Artist, producer and entrepreneur, Shimza is one of South Africas brightest talents.
Unquestionably one of South Africa’s brightest talents, Shimza real name Ashley Raphala has made the transition from aspirant industry young blood to leading light of the global afro house scene at almost breakneck speed.
The Tembisa-born DJ, producer and promoter’s musical skills can be traced as far back as the age of fifteen, fuelled by the support and encouragement from his family. And his resultant rise to fame is littered with accomplishments too numerous to list but include winning a string of high profile DJ competitions to single handedly hosting his One Man Show event brand – a large scale outdoor party held annually to raise funds for under privileged children.
In keeping with our history of supporting and spotlighting the best and most forward-thinking musicians, we’ve recently announced a new partnership with Shimza.
With a longstanding commitment tied to supporting music born from fervent passion, we have prioritised collaborating with artists who have become household names because of their unflinching conviction to their craft, and their refusal to compromise who they are and where they’re from in the pursuit of their dream.
In 2015 Shimza featured on our Boiler Room x Ballantine’s Stay True South Africa line up and now, Shimza joins the Ballantine’s family as so much more than an artist.
This partnership with Ballantine’s is a great fit for me and what I stand for as a brand! This partnership should be about investing in the next generation and giving them the confidence to Stay True to themselves because There’s No Wrong Way when you are authentic.
Boiler Room
True Music Africa
Unmissable sets from the best artists from the African continent. Read about our True Music Africa series.
We support those who stay true to themselves in all parts of life, those who do what feels right to them no matter what others think. After all, as long as you Stay True to you, there’s no wrong way.