[FEATURE] VIPER PRESENTS: SHIMZA

With an album set for release in early 2025, Shimza’s relentless show energy has seen him booked internationally including Japan, Ibiza and Amsterdam. The Afrohouse star rose to fame at the age of 15, with him eventually signing to Black Coffee’s recognised Soulistic Music label. Get familiar with this VIPER interview…

What five words define your sound?

I would define my sound as Dynamic, Rich, Cultural, Cutting Edge and Dance.

Tell me something unique about your creative process

It’s a very natural process. I am inspired by my surroundings, when an idea sparks in my head, I play around and explore a few options until I am happy with the results. 

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

I would like people to listen to ‘Places’ with Elderbrook.  The song really gets people moving as it gives a sense of something known. I always aim to make music that’s emotive, I want people to listen to my music and walk way feeling inspired.

What inspired you to make that song?

The song resonates with me as it explores nostalgia and the yearning for a place that holds deep emotional value. takes me to a place which symbolizes safety, warmth, and simpler times. 

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music? 

My mother has been a great source of inspiration for the current project that I’m working on, I’ve had to tap into a place that I don’t usually tap into when making music. This project has a very special place in my heart, nothing compares to a mother’s undying love for her children. 

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

The worst experience I had was while I was playing at a Pacha event. I had a meal just before my gig, as I made my way to the decks I could literally feel my insides churning. I had to put on a brave face for two hours even though I could feel my body was ready to give up on me (needless to say, that was the longest two hours of my life). Nonetheless I finished my set without the crowd noticing that I was hanging onto dear life. I had to get medical attention immediately straight after. 

What is your favourite song to perform?

My recent song with Elderbrook called, ‘Places’.  A lot of people resonate deeply with Places, it’s a feel-good song which evokes a lot of emotion and a sense of nostalgia. From the stage I can see how people’s faces light up when the song plays, that brings me so much joy.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

Funny story, I crack up every time I explain it.  My uncle used to call me ‘Shimane’ which means boy in my language.  It slowly turned into a nickname, everyone in my neighbourhood called me by it.  When I started DJ’ing, I thought of using that as my stage name, but my uncle convinced me to make it more catchy, so and I added a ‘Z’ somewhere in the name.  That’s how I became Shimza.  

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

I’ve always had a keen interest in event management and marketing, which I actually pursued, I have a few event properties and a creative agency in South Africa.

What’s success to you?

Success means staying true to oneself, being consistent in what you do, and always showing up as the best version of yourself. 

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

In my second year of varsity, while I was studying marketing and juggling DJing. I started getting many DJing opportunities which consumed so much of my time. So one day I woke up, closed my books and I decided to pursue my dreams and I haven’t looked back.

Where can people keep in touch with you? 

On all social media platforms 

Instagram:  Shimza.dj

Twitter:  Shimza01

Facebook:  Shimza