South Africa, the home of Amapiano, has become a hub for exceptional talent in the music industry, particularly in the realm of DJing. Some of the most important DJs in the world were born in South Africa, which has a lively music scene. These singers, each with their own unique style and impressive accomplishments, have not only changed the local music scene but also become famous around the world.
In this article, we will dive into the world of South African DJs and unveil the top 10 individuals who are revolutionizing the music scene.
Meet the DJs
The top 10 DJs mentioned in this article have not only revolutionized the way we experience music but have also put South Africa on the map as a hub for exceptional talent. Their contributions to the industry serve as an inspiration for aspiring DJs and showcase the incredible talent that South Africa has to offer.
1. Black Coffee
Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, widely known as Black Coffee, is a global sensation hailing from South Africa. Black Coffee was born Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo in Umlazi and has become a house music star all over the world. With a remarkable ability to infuse his music with emotion and meaning, he has released numerous chart-topping tracks and has performed at some of the biggest music festivals around the world. Award winners include the Best International DJ Award at the DJ Awards in Ibiza for his deep and soulful music.
Black Coffee's story is one of determination and love, as he kept working even though an accident took away the use of his left arm. He is influential in more ways than just music. He is also a generous person who started the Black Coffee Foundation to help with medical and educational needs in Africa. His charitable work and ability to connect with people all over the world make him a real pioneer in the industry of music.
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Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo was born on 11 March 1976 in eThekwini, South Africa.
In 2005, Maphumulo launched his career with a remix of Hugh Masekela's 1972 hit Stimela. Later that year he released his self-titled debut album, and created his record company Soulistic Music. The album sampled songs of notable South African artists like Thandiswa Mazwai, Hugh Masekela and featured Busi Mhlongo, among others. He was well received in the country and was quickly lauded as a "rising star."
His album, 'Black Coffee', was created using very basic music-making software. Maphumulo himself stated, "I don't know how to explain the production stages of my album because all I did was put down the basic ideas that I had.
By Mid-2007, Black Coffee had become recognized in the South African DJ scene with tribal, vocal-laced beats. In the same year he released his second studio album titled Have Another One, which featured "Wathula Nje," a remix of Victor Ntoni's 2004 jazz ballad "Thetha". "Wathula Nje" was later released in Europe together with "Even Though" featuring Bantu Soul through the European label Realtone Records on vinyl and on digital.
In 2011, Africa Rising was launched at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. In 2018, he released a single where he collaborated with David Guetta that was titled "Drive" featuring Delilah Montagu. It was featured on Guetta's album 7. At the end of that year, he released a seven-track EP titled Music Is King. The EP features Msaki, Samthing Soweto, Mondli Ngcobo, Karyendasoul, and Zhao.
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Music Is King was nominated for Best Dance Album, Album of the Year and won Best Male Artist of the Year at 25th South African Music Awards. In 2018, he also performed at Salle Wagram which is Paris' oldest ballroom.
Coffee appeared on a collaboration with &ME, Keinemusik "Rapture Pt. III" released on 9 June 2023.
In 2014, Maphumulo was accused of infidelity with a local model. The couple was involved in another cheating scandal in June 2019. This time stemming from an Instagram post by Cathy Guetta, the ex-wife of fellow DJ and collaborator - David Guetta, which lead to social media users alleging this was proof of further infidelity from the DJ.
The couple separated in July 2019, with divorce proceedings beginning later that year. The divorce proceedings continued into 2020 and with them came further scandals. In a since-deleted video on Instagram, Mbali announced that she "would no longer protect" Maphumulo and would be speaking openly about the abuse she alleged to have suffered as well as further alleging that Maphumulo had also emotionally tormented their children.
Black Coffee - Aspiring to Create Authentic South African Music and “Lalala” | The Daily Show
2. Uncle Waffles
Lungelihle Zwane, popularly known as Uncle Waffles is one of South Africa’s most in-demand DJs whose meteoric rise is an exception to the rule. Uncle Waffles’s unique sound combines elements of techno, jazz, and traditional African rhythms, creating a sonic experience like no other. She specializes in Amapiano - South Africa’s unique interrogation of Jazz, lounge, and deep house music.
