South African DJ and producer Shimza is continuing a busy Ibiza season while reflecting on the journey that has taken him from Tembisa to international dancefloors.

The artist, whose real name is Ashley Raphala, has become closely associated with Afro house and Afro-tech and has developed an international career while maintaining strong links with his hometown in South Africa.

His latest Ibiza appearance came on Tuesday 22 September, when he joined GORDO, HoneyLuv, Vanjee and Gala at Pacha Ibiza for GORDO's TARAKA residency.

Shimza returns to Pacha Ibiza

The 22 September event at Pacha ran from 23:00 to 06:00.

Shimza joined GORDO for the TARAKA session alongside HoneyLuv, Vanjee and Gala, in one of the final dates of the residency's 2026 Ibiza run. Pacha has scheduled the TARAKA closing party for Tuesday 29 September.

The appearance adds to Shimza's continuing presence on the Ibiza circuit after he led his own Shimza & Co residency at Pacha earlier in the 2026 season.

From Tembisa to international dancefloors

Shimza was born and raised in Tembisa, a township in Gauteng, South Africa.

His career developed from local performances into an international DJ and production career, with Afro house becoming a defining part of his sound.

In his interview with News24's Drum, Shimza reflects on the importance of his upbringing and the role that his background continues to play in his identity as an artist.

His story is not only about international performances but also about maintaining a connection with the community where his career began.

Keeping Tembisa close

Despite building an international career, Shimza has continued to invest time and energy in his home community.

One of his best-known projects is the One Man Show, an annual event associated with Tembisa that combines music with a charitable element.

The initiative was launched in 2009 and has supported children in the community through educational assistance and other forms of support.

Shimza has spoken about using his position in the music industry to create opportunities and contribute to the community that shaped him.

An Afro house sound with South African roots

Shimza's music sits within the wider Afro house and Afro-tech movement that has developed a substantial international audience.

Pacha describes his sound as deep, driving and emotional, combining Afro house rhythms with his own musical approach.

His work has also included collaborations with international artists, helping connect African electronic music with audiences outside South Africa.

Rather than separating his international career from his South African background, Shimza has consistently presented the two as connected parts of his artistic identity.

Shimza & Co at Pacha

Earlier in 2026, Shimza hosted his own Thursday residency at Pacha under the name Shimza & Co.

The residency ran from 30 April through 18 June, with a different selection of guest artists joining him each week. Pacha described the series as combining Afro house and Afro-tech with a rotating international lineup.

The closing party on 18 June featured Shimza alongside Tyla, Damian Lazarus, Darque and Serve Cold.

His return to Pacha in September therefore came after an earlier season-long run at the club.

A second Ibiza appearance in September

Shimza's September schedule has included several Ibiza dates.

He appeared at Pacha on 22 September for TARAKA, while another Ibiza booking is scheduled for Monday 5 October at Hï Ibiza as part of Francis Mercier presents Solèy Closing Party.

The Hï Ibiza listing currently includes Shimza alongside Andrea Oliva in the Club Room, with additional artists still marked as to be announced.

This places Shimza among the artists continuing to perform on the island into the closing weeks of the 2026 season.

Beyond the DJ booth

Shimza's career also extends into music curation, promotion and community projects.

His official website lists music releases including collaborations with artists such as Elderbrook, Aloe Blacc and Rachel Chinouriri.

He has also developed projects connected with African electronic music and has used his platform to support artists and communities in South Africa.

An international career without losing the local connection

The theme running through Shimza's interview is the relationship between international success and his origins.

For the South African artist, travelling between major international dancefloors does not mean leaving his roots behind.

Tembisa remains an important part of the story he tells about his career, while Ibiza has become one of the international destinations where his Afro house sound has found a regular audience.

Ibiza remains part of the journey

Shimza's relationship with Ibiza has developed over several seasons.

His official website documents his Shimza & Co residency at Chinois Ibiza in 2025, while his 2026 schedule has included his own Pacha residency and guest appearances at other Ibiza events.

The 22 September appearance at Pacha is another chapter in that relationship.

As Ibiza's 2026 season moves towards its final weeks, Shimza continues to bring a sound rooted in South Africa to one of Europe's most internationally recognised electronic music destinations.