Shimza

Kholofelo Ashley Raphala — performing as Shimza — is a South African DJ and music producer born and raised in Tembisa, Gauteng, who began DJing at age 15 and has become one of the defining figures in the global Afro house and Afro tech movement. His nickname 'Effect Master' reflects a DJing technique built around complex cueing, looping, and layering that distinguishes his sets from standard DJ performances — a style documented by DJ Mag as central to the infectious, technically sophisticated quality of his dancefloor programming. He debuted his Soulistic Music-signed album Shimuzic in 2015, establishing his production credentials alongside his live performance reputation. His international career accelerated through European touring across London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Manchester, and New York, with his 2016 Ibiza debut at Destino's Closing Party alongside Luciano providing the high-profile endorsement from a figure at the serious end of the underground electronic music community. His collaboration 'Uwrongo' (2020) with Black Motion, Prince Kaybee, and Ami Faku and his viral track 'Darling' featuring Aloe Blacc — which surpassed one million Spotify streams — demonstrated his ability to bridge the Afro house underground with commercially accessible crossover productions. His 'One Man Show' is a charity-driven annual concert held on Christmas Day in Tembisa, which grew from 800 attendees in 2006 to over 15,000 in 2019 — a community-rooted event that reflects a career built as much on local cultural responsibility as on international touring ambition. His Las Vegas debut at LIV Nightclub at Fontainebleau Las Vegas on September 20, 2026 brings one of South Africa's most globally recognized Afro house exports to the Strip's premier hip-hop and house crossover venue. Guest list through NoCoverVegas for Shimza at LIV Nightclub provides free entry for qualifying guests. Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimza, ra.co/dj/shimza/biography, app.discotech.me/events/38112591-special-guest-at-liv

South African Afro house and Afro tech pioneer whose 'One Man Show' charity concert grew from 800 attendees (2006) to 15,000 (2019). Collaborated with Black Motion, Prince Kaybee, and Ami Faku on 'Uwrongo' (2020) and released 'Darling' featuring Aloe Blacc, which surpassed one million Spotify streams. Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimza, djmag.com/features/shimza-bridging-worlds-afro-tech At LIV Nightclub, Shimza performs on Select dates — confirmed LIV Nightclub September 20, 2026, commanding some of the venue's most in-demand time slots.

Shimza currently performs at LIV Nightclub in Las Vegas, typically on Select dates — confirmed LIV Nightclub September 20, 2026. Their sets span Afro House / Afro Tech, delivering a sound that has earned them one of the most dedicated followings in the Las Vegas residency circuit.

Shimza's sound: Afro house and Afro tech built on technically complex cueing and looping — Shimza's sets layer percussion-forward Afro house rhythms with the driving bass of Afro tech, earning him the 'Effect Master' nickname from fans who follow the architectural intricacy of his dancefloor transitions. His LIV Nightclub appearance brings the South African underground sound to the Strip's house-forward programming. At LIV at Fontainebleau, the professional sound systems and production infrastructure amplify every element of their performance — from the sub-bass to the high-end clarity.

As a headliner, Shimza commands the prime time slot — typically starting between 12:30 AM and 1:30 AM at nightclubs, or between 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM at pool parties. Headliner sets run 90 minutes to two hours and feature the full production package including pyrotechnics, CO2 cannons, and synchronized lighting.

General admission cover charges for Shimza shows are $30-60 — FREE with NoCoverVegas guest list. With NoCoverVegas, you skip the cover charge entirely and receive a free guest list entry from your hotel to the venue.