GQ South Africa Talks with Shimza: From Local DJ to Afro House Ambassador

In a recent interview with GQ South Africa, Shimza opened up about his remarkable journey from a young DJ in Tembisa to becoming a global icon in the Afro House scene. The interview shed light on the key moments and decisions that have shaped his career, as well as his passion and drive to give back to his community.

Born Ashley Raphala in Tembisa, Shimza's love for music began early, influenced by the vibrant sounds of his hometown. As a teenager, he dedicated himself to mastering the art of DJing, a passion that quickly transformed into a career. Shimza's talent and hard work soon propelled him to international fame, with his tracks becoming staples on dance floors from Johannesburg to Ibiza.

But Shimza’s influence extends far beyond music. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, he has made a significant impact on his community. His "Kunye" movement, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown into one of the largest Afro House events, bringing together thousands of music lovers worldwide. Additionally, his "One Man Show" event series, held every Christmas Day, raises funds for underprivileged children, reflecting Shimza’s commitment to making a difference.

In his GQ interview, Shimza emphasized the importance of consistency, self-belief, and staying true to one's roots. He spoke about the challenges he has faced, the lessons he has learned, and the business advice that has guided him along the way. For Shimza, success in the music industry is about showing up every day, tuning out distractions, and staying focused on long-term goals.

Shimza also gave fans a glimpse into his upcoming projects, including a highly anticipated album set to release in November. With recent collaborations like his viral hit "Darling" with Aloe Blacc, which has already surpassed a million streams on Spotify, Shimza continues to evolve and expand the reach of Afro House.

As Shimza tours the globe, with upcoming performances in the US, Europe, Africa, and South America, he remains grounded in the values that have defined his journey. His Cercle Festival set at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace in France was extraordinary, as Shimza has long aspired to perform at a Cercle event.

Looking ahead, Shimza plans to continue expanding his influence, not just through music but also by curating more events and engaging in more collaborations. His journey from Tembisa to the global stage showcases the impact of music, hard work, and a strong commitment to giving back, making Shimza a true ambassador for Afro House and a role model for aspiring artists everywhere.

For more insight on Shimza and the GQ South Africa article, click here.