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3. DJ Maphorisa
Born in 1987 as Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, DJ Maphorisa is a well-known South African DJ, producer, and songwriter. He gained recognition as part of Uhuru before embarking on a solo career known for creative production in Afro-house, Amapiano, and Gqom. Maphorisa played a crucial role in popularizing Amapiano. He’s renowned for establishing the BlaqBoy Music label, fostering emerging talents.
4. Kabza De Small
Kabza De Small is a standout DJ and producer in South Africa’s music scene. He’s renowned for shaping the Amapiano genre with his unique style that combines intricate beats, mesmerizing melodies, and a strong sense of rhythm.
5. DJ Zinhle
Ntombezinhle Jiyane, professionally known as DJ Zinhle, is a trailblazing DJ and businesswoman. Her infectious energy and distinct blend of house and hip-hop have earned her a dedicated fan base.
6. Heavy-K
Born Mkhululi Siqula in the heartland of the Eastern Cape, this South African DJ shines as a true luminary. A visionary force behind the iconic DJ and producer collective ‘Point 5’, Heavy-K carves his own path as a composer and co-founder.
7. DJ Fresh
DJ Fresh (Thato Sikwane) is a radio DJ, producer, and music aficionado who has played a pivotal role in South Africa’s music scene for decades.
8. Shimza
Ashley Raphala, better known as Shimza, is renowned for his high-energy performances that effortlessly blend house, techno, and afrobeat elements.
9. DJ Kent
With his soulful and melodic mixes, DJ Kent (Khensani Mabaso) has established himself as a prominent figure in the South African music scene.
10. DJ Tira
Mthokozisi Khathi, or DJ Tira, is a driving force in the Gqom music genre, which originated in Durban, South Africa.
Other Notable South African DJs
Besides the top 10, South Africa boasts a wealth of talented DJs who have made significant contributions to the electronic music scene. Here are some additional names to watch:
- Protoculture (Nate Raubenheimer): A trance music artist from Cape Town, known for his skills in classical music and electronic beats. He has been named one of DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs and has played at big festival stages like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival.
- Euphonik (Themba Mbongeni Nkosi): A house music DJ and artist from Mpumalanga, who has also worked on building homes and hosting radio shows. He won the award for Best Compilation Album at the Metro FM Music Awards for his album “For The Love of House Volume 5.”
- Culoe De Song (Culolethu Zulu): From Eshowe, he is famous for making deep house and afro house music. His music is known for having deep emotional meanings and complex beats. He won the Best Newcomer Award at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).
- Headroom (Adam Metcalfe): A psytrance artist from Cape Town, known for his high-energy performances and carefully crafted tracks. He’s played at some of the biggest psytrance events, like the Boom Festival in Portugal.
- Lady Lea (Lea Barrett): One of the best female DJs in South Africa, with over 20 years of professional experience. She won the award for Best Female DJ at the DJane Mag Awards and runs a successful DJ school.
- Jason van Wyk: An artist from Cape Town known for his work in film score and electronic music. He is known for his atmospheric and trance music and was nominated for a South African Music Award (SAMA) for his track “Attachment.”
- Dean Fuel: From Cape Town, he is known for playing exciting house and techno music. He has performed at the Ultra Music Festival South Africa and shared stages with big names like David Guetta.
- Roger Goode: From Johannesburg, he is known for his lively radio shows and DJ sets, and was one of the first people in South Africa to get people to listen to dance music. He was nominated for an MTV Europe Music Award for his hit song “In the Beginning.”
- Pascal & Pearce: A pair from Cape Town known for their electric house and progressive house tracks. They have won several South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and have worked with well-known acts such as Goldfish and Freshlyground.
