The best DJs in South Africa are also among the best on the continent, and the world in general. South Africa’s music landscape is more than rhythm—it’s revolution. From township block parties to international arenas, the DJs of Mzansi have evolved into global tastemakers, breaking genre boundaries and crafting new sonic movements.
Whether through amapiano’s soulful bounce, house music’s hypnotic pulse, or gqom’s raw energy, the nation’s top DJs have fused local roots with international flair—earning widespread respect and cultivating loyal fanbases across continents.
As of 2025, these are the ten DJs leading the charge, each with their distinct sound, story, and influence on music culture. Let’s turn up the volume and explore what makes each of them an icon.
Best DJs In South Africa
1. Black Coffee: South Africa’s Sonic Diplomat
If South Africa’s DJ scene had a diplomatic passport, it would belong to Black Coffee. Born Nkosinathi Maphumulo, he is more than a DJ—he is a visionary. A Grammy-winning producer and pioneer of Afro-tech and deep house, Black Coffee has placed South African rhythms at the center of global electronic music.
Notable Achievements:
- Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album (2022)
- Producer for Drake, Usher, and David Guetta
- Founder of Soulistic Music and co-founder of Gallo Record Company revamp
- Resident sets at Ibiza’s Hï Club and Coachella appearances
His style blends minimal house beats with rich African instrumentation—a sonic fusion that’s helped global audiences rethink what African music can sound like.
2. Uncle Waffles: The Amapiano Queen
When Uncle Waffles burst onto the scene in 2021, she didn’t just make waves—she changed the current. With magnetic stage energy and fierce turntable skills, Lungelihle Zwane introduced amapiano to new corners of the globe.
Breakthrough Moments:
- Viral debut set in 2021 with “Adiwele”
- Performed at Coachella and Global Citizen Festival
- Named one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30
- Collaborations with international artists like Ciara and Beyoncé’s team
Her artistry is amplified by her dance routines and bold fashion choices. More than just a DJ, she is the face of amapiano’s Gen-Z takeover.
3. DJ Maphorisa: The Genre Alchemist
Few DJs can morph genres with finesse like DJ Maphorisa. Born Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, he earned early fame with mainstream house tracks, but today he’s a pioneer of Amapiano’s more experimental edge.
Accomplishments:
- Founder of BlaqBoy Music
- Collaborative projects with WizKid, Kabza De Small, and Major League DJz
- Viral hits: “Soweto Baby,” “Phoyisa,” and “Izolo”
- Credited with launching numerous emerging talents
Maphorisa’s genius lies in adaptation—he seamlessly merges kwaito, house, and gqom into amapiano’s laid-back shuffle. His studio magic continues to shape South Africa’s musical exports.
4. Kabza De Small: The King of Amapiano
Affectionately nicknamed “The King of Amapiano,” Kabza De Small is synonymous with South Africa’s hottest genre. From bedroom producer to national icon, Kabelo Motha’s rise reflects amapiano’s meteoric trajectory.
Key Highlights:
- Creator of the seminal “I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust” album
- Partnered with DJ Maphorisa on the Scorpion Kings series
- Known for harmonic transitions and piano-driven beats
- Regular fixture on Spotify Africa’s top charts
Kabza’s music is deeply emotive—equal parts party and poetry. His intricate compositions give amapiano depth and musicality beyond the dancefloor.
5. DJ Zinhle: The Powerhouse Pioneer
For over a decade, DJ Zinhle has proved that turntables aren’t just a boys’ club. As one of South Africa’s first female house DJs to achieve mainstream success, she’s built an empire through music, business, and mentorship.
Career Milestones:
- Hit tracks: “Umlilo,” “My Name Is,” and “Indlovu”
- CEO of Era by DJ Zinhle and Hair Majesty
- Star of reality show The Unexpected
- Advocates for female DJs and entrepreneurs
Her sound bridges house, Afro-pop, and urban grooves. But her influence goes beyond mixes—she represents empowerment, resilience, and innovation.
6. Heavy-K: The Drum Boss
If you’ve ever grooved to a house track with booming percussion and soaring vocals, you’ve probably danced to Heavy-K. Born Mkhululi Siqula, his signature lies in the low-end—solid, layered drum programming that makes speakers shake.
