DJ Maphorisa

Biography

Themba Sekowe (born 15 November 1987), known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. As a record producer with a blend of house music, gqom, 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, Focalistic, Era Istrefi, Mpura, Young Stunna and Killer Kau. He was signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records prior to establishing his own record label, BlaqBoy Music.
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").

Personal life

Themba "DJ Maphorisa" Sekowe was born on 15 November 1987, and raised in Soshanguve, he is of Tsonga and Lobedu descent, he is the biological brother of South African DJ and record producer Myztro. The word “Maphorisa” means “the police” or “policemen” in Tsonga.

Career

In September 2018, he released a single "Midnight Starring" featuring Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Tira and Busiswa. At the 2018 DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards he received two nominations: Favourite Song Of the Year and Favourite DJ. 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.

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. On April 16, 2021, Anathi and Tyler ICU's studio EP Banyana×Banyana16 April 2021 · EPSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Banyana6:512Wami6:493Izolo7:25 was released. 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. In 2021, he embarked to Made in Lagos Tour for an opening act with Wizkid. At the 2021 Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards he received a nomination for Best DJ.
On 17 September 2021, he released a single "Abalele×Abalele17 September 2021 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Abalele6:56" with Kabza De Small featuring Ami Faku.
In October 2021, he produced Congolese-born singer TRESOR’s singles, "Makosa" and "Nyota" from the album, Motion.
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.
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."

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.

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.

Co-headlining

Made in Lagos Tour (2021) (with Wizkid)
AmaFest (2021)
Piano People Indoor Winter Festival 2023

With Kabza De Small

"Itemba Lam"
"Lorch"
"Hello"
"Inhliziyo"

With Focalistic

"London" (with Madumane)
"Trust Fund" (with Mpura)

Other notable collaborations

"Soweto Baby×Soweto Baby8 January 2016 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Soweto Baby4:18" (featuring Wizkid and DJ Bucks)
"Banyana×Banyana16 April 2021 · EPSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Banyana6:512Wami6:493Izolo7:25" (with Sir Trill and Kabza De Small)
"Ba Straata" (featuring 2woshort)