Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe, professionally known as DJ Maphorisa, is one of South Africa’s most influential DJs, producers and vocalists. Born and raised in Soshanguve, Pretoria, he has been a driving force behind the rise of amapiano and the international crossover of African dance music — producing tracks for local stars and global icons alike. His work spans house, afropop and amapiano, and he’s credited with shaping sounds that now play in clubs from Johannesburg to Lagos to London.
Bio Data
- Full Name: Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe
- Stage Name: DJ Maphorisa
- Born: 15 November 1987
- Age: ~38 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Soshanguve, Pretoria, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: DJ, record producer, vocalist
- Parents: Father is Nigerian, mother is South African.
- Siblings: Brother: Myztro (Tshiamiso Sekowe)
- Spouse / Partner: Not married; has been linked to Thuli Phongolo.
- Children: Daughter, Lesedi (also spelled Lesidi)
- Net Worth: Estimates vary: ~US$2 million
Early life and roots
Maphorisa was born on 15 November 1987 in Soshanguve, a township in Pretoria, South Africa. Music ran in his family; he was exposed to local beats and vinyl culture early on and began learning the craft of DJing and beat-making as a teenager. Growing up in a musically curious environment gave him the foundation to experiment across genres — from kwaito and house to the hybrid sounds that would later define his production style.
Breakthrough: production and early credits
Before becoming a household name, Maphorisa built his reputation behind the scenes, producing hits for a range of South African acts. He rose to wider prominence after producing successful singles for Uhuru, Busiswa, Kwesta and others — tracks that helped define South African radio and club charts in the early 2010s. His knack for crafting catchy hooks and polished dance-floor arrangements made him a go-to collaborator for both vocalists and DJs.
International recognition — co-producing “One Dance”
A major turning point in his career came when he was credited as