DJ Maphorisa

Last updated

DJ Maphorisa
Birth nameThemba Sekowe
Also known as
Born (1987-11-15) 15 November 1987 (age 37) [2]
Soshanguve, Pretoria, South Africa
Occupations
  • DJ
  • record producer
  • vocalist
Years active2008–present
Labels
Formerly of Uhuru

Themba Sekowe (born 15 November 1987), [3] known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, [4] is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. [5] [6] As a record producer with a blend of house music, amapiano and afropop, he has worked with and has received production credits from several notable artists, including Wizkid, Sizwe Alakine, Kwesta, Uhuru, Drake, Black Coffee, Major Lazer, Runtown, C4 Pedro, TRESOR, Kabza De Small, Era Istrefi, Mpura, Young Stunna and Killer Kau. [7] [8] He was signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records prior to establishing his own record label, BlaqBoy Music. [9]

Contents

He rose to stardom after producing several hit singles for artists of multiple music genres, such as Uhuru ("Y-Tjukuta"), Kwesta ("Ngud'"), Busiswa ("Lahla"), DJ Zinhle ("My name Is"), Professor ("Jezebel") and Shekinah ("Suited"). [10]

Personal life

Themba "DJ Maphorisa" Sekowe was born on 15 November 1987, [3] and raised in Soshanguve, he is the biological brother of South African DJ and record producer Myztro. [11] [12]

Career

In September 2018, he released a single "Midnight Starring" featuring Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Tira and Busiswa. [13] At the 2018 DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards he received two nominations: Favourite Song Of the Year and Favourite DJ. [14] [15] On November 27, 2018, at the third ceremony of Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards his single "Midnight Starring" won an award for most voted-for song. [16]

2019–present: Rumble in the Jungle, Piano Hub and Banyana EP

On April 9, 2021, Maphorisa, TRESOR and Kabza De Small released the collaboration studio album Rumble in the Jungle . [17] [18] On April 16, 2021, Anathi and Tyler ICU's studio EP Banyana was released. [19] The EP featured Sir Trill, Daliwonga and Kabza De Small, Mpura, and Visca. The single "Banyana" surpassed 4.2 million streams and was certified double platinum by the Recording industry of South Africa. [20] In 2021, he embarked to Made in Lagos Tour for an opening act with Wizkid. [21] At the 2021 Music Kwaito and House Music Awards he received a nomination for Best DJ. [22]

On 17 September 2021, he released a single "Abalele" with Kabza De Small featuring Ami Faku. [23]

In October 2021, he produced Congolese-born singer TRESOR’s singles, "Makosa" and "Nyota" from the album, Motion . [24]

In November 2022, he worked with Afrika Memani on the Road To Private EP, which was released on the 4th of November.

DJ Maphorisa had received the African DJ of the Year award at the Soundcity MVP Awards which were held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. [25]

In April 2023, he featured on hit single "Mnike" seeing other producers like Tyler ICU, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA and Tyron Dee collaborating which featured No.1 on many South African Billboards

In May 2023, he decided to collaborate with Kabza De Small on a 25 tracks mixtape project titled: "The Konka Mixtape: Sweet And Dust." [26]

Controversies

Assault Allegations by Thuli Phongolo

In May 2023, actress and DJ Thuli Phongolo filed assault charges against DJ Maphorisa, alleging he physically attacked her during an altercation. Maphorisa was arrested and later released on bail. Phongolo subsequently withdrew the charges, leading to public debates about domestic violence and the pressures faced by public figures. [27]

Dispute with Samthing Soweto

In September 2024, DJ Maphorisa was involved in a public dispute with singer Samthing Soweto regarding song credits and royalties. Samthing Soweto accused Maphorisa of misrepresenting his contributions and withholding royalties. In response, Maphorisa alleged that Samthing Soweto had not contributed significantly to the song and was bullying producer Mas Musiq. This controversy sparked broader discussions in the South African music industry about artist collaboration and credit attribution. [28] [29]

Tours

Co-headlining

Discography

Collaborative Albums & EPs

Singles

  1. The Banger
  2. "Omalicha Nwa"
  1. Ngud'
  2. "Mayibabo"
  3. "Afro Trap"
  1. "Gang"
  2. "Trap"
  1. khona
  2. Kucheza
  3. Love Portion
  1. Bazoyenza
  2. Midnight Starring
  1. Soweto Baby featuring Wizkid and DJ Bucks
  1. Itemba Lam
  2. Lorch
  3. Hello
  4. Inhliziyo
  1. London with Madumane
  2. Trust Fund with Mpura
  1. Banyana featuring Sir Trill Kabza De Small
  2. Ba Straata ft 2woshort

