Shimza, a totem figure within South Africa’s music scene and one of the leaders of house music in Africa, is now making global waves with a forthcoming Cadenza Records EP in July, and an impending release on Knee Deep In Sound. This Tembisa-born artist is one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians and is taking his infectious style of “afro-tech” music all over the world. Heading out on tour across Europe this summer, he is set to perform at some of the planet’s most iconic events, including his very own One Man Show concept in Paris and Lisbon.
FACTS:
1: If not me then who?
2: I love collecting sneakers from countries I travel to.
3: I’m into fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Exercising gives me endorphins and I’ve found out that I’m a lot happier as a result.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
My daughter, I wake up everyday knowing that I have her to provide for. She is my inspiration to do more with my talent as a DJ, producer and artist.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
One I was confident with my abilities as a DJ the next step was making music, which I started around 2010. A friend of mine who’s a good producer showed me around the studio and I used to go to his place everyday to make music and that’s how I started.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
Kanye West – YE
Cassper Nyovest – Thuto
Shimuzic – Shimza
Robert Glasper – Black Radio 2
340ml – Sorry For The Delay
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
I associate Berlin with the nightlife and history. I first played Watergate in 2016 and every time I return to Berlin, I go to the club and I recently got to learn about its rich history.
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
My favourite place in my town is my home. I’m always on the road and I think the place where I enjoy spending time is at my home.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
After high school I went to college and my first choice of studies was marketing. I think if there was no music in the world, I think I would be an unhappy marketing guru.
7. What was the last record/music you bought?
In this digital age, music is so accessible that you can buy music everyday. I’ve lost track of the last record I bought!
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
&Me, I love his music and how it builds up musically.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
The best gig I ever played was at Destino in Ibiza, Spain. The vibe, the people, the music, the scenery were just absolutely phenomenal.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
I think technology is changing the world. If we are not moving with the times and understanding the new technology available to us then we get left behind. So I think it plays a major role in everything I do as a DJ and producer.
11. Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career/art?
I have two older brothers, I don’t get treated differently, I’m just their brother. I would hope that I make them proud.
Photo © Shimza
