The Male DJs Keeping South Africa’s Nightlife Alive

South Africa has become one of the top destinations of dance music, with genres like Amapiano, Gqom and dance hall music on full display. Behind many of these sounds are DJs who have evolved from playing records to becoming excellent artists, producers and sound mixers. Their influence extends from local nightclubs to international stages, making them some of the country’s most recognisable figures in contemporary music.

DJ Maphorisa

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DJ Maphorisa was born Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe. Maphorisa songs include Izolo, Midnight Starring, Banyana, Abalele, and Soweto Baby. He has worked with Kabza De Small, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tyler ICU, Young Stunna, and Cassper Nyovest. 

Kabza De Small

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Kabza De Small is another top DJ that is popular in the music industry. He has a long-running creative partnership with DJ Maphorisa. 

His songs are Abalele, Sponono, Asibe Happy, Imithandazo, and Nkulunkulu. Kabza has many albums under the Scorpion Kings partnership with DJ Maphorisa. His performances have given fans an original Amapiano experience that everyone appreciates. 

Black Coffee

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Black Coffee has been around for over two decades. He has performed at festivals like Nebula X festival, Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival. He is a Grammy Award winner with Subconsciously.

He has also produced tracks like Wish You Were Here, Ready For You, We Dance Again, and Your Eyes. Black Coffee has worked with David Guetta, Drake, Pharrell Williams, Alicia Keys, and Usher Raymond. 

Read Also: Meet the DJs Defining South Africa’s Sound

Oskido

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Oskido co-founded Kalawa Records with Don Laka, Christos Katsaitis and Don Laka. They merged with the group Trompies’ label Jazmee in 1995 to become Kalawa Jazmee. The record label has mentored artists like Rethabile Khumalo and Vigro Deep, His songs include Tsa Mandebele, Banky Banky, The Healers. 

He collaborated with artists including Professor Zonke, and Mafikizolo. Besides disc jockeying , Oskido remains a respected figure in the music industry. 

Prince Kaybee

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Prince Kaybee is a successful producer and DJ. His songs are popular in South African clubs and at events. 

His hits include Club Controller, Charlotte, Fetch Your Life, Banomoya, and Gugulethu. He has partnered with Busiswa, Lady Zamar, Ami Faku, and Shimza. His DJ performances mix commercial house and dance music. 

Shimza

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Shimza is based in Johannesburg but tours across Europe, North America, and Africa, promoting South African electronic music wherever he performs. He has produced tracks such as Akulalwa, Kethiwe, and African Woman, and has collaborated with Ami Faku. Known for sets that blend live energy and African rhythms, 

Shimza has built a strong global following. He organises the annual One Man Show concerts, while his Kunye record label helps develop and support emerging South African musicians.