Singles produced

List of singles as either producer or co-producer, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
CAN
AUS
IRL
NZ
SA
UK
US
US
R&B
/HH
"Ngud'"
(Kwesta)		2016————1——— DaKAR II
"One Dance"
(Drake featuring Wizkid and Kyla) [41] [42] 		201611111111
  • ARIA: Gold [43]
  • BPI: Platinum
  • RMNZ: Platinum
 Views
"Suited"
(Shekhinah)		2017————1——— Rose Gold
"Midnight Starring" (featuring DJ Tira, Busiswa & Moonchild Sanelly) [45] 2017————————Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations

African Muzik Magazine Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResultRef.
2020
Himself
Music Producer of theNominated [46]

Dance Music Awards South Africa

YearNominee / workAwardResultRef.
2019"Amantombazane"Best Amapiano RecordWon [47]

Dstv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2018
"Midnight Starring"
Favourite Song Of the Year [48] Nominated
Himself
Favourite DJNominated
2022
Scorpion Kings
Favourite DJ [49] Nominated

Humanitarian African Prestigious Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
Himself
Music Producer of The Year [50] Nominated
Best DJ Africa [50] Nominated

MTV Africa Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2016
Himself
Song of the Year [51] [52] Nominated
2020Best African Act [53] [54] Nominated

Metro FM Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResultRef.
2024"Imithandazo"Song of the YearWon [55]
Best CollaborationWon
Best AmapianoWon
2025"Biri Marung"Best Amapiano SongPending [56]
"Yebo Lapho (Gogo)"Pending
Song of the YearPending
"Biri Marung"Pending

Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2018
"Midnight Starring"
Most Voted SongWon
2021
Himself [57]
Best producerPending
Best AmaPiano songsPending
Pending

SA Amapiano Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2021
Himself [58]
Best amapiano male DJ/ActNominated [59]

Soundcity MVP Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResultRef.
2023
Himself
African DJ of the YearWon [60]

References

  1. ↑ Kekana, Chrizelda (20 July 2020). "'This beef is getting boring now' - Mzansi to Anathi & Prince Kaybee". TimesLIVE .
  2. ↑ "Pic! Anathi Shares His Old High School Picture And His First Business". theyanos.co.za. 21 October 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  3. 1 2 Maako, Compiled by Keitumetse. "Dj Anathi wins best African DJ at Nigerian awards festival". Life. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  4. ↑ "DJ Maphorisa's alter ego, Madumane, raps up a storm in 'Izolo' [watch]". thesouthafrican.com. 4 August 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
  5. ↑ Sefiso Hlongwane (6 April 2016). "Mzansi celebrates DJ Maphorisa's collaboration with Drake". Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
  6. ↑ "DJ Maphorisa Set on Africa". Channel O . 8 April 2016. Archived from the original on 22 August 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  7. ↑ Diep, Eric (12 April 2016). "MEET DJ MAPHORISA, THE SOUTH AFRICAN CO-PRODUCER OF DRAKE'S "ONE DANCE"". Genius . Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  8. ↑ Dayile, Qhama (13 May 2016). "Dj Maphorisa's chart topping production on Drake's album and his new house and car". DRUM . Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  9. ↑ Moganedi, Kgomotso (13 September 2013). "DJ MAPHORISA TO GO AT IT ALONE!". Daily Sun . Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  10. ↑ "7 songs you probably didn't know Maphorisa produced".
  11. ↑ Simpasa, Precious (24 August 2023). "Family bonds: South African musicians who are related". The South African. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  12. ↑ Matlala, Keamogetswe. "'Winning would mean a great deal to my mother' – Myztro following brother DJ Maphorisa's victory steps". Drum. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  13. ↑ Ntsinde, Mandisa. "WATCH: DJ Maphorisa - Midnight Starring ft. DJ Tira, Busiswa & Moonchild Sanelly". Zkhiphani.[ permanent dead link ]
  14. ↑ "Here are the NOMINEES for 2018 DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards | YOMZANSI". YoMzansi. 14 August 2018.
  15. ↑ "DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards Nominees announced". DStv. 14 August 2018. Archived from the original on 8 September 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2021.
  16. ↑ Baloyi, Era (27 November 2018). "All the winners at the 3rd annual Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards". Quickread.
  17. ↑ "Kabza De Small & DJ Anathi announce joint project, 'Rumble in the Jungle', with Tresor". The Native Magazine. 11 December 2020.
  18. ↑ Writer, Entertainment (11 December 2020). "Scorpion Kings and Tresor announce collab album 'Rumble in the Jungle'". Independent Online.
  19. ↑ "Tyler ICU and Dj Anathi release joint EP, Banyana | JustNje". JustNje. 16 April 2021. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  20. ↑ Adejoy (6 July 2021). "DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU's 'Banyana' has gone double platinum | Fakaza News". Fakaza News.
  21. ↑ Adejoy (6 July 2021). "DJ Maphorisa to open for Wizkid's 'Made In Lagos' tour in U.S | Fakaza News". Fakaza News.
  22. ↑ Shumba, Ano (18 June 2021). "Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music In Africa.
  23. ↑ Malema, Poelano (17 September 2021). "Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa release new song 'Abalele' - KAYA 959". KAYA 959.
  24. ↑ "TRESOR features Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, others on MOTION album". museafrica.com. October 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  25. ↑ "Burnaboy, Black Sherif, Win At The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 (FULL WINNERS LIST)". African Folder. 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  26. 1 2 "The Konka Mixtape (Sweet & Dust) Album". Maismusica PRO. 19 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  27. ↑ Nonyane, Nompumelelo Magagula and Mduduzi. "DJ Maphorisa's assault case escalated to the Director of Public Prosecutions". City Press. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  28. ↑ Mzandisi, compiled by Iviwe. "Samthing Soweto's shocking revelations: Lies, unpaid royalties and DJ Maphorisa controversy". Life. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  29. ↑ Mbatani, Sinovuyo. "DJ Maphorisa fuming at Samthing Soweto over new track as amapiano artists fight over song rights". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  30. ↑ Adejoy (4 August 2021). "DJ Maphorisa, Kabza, Cassper, DBN Gogo, Focalistic are taking Amapiano to UK | Fakaza News". Fakaza News.
  31. ↑ "Our Father". Spotify. January 2013. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  32. ↑ "Blaqboy Music Presents Gqom Wave". Spotify. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  33. ↑ "DJ Maphorisa And Kabza De Small Scorpion Kings EP". iminathi. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
  34. ↑ "DJ Maphorisa And Kabza De Small The Return of Scorpion Kings Album". iminathi. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  35. ↑ "DJ Maphorisa And Kabza De Small Scorpion King Live At Sun Arena Album". iminathi. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
  36. ↑ "DJ Maphorisa And Kabza De Small Once Upon A Time In A Lockdown Album". iminathi. 5 April 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  37. ↑ "DJ Maphorisa Madumane EP". iminathi. 4 April 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
  38. ↑ "Tressor, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa release Rumble In The Jungle". Just Nje. 9 April 2021. Archived from the original on 27 May 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  39. ↑ "Here's what the streets thinks of DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU's 'Banyana' EP". Times Live. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  40. ↑ http://sa-ema.com/local-chart/?week=2016-02-09 . Retrieved 9 July 2016.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  41. ↑ "One Dance - Drake | Credits | AllMusic" – via www.allmusic.com.
  42. ↑ "Meet DJ Maphorisa, the South African co-producer of Drake's "One Dance"". Genius.
  43. ↑ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. 22 August 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  44. ↑ Dhlamini, Thobekani. "Shekhinah's Suited goes 10× platinum, diamond status". MSN. ZAlebs. Retrieved 11 September 2018.
  45. ↑ "Midnight Starring (feat. DJ Tira, Busiswa & Moonchild) - Single by DJ Maphorisa on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
  46. ↑ Hansen, Gabriel Myers (16 November 2020). "African Muzik Magazine Awards 2020: All the winners | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  47. ↑ "Dance Music Awards South Africa 2019: All the winners". Music in Africa. 4 October 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  48. ↑ "Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards - the full list of nominees". Sowetan LIVE. 14 August 2018.
  49. ↑ Tsewu, Siya (13 April 2022). "The DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards are back | Drum". South Africa: Drum. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  50. 1 2 "DJ Maphorisa is nominated for HAPA". 23 October 2017.
  51. ↑ "Here's the Full List of Nominees at the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards in Johannesburg". okayafricasite. 22 October 2016.
  52. ↑ "The 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards to rock Johannesburg in October". Media Update. 24 August 2016.
  53. ↑ "DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small Nominated". ZAlebs. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
  54. ↑ "Master KG, Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa nominated for 2020 MTV EMA | YOMZANSI". www.yomzansi.com. 6 October 2020.
  55. ↑ "Tyla leads Metro FM Awards nominations followed by Kabza De Small and Tyler ICU". Independent Online. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  56. ↑ Shumba, Ano (5 March 2025). "Metro FM Awards 2025: All the nominees". Music in Africa. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  57. ↑ Reporter, Sowetan (3 May 2020). "Oskido, Maphorisa score three nomination each at Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards".
  58. ↑ "SA Amapiano Music Awards: Look who's been nominated!". thesouthafrican.com. 19 July 2021. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  59. ↑ "#SAAmaPianoAwards 2021: See Full List of Winners". ZAtunes. 24 October 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  60. ↑ "Burnaboy, Black Sherif, Win At The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 (FULL WINNERS LIST)". African Folder. 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
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