Shimza Lands at #75 on DJ Mag Top 100 DJs 2026, Joins Black Coffee on Global List
- Shimza secured a spot on the prestigious DJ Mag Top 100 DJs 2026 list, one of the world's most celebrated music polls
- The Afro-tech DJ and producer shared the milestone on X, thanking fans worldwide for voting him into the global rankings
- Fellow South African Black Coffee also featured on the list, with Mzansi rallying behind both artists as continental representatives
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Source: Instagram
Shimza has done it again. The South African Afro-tech DJ and producer, born Ashley Raphala, has officially entered the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs 2026 rankings at number 75, cementing his place among the most recognised electronic music artists on the planet. Taking to X under his handle @Shimza01, the Johannesburg-born DJ shared official graphic banners confirming the achievement, writing:
"Ranked #75 in the world 🙏🏾❤️🥺 Thank you ❤️🙏🏾 #Top100Djs."
Shimza Joins Black Coffee on the global chart
The DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll is widely regarded as the world's largest publicly voted music poll, recognising impact and leadership across electronic and dance music. DJ Shimza's placement puts him alongside fellow South African and Afro-house heavyweight Black Coffee, who landed at number 14 on the same list, with both artists flying the flag for the African continent.
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The ranking carries added weight given that it arrives as Shimza marks a decade since his first trip to Ibiza in 2016. Over those ten years, he has built a reputation through relentless touring, international summer residencies, and the expansion of his Kunye event brand to global stages. His progression from local favourite to a globally ranked DJ reflects the steady rise of South African Afro-tech on the world's dance floors.
Mzansi reacts to the big news
Congratulations poured in from fans, fellow DJs, and industry figures across social media. Many felt the ranking, while celebrated, still undervalued both Shimza and Black Coffee's true global standing.
@mixedracedUncle said:
"You work man, this is well deserved. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🤌🏽🔥"
@BekeLeBeke123 weighed in:
"I don't know how they categorise this, but we all know Black should be in the Top5 and yourself under 50."
@_DJMosh offered congratulations across the board:
"Congratulations. s/o to Nora En Pure, Black Coffee too. 🇿🇦"
@LedwabaRonald kept it simple:
"Congratulations, Raphala. Keep shining. Fly the flag high and do what you do best. 🎊🎉🙌🏽"
@Brother_718 echoed the sentiment shared by many:
"I don't know what Criteria was applied here, but my guy, you and Coffee should be in that Top 10… Congratulations, my dawg."
@Tramma_Deplese added:
"We know you’re supposed to be number 7, but because you are black. They won't rate you there"
Shimza himself stayed gracious throughout, responding to one fan asking whether he knew all the other DJs on the list:
"Impossible to know all of them; the world is a huge place with amazing talent. 🙏🏾❤️"
Shimza reflects on his 2016 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.
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Source: Briefly News
