The Deep Root Tribe Return: Art Basel 2024 Edition

Shimza

Magic on the Rooftop: Shimza's Epic Set and a Surprise from Black Coffee

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

How Shimza Manages to Satisfy the Crowd's Demands

How Shimza's Kunye Records Came to Life

How Shimza Got His Start as a DJ

South Africa

south african house

south african pop

10 Shimza Tracks You Should Know

5 Must-Hear Tracks from Shimza's Label, Kunye Records

Shimza Proves his Status as a Leading Afro-House DJ with a Defected Mix

Shimza: “You Need to be Positive About Everything that You Do”

How Shimza Invests in His Community

How Shimza Became the First DJ to Play on Robben Island

7 Dance Music Artists Using their Platform for Philanthropy

On September 28th, Afro-house heavyweight 

 returns to New York for a special edition of Shimza & Co, hosted in one of the city’s most mesmerizing open-air venues: 

. Set creekside beneath the striking arches of the Kosciuszko Bridge in North Brooklyn, this reclaimed industrial site has evolved into a space that embodies creativity, sustainability, and cultural connection—making it a perfect match for Shimza’s sound and spirit.

, 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-house 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.

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 

, a label focused on spotlighting African talent, and for organizing his annual 

, an event that raises resources for underserved communities in South Africa while featuring top-tier local acts like AKA, Cassper Nyovest, and 

Kunye ‘25

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. 

This September, Shimza brings that same energy and local passion to the open-air urban sanctuary of 

. Designed by PUBLIC WORK and managed by the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, the venue is an immersive blend of post-industrial architecture, public art, native landscaping, and thoughtful design. With its “solar slice” illuminating the space and towering concrete structures framing the skyline, it sets the scene for a night where city grit meets sonic bliss.

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.

Shimza & Co

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