Artistic Footprint:
- Signature hits: “Lento,” “Inde,” “Beautiful War”
- Multi-time SAMA nominee and winner
- Collaborations with Bucie, Nokwazi, and Professor
- Global recognition in Afro-house and tech-house circles
Heavy-K’s production blends soulful melodies with raw energy. His consistency and craftsmanship earn him enduring respect among industry peers.
7. DJ Fresh: The Veteran Voice of House
DJ Fresh is a legend—period. From YFM to 5FM to Metro FM, Thato Sikwane has been a voice of authority in South African radio, elevating house music long before it hit the mainstream.
Legacy Notes:
- Over 20 years in radio
- Creator of legendary Fresh House mix series
- Advocate for emerging talent and community activism
- Sought-after festival and club performer
Fresh’s mixes are a masterclass in musical storytelling. His impact is foundational—he laid the groundwork that today’s DJs build upon.
8. Shimza: The International Techno Export
Shimza, born Ashley Raphala, transcends borders. While rooted in South Africa, his sound blends Afro-tech and melodic techno, earning him spots on international stages from Berlin to Dubai.
Career Accents:
- Creator of Kunye, a platform uniting African artists
- Performances at Boiler Room and Ibiza venues
- Producer of chart-topping EPs on global labels
- Founder of One Man Show series for charity
Shimza doesn’t just spin tracks—he curates experiences. His sets are cinematic, blending futuristic textures with tribal rhythms.
9. DJ Kent: The Architect of Emotion
DJ Kent is known for mood over mayhem. His house sets often evoke introspection, celebration, and healing all at once. With a taste for soul and minimalism, Kent’s mixes are journeys—not just playlists.
Hallmark Tracks:
- “Falling” ft. Maleh
- “Hold On” ft. Lulo Café
- Weekly “Kent & Friends” mixes with soulful flair
He rarely chases trends, preferring timeless quality over fleeting fame. His fanbase is loyal, and his reputation as a perfectionist producer precedes him.
10. DJ Tira: The Gqom General
If Durban’s music scene had a mayor, DJ Tira would wear the chain. As the man behind Afrotainment, Tira helped Gqom explode from local street bashes to global dancefloors.
Musical Command:
- Breakout hit: “Ezase Afro”
- Mentor to artists like Big Nuz, Qwabe Twins, and Dladla Mshunqisi
- Blends Gqom, house, and Afro-pop in electrifying sets
His sound is aggressive, pulsing, and street-wise—a sonic stamp of the Durban life. Tira continues to lead Gqom’s evolution with entrepreneurial flair.
The Cultural Impact: Why These DJs Matter
Together, these DJs aren’t just entertainers—they’re cultural custodians. Each artist brings something unique to the mix:
- Globalization of South African genres: Black Coffee, Shimza, and Uncle Waffles have positioned SA sounds alongside global giants.
- Empowerment & representation: DJ Zinhle and DJ Tira lead movements for gender and regional inclusion.
- Innovation and mentorship: Maphorisa, Kabza, and Fresh nurture the next wave of talent through labels and collaborations.
- Preserving local identity: DJs like Kent and Heavy-K maintain the emotional and percussive roots of African house.
South Africa’s DJ culture reflects its social pulse—dynamic, diverse, and resilient. These artists turn pain into rhythm, celebration into sound, and silence into movement.
Want To Experience Their Music?
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick playlist suggestion to set the vibe:
Black Coffee – “Drive” ft. David Guetta & Delilah Montagu
Uncle Waffles – “Tanzania” ft. Tony Duardo
DJ Maphorisa – “Izolo” ft. Madumane & Mpura
Kabza De Small – “Abalele” ft. Ami Faku
DJ Zinhle – “Umlilo” ft. Mvzzle & Rethabile
Heavy-K – “Inde” ft. Bucie
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Conclusion
Disc Jockeys are involved in mixing music and producing exclusive mixtapes to delight and entertainment of their audience and music lovers. The profession is getting more lucrative as there are numerous DJs in South Africa.
However, some DJs have set themselves apart from the crowd by being the best at what they do. The top 10 best DJs in South Africa have made a name for themselves with their mastery and skills in their crafts, and they are well-known in the music industry in South Africa. I would love to know your favourite DJ from the DJs I have reviewed in this piece. Please feel free to tell me in the comment section below.