DJ Maphorisa

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

DJ Maphorisa is the stage name of Themba Sekowe, a South African DJ, producer, singer and songwriter, born in 1987 and raised in Soshanguve. His family is of Tsonga and Lobedu descent, and his brother Myztro is also a DJ and producer. The word Maphorisa means the police in Tsonga.

Music and breakthrough

As a producer he blends house, gqom, amapiano and Afropop. He broke through with hit singles for artists from widely different genres, such as Y-Tjukuta by Uhuru, Ngud' by Kwesta, Lahla by Busiswa, My Name Is by DJ Zinhle, Jezebel by Professor and Suited by Shekinah. In 2018 he released the single Midnight Starring with Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Tira and Busiswa, and received two nominations at the DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards. With Kabza De Small he made Scorpion Kings and The Return of the Scorpion Kings, both from 2019. In 2021 came the album Rumble in the Jungle with Tresor and Kabza De Small, and he released the single Abalele with Kabza De Small and Ami Faku.

Influence

Maphorisa is a key figure of the new South African dance music. His work shows how amapiano and gqom from the townships gave African pop music a sound of its own.

Listening

Discography

Studio albums

• 2019Scorpion Kings
• 2019Scorpion Kings
• 2025Kings Will Rise
• 2025Ngomoya
• 2025ROUGH DANCE