- Grimehouse (Keaton Carelse): Makes heavy dubstep and drum and bass music. He has been a major force in the local bass music scene since he moved to Cape Town and won Best Producer at the South African Dance Music Awards.
- Da Capo (Nikos Sekheta Mogashoa): Born in Seshego, he is a rising star in the afro house music scene. He won the award for Best Male Artist from the South African Dance Music Awards.
- Beyond Vision (Colin Govender): From Durban, he is an established figure in the world of EDM, known for his trance and progressive house music. He has received several awards, including the Best Newcomer award at the South African Dance Music Awards.
- Guy Herman: A prominent DJ and producer in the house music scene from Johannesburg, known for his deep and tech house sets.
- Craig De Sousa: A renowned DJ from Cape Town known for his powerful and deep house sets. He was honored at the South African Dance Music Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Goldfish: A dynamic pair from Cape Town whose mix of live instruments and electronic beats has won them praise all over the world. They have won several MTV Africa Music Awards and have played at famous places like Red Rocks Amphitheater.
- Kyle Watson: From Johannesburg, he is a well-known DJ and maker of house music. His unique sound, which includes deep basslines and catchy tunes, has made him famous across the globe.
- Nick Grater: From South Africa, he is a big name in the techno and hard dance scenes. He is known as a great DJ because of his high-energy sets and never-ending beats.
DESIREE: A Rising Star
Palesa Desiree Shilabje, known as DESIREE, has quickly become one of the international festival circuit’s most exciting new stars. Her rise has been remarkable, with her first international gigs in 2021 and her debut release in June 2022. She earned the 2023 Future Star award in DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs issue.
Shilabje's sound is rooted in Afro house, but her DJ sets are infused with a pan-global kind of house sound that transcends both geography and genre. She incorporates South African Afro house into her sets, noting its unique production, sound design, and rhythm.
Growing up in Ivory Park, Shilabje was exposed to African music and dance. As a teenager, she developed a taste for alternative music, which set her apart from her peers. She initially pursued politics, philosophy, and economics, but later found her passion in DJing.
Her first public outing on the decks came via a local shisa nyama, and she soon landed more official gigs. Jackie Queens has been instrumental in her rise, releasing her ‘Femme Tech’ EP on her label.
In early 2020, Shilabje's DJ career was gaining momentum, but it wasn't her main focus. The pandemic shifted her perspective, and she began to take DJing more seriously. In 2021, she played at Ushuaïa in Ibiza, opening for Black Coffee.
In April 2021, Shilabje shared her story about being intersex, aiming to provide representation and support for others. She feels the world is slowly catching up in terms of representation and inclusion.
The release of her ‘Femme Tech’ EP in June 2022 marked a significant milestone in her career. The A-side, ‘Femme’, became widely popular, and the EP received positive feedback.
The thought that dance music could become an actual, real-deal career for Shilabje finally began to take hold a few months later, after a summer of gigs that saw her jetting back and forth between Ibiza, the European mainland, North America, and beyond.
Table of Featured DJs
Here's a summary of some of the featured DJs in this article:
| DJ Name | Genre | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Black Coffee | Afro-House | Global sensation, Best International DJ Award, Black Coffee Foundation |
| Uncle Waffles | Amapiano | In-demand DJ, unique sound combining techno, jazz, and African rhythms |
| DJ Maphorisa | Afro-House, Amapiano, Gqom | Instrumental in popularizing Amapiano, established BlaqBoy Music label |
| Kabza De Small | Amapiano | Shaped the Amapiano genre with intricate beats and mesmerizing melodies |
| DJ Zinhle | House, Hip-Hop | Trailblazing DJ and businesswoman with a dedicated fan base |
| Heavy-K | House | Visionary force behind the DJ and producer collective ‘Point 5’ |
| DESIREE | Afro House, Global House | 2023 Future Star award, ‘Femme Tech’ EP |
The South African DJ scene has undoubtedly had a profound impact on the global music industry.
