Shimza & Co

On September 28th, Afro-tech heavyweight Shimza returns to New York for a special edition of Shimza & Co, now taking place inside the Knockdown Center—a venue known for its raw industrial beauty, glass paneling, and spacious layout built for immersive dance experiences. While the location has shifted, the vibe, energy, and full-scale production remain exactly as planned.

Joining Shimza for this unforgettable night are Miluhska, Tomer, and Henry Mora—with a special B2B2B set closing out the night.

We hosted Shimza with Spencer Brown, Wakyin, Mikey Lion, and more, under the K Bridge last September, and it turned into an open-air festival that truly went off—a high-energy celebration that left the crowd buzzing and wanting more.

Born Ashley Raphala in Tembisa, South Africa, Shimza began his journey behind the decks at just fifteen years old. Since then, he’s risen to become one of the most respected figures in Afro-tech music worldwide. Nicknamed the “Effect Master” and “Vinyl Assassin,” Shimza has built a reputation for his masterful mixing, technical precision, and deeply felt connection to the music. His sets are more than performances—they're journeys rooted in rhythm, heritage, and emotion.

Also joining for this exciting night under the bridge is internationally recognized Afro-house producer and DJ Tomer. Originally from Israel and now based in New York, Tomer has become a key figure in the global Afro-house scene.

His productions—released on iconic labels like Nervous Records, Twisted America, and Chameleon Rec—have earned support from the likes of Black Coffee, Themba, Keinemusik, and Shimza himself. Tomer began his career in NYC’s legendary club scene, opening for Grammy Award-winner Peter Rauhofer at the famed ROXY, and quickly built a reputation for his distinct sound.

Also joining Shimza and Tomer, for this long-awaited party is Ecuador-born, Miami-based DJ, singer, and producer Miluhska. A resident at Miami’s legendary Club Space, she’s performed at major venues like Hi Ibiza, UNVRS, and Thuishaven.

Known for her epic sets, powerful bilingual vocals, and undeniable presence, Miluhska fuses Latin, pop, and electronic elements with spoken word and reggaeton. Her music has caught the attention of heavyweights like The Martinez Brothers, Jamie Jones, and Marco Carola, and she continues to rise as one of the most exciting new voices in global dance culture.

Shimza’s global impact is as profound as his sound. He’s played the stages of Boiler Room Johannesburg, Ultra South Africa, SXM Festival, Paradise Ibiza, and Privilege, and in 2020, he made headlines with a moving livestream from Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in South African history.

One of his most epic and widely acclaimed sets was his performance for Cercle at the historic Citadelle de Sisteron in France—an unforgettable moment that showcased his mastery in a breathtaking setting and introduced his sound to an even broader global audience.

Beyond the booth, he’s a community leader and philanthropist, known for founding Kunye Records, a label focused on spotlighting African talent, and for organizing his annual One Man Show, an event that raises resources for underserved communities in South Africa while featuring top-tier local acts like AKA, Cassper Nyovest, and Black Coffee.

Speaking of Black Coffee—back in October, he made a surprise appearance at Shimza’s rooftop set at Superior Ingredients in New York, joining him for a historic back-to-back that had the entire dance community buzzing. Read the full story here.

As the sun sets and the rhythms rise, expect a mind-blowing gathering of music lovers, artists, and dancers—all drawn into Shimza’s world of Afro-tech grooves and late-night magic. With a curated lineup of friends and collaborators joining him for the night, this event promises a collective experience of music, movement, and memory-making in one of New York’s most visionary cultural spaces.