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DJ Maphorisa
South African DJ and record producer From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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]
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]
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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
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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]
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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
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Collaborative Albums & EPs
- Our Father (with Uhuru) (2013)[31]
- Blaqboy Music Presents Gqom Wave (2017)[32]
- Scorpion Kings EP (with Kabza De Small) (2019)[33]
- The Return of Scorpion Kings (with Kabza De Small) (2019)[34]
- Scorpion King Live At Sun Arena (with Kabza De Small) (2020)[35]
- Once Upon A Time In A Lockdown (with Kabza De Small) (2020)[36]
- Madumane EP (2020)[37]
- Rumble In The Jungle (with Kabza De Small & TRESOR) (2021)[38]
- Banyana EP (with Tyler ICU) (2021)[39]
- Ba Straata 2022
- The Konka Mixtape : Sweet & Dust (with Kabza De Small) (2023)[26]
Singles
- The Banger
- "Omalicha Nwa"
- Ngud'
- "Mayibabo"
- "Afro Trap"
- whysl
- "Gang"
- "Trap"
- khona
- Kucheza
- Love Portion
- Himself
- Soweto Baby featuring Wizkid and DJ Bucks
- Itemba Lam
- Lorch
- Hello
- Inhliziyo
- Other
- Banyana featuring Sir Trill Kabza De Small
- Ba Straata ft 2woshort
Singles produced
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Awards and nominations
African Muzik Magazine Awards
Dance Music Awards South Africa
Dstv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards
Humanitarian African Prestigious Awards
MTV Africa Music Awards
Metro FM Music Awards
Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards
SA Amapiano Music Awards
Soundcity MVP Awards
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References
External links
Wikiwand - on
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