation: | DJ, music producer |
| Partner: | Athi Geleba |
| Children: | 1 |
| Label: | KUNYE (founded in 2020) |
Early Life
Ashley Raphala was born on 15 May 1989 in Tembisa, East Rand, Gauteng. He developed an interest in music at the age of 15. His grandfather nicknamed him “Shimi”, which he added a “-za” to give it an extra flair and turn into his DJ name.
Career
Shimza secured his first paid gig as a teenager in his hometown of Tembisa and has worked with radio stations such as YFM and Metro FM. He has also entered and won various DJ competitions, such as the Red Square DJ Knockout Challenge.
In 2013, Shimza signed a music deal with the Johannesburg-based record label Soulistic Music. The label was also home to artists such as Black Coffee and Culoe De Song. He released his debut 13-track album Shimuzic in 2015.
Shimza collaborated with Black Motion, Prince Kaybee, and Ami Faku on the “Uwrongo” in 2020. He has also released hit singles such as “Vibranium” and “Calling Out Your Name”.
He released a smash hit with Aloe Blac titled ‘Darling’ and ‘Fight to Love (2021), which have become dancefloor staples. He paused his international tour to attend the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards in person.
The Akulalwa hit-maker was one of the acts announced to be part of rapper Cassper Nyovest’s Fill Up FNB Stadium concert. His global tour took him to Madrid, Saint Tropez, Ibiza, Barcelona, Paris and Amsterdam in 2022.
At the 2019 Dance Music Awards, his One Man Show won the Best Festival category, while he walked away with the Best Male DJ award. He has performed at some of the world’s most renowned clubs, including Ibiza’s Pacha and Amsterdam’s Club Escape.
He received the Master of Entertainment Award at the 2025 GQ Men of the Year awards
Shimza was spotted in the front row attending the 424 by Guillermo Andrade Spring/Summer 2026 runway show. Through his “One Man Show” event series, he has raised funds for underprivileged children. He started the project in 2009.
He has also performed virtually at Burning Man and a 60-minute mix on the MixMag Residency Show. He launched a truck company named after his daughter, Lekganyo. He also has two restaurants: The Hang Awt in Tembisa and Fridays in Midrand.
Personal Life
Shimza is currently dating Athi Geleba, who works as the head of digital communications in the presidency. They celebrated 12 years of love in 2025.
They had briefly parted ways in 2018 after Shimza was romantically involved with media personality Keitumetse Naomi Noinyane. After they broke up, he returned to Geleba, and they have been together ever since. He has a daughter.
In 2015, Shimza was reportedly building a house for his mother.
References
- Nomathamsanqa Sithathu. “South African DJ Shimza attends the 424 menswear SS26 runway show in Paris”. IOL.
- GQ South Africa. “Deeper than House: How Shimza became a global icon”. GQ South Africa.
- Masego Seemela. “Shimza pauses international tour to attend DStv awards”. Sowetan.
- “Shimza, Black Coffee and Prince Kaybee win big at Dance Music Awards”. TimesLIVE.
- “Shimza Goes International – Making Beats, Creating Jobs and Giving Back”. The Insider SA.
- Themba Kriger. “Catching up with Shimza”. Redbull.
- Kyle Zeeman. “DJ Shimza gives back…to his mom”. News24.
- “Shimza launches a truck company named after daughter Lekganyo”. Kaya959.
- “Shimza’s ‘One Man Show’ grows in leaps and bounds”. Sowetan.
- Marilynn Manuel. “Girlfriend of 12 years’: Athi Geleba and Shimza celebrate special relationship milestone”. News24.
- Shannon Manuel. “Presenting the 2025 Men of the Year Awards honourees“. GQ South Africa.
