Shimza Reflects on Decade of Ibiza Success After Emotional 2016 Airport Prayer

• Shimza reposted a 2016 Facebook check-in from Ibiza Airport, where he prayed to break into the international market
• The South African DJ has since built a global Afro-tech brand with residencies at top Ibiza venues over the past decade
• Mzansi fans and fellow artists flooded his mentions, celebrating his journey from Tembisa to global dance floors

There are prayers, and then there are prayers that age like fine wine. South African DJ and producer Shimza (Ashley Raphala) sent Mzansi into its feelings after sharing a throwback post on X that revealed just how intentional his rise to international stardom truly was.

The Tembisa-born DJ reposted a screenshot of a Facebook check-in he made at Ibiza Airport on 5 October 2016, accompanied by a heartfelt message he had written to himself at the time:

"Dear God, it's my First time here. I want to crack this market; please be with me. Amen 🙏🏾."

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DJ Shimza's caption alongside the repost was simple but loaded:

"Yo! 🙏🏾❤️🥺."

From Ibiza airport to Ibiza residencies

Almost exactly a decade after that quiet airport prayer, Shimza has done precisely what he asked for. He now holds recurring summer residencies at some of the Spanish island's most prestigious venues, including Hï Ibiza, Pacha, and Destino, cementing his status as one of South Africa's most celebrated electronic music exports.

Beyond Ibiza, Shimza expanded his Afro-tech brand, Kunye, into a full international event platform and record label, staging shows across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. What started as a first-timer's leap of faith has grown into a decade-long global footprint.

See post here:

Mzansi reacts to the manifestation

The post struck a deep chord with fans and fellow artists alike, who were moved by the rawness of the original prayer and what it ultimately produced.

@Kwanele_Mfiso wrote:

"You cracked that market big time!"

@Samukel54409848 said:

"Answered prayers, my King! 👑 Proud of you. Are we having a one-man show this year?"

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@TequilaGangsa added:

"And you did exactly that, Shimmy. 🤞👏"

@KwangaMnge observed:

"10 years later, markets cracked."

@teratoba kept it poetic:

"From your mouth to his Ears..."

@Ntsontso2 celebrated:

"Prayers answered! You made it, DJ. 🙌🏽"

@LeratoMonareng_ simply responded:

"Amen! 🙏🏾"

@J3nnif3r4ev used the moment to push a different message:

"We are in the middle of a crisis in SA, and you guys still don't want to show solidarity and use your platforms to call out the government and protect SA. What home will you come back to?"

Shimza finally met Nota in person

Shimza posted a cheeky video of himself finally coming face to face with Nota, whom he had previously joked he wanted to search for cash.

The encounter comes after Shimza won a defamation case against Nota, with the High Court ordering Nota to pay R200,000 in damages plus legal costs.

Source: Briefly News