DJ Maphorisa
- Birth name: Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe
- Born: 15 November 1987
- Place of birth: Soshanguve, Pretoria, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Main activity: DJ, record producer, singer, songwriter
- Musical genre: Afropop, Amapiano, house, hip hop
Career
DJ Maphorisa began his career as part of the group Uhuru, which he formed with DJ Clap, Xeli and Mapiano. He made several hit songs for Uhuru, such as Khona and Y-Tjukutja. He also collaborated with other artists such as Mafikizolo, Dr Malinga and Oskido. He also started the record label BlaqBoy Music. He is known for his versatility and ability to mix different genres of music, such as Afropop, Amapiano and South African house music. He is praised for making the Amapiano sound popular in South Africa and beyond.
Children
Some sources say that DJ Maphorisa has a daughter called Lesedi. He is very private about his daughter and her mother, but he sometimes posts pictures of him and Lesedi on his social media accounts. He does not want his daughter to be exposed to the public too much.
Family
DJ Maphorisa was born in Soshanguve, Pretoria, South Africa. He has a mixed ethnicity, as his father was from Nigeria and his mother was from South Africa. His mother was a gospel singer who influenced his musical career.
Dating history
DJ Maphorisa has been very secretive about his dating history. Some sources indicate that he had a connection with Thuli Phongolo, a South African actress and DJ. The two sparked dating rumours after a video of them holding hands became viral online. DJ Maphorisa said they were only talking as friends and they both dismissed the rumours. He reportedly also had a short relationship with a woman named Beverly Sibanda in 2019. She claimed that he got her pregnant and left her. DJ Maphorisa rejected the claims and said he never dated her. DJ Maphorisa is speculated to be dating Cyan Boujee, a famous South African social media influencer.
Discography
Studio Albums & EPs:
- Blaqboy Music Presents Gqom Wave (2017)
- Blaqboy Music Presents Gqom Wave Vol. 2 (2018)
- Scorpion Kings (with Kabza De Small) (201
- Madumane EP (as Madumane, his alter ego) (2020)
- Rumble in the Jungle (with Kabza De Small & TRESOR) (2021)
- Petle Petle (2021)
- Tintswalo (2021)
- NGOMOYA (with Xduppy) (2025)
- Rough Dance (with Xduppy) (2025)
Live albums:
- Scorpion Kings (Live) (2020)
- Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena (2022)
Notable singles:
- Y-Tjukutja (Uhuru feat. DJ Maphorisa, Oskido, DJ Bucks & Professor)
- Particula (Major Lazer & DJ Maphorisa feat. Nasty C, Ice Prince, Patoranking & Jidenna)
- Soweto Baby (with Wizkid & Uhuru)
- Phoyisa (with Kabza De Small, Cassper Nyovest & Myztro)
- Hello (with Kabza De Small feat. Focalistic, Madumane & Young Stunna)
- Abalele (with Kabza De Small feat. Ami Faku)
- Mnike (Tyler ICU & Tumelo ZA feat. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee)
- Biri Marung (feat. Sje Konka, Focalistic, Scotts Maphuma & CowBoii)
Awards
DJ Maphorisa has won several awards for his work in the music industry:
- African DJ of the Year (Soundcity MVP Awards, 2023)
- South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Produced Album (multiple wins, reflecting his extensive production work)
- Metro FM Music Award for Song of the Year (e.g., for "Imithandazo," 2024)
- Metro FM Music Award for Best Collaboration (e.g., for "Imithandazo," 2024)
- Metro FM Music Award for Best Amapiano (e.g., for "Imithandazo," 2024
