South African DJ and producer Shimza has shared rare insight into the realities of building an international career in electronic music, revealing that success on the global stage requires strategy, teamwork, and relentless travel.
Speaking during an interview on Podcast and Chill with MacG hosted by MacG, the internationally touring DJ unpacked his journey from humble beginnings to performing at some of the world’s biggest festivals.
From Pushing a Car to Playing the World’s Biggest Stages
Reflecting on the early days of his career, Shimza recalled how he and MacG were part of the same nightlife circles before fame.
According to the DJ, their journeys began long before international flights and global festivals, with the pair organising events and performing at small parties while many of their peers were still in school.
Shimza joked that there was a time when friends even helped push his car to gigs, highlighting how dramatically his career has evolved.
Today, the DJ says his life revolves around constant travel, revealing that he took more than 400 flights in a single year while touring internationally.
He described the intense travel schedule as simply part of the job.
“You spend more hours on flights than actually DJing. But it’s part of the work,” he said.
How the Global DJ Industry Actually Works
Shimza also lifted the curtain on the complex ecosystem behind international touring.
Unlike in South Africa where artists often manage multiple aspects of their careers themselves, the global electronic music industry relies on specialised roles.
According to the DJ, a typical international team includes:
- A manager who oversees long-term career strategy
- Agents who secure bookings in specific regions
- A&R teams who facilitate collaborations and music placements
- Bookers who control festival and club line-ups
He explained that agents build relationships with venue bookers worldwide, ensuring artists get opportunities to perform at the right events.
This structured system allows DJs to grow their global footprint strategically, including targeting key festivals that open doors to new markets.
Building an International Career from the Ground Up
Shimza revealed that his first international gigs were far from glamorous.
The DJ said he initially reached out directly to small clubs in cities such as Paris, offering to perform and promote his music.
In some cases, he earned as little as €500 per show and had to pay for his own flights and accommodation.
However, those early investments helped build his reputation abroad.
Over time, his performances began attracting larger audiences, eventually leading to appearances at major festivals including Tomorrowland.
The Global Power of South African DJs
During the conversation, Shimza also reflected on the international influence of South African dance music, particularly the impact of Black Coffee.
He credited the Grammy-winning DJ for opening doors for many South African artists in the global electronic music scene.
Shimza explained that when promoters abroad began discovering Afro house through Black Coffee, they became curious about other DJs from the country.
That curiosity created opportunities for artists like himself to showcase their sound internationally.
“Black Coffee can only be in one place at one time, so people started looking for more DJs from South Africa,” he said.
Inside the High-Stakes Economics of Global DJing
The interview also touched on the enormous fees commanded by top DJs at international clubs and festivals.
Shimza noted that major artists can earn hundreds of thousands of pounds per performance at elite venues such as those in Ibiza.
He added that some world-famous DJs reportedly command up to £1 million per show at certain residencies.
Meanwhile, luxury club experiences on the island can see VIP tables selling for tens of thousands of euros in a single night.
Why South African DJs Excel Internationally
Despite the competitiveness of the global scene, Shimza believes South Africa produces some of the world’s best DJs.
He compared the country’s DJ culture to football in the United Kingdom, arguing that the craft is deeply embedded in local nightlife and youth culture.
According to him, that intense exposure gives South African DJs an edge when performing abroad.
“We’re on another level when it comes to DJing,” he said.
The Next Frontier for Amapiano
The conversation also explored the global growth of Amapiano.
While the genre has exploded across Africa and parts of Europe, Shimza believes its international breakthrough is still evolving.
He described Amapiano as more than just a genre, calling it a distinct sound defined by unique drum patterns, tempo and production style.
Although artists such as DBN Gogo and Uncle Waffles have introduced the sound to global audiences, Shimza suggested that wider international adoption will require continued collaboration and exposure.
A Testament to Persistence
Ultimately, Shimza’s story highlights the importance of persistence and strategic thinking in building a global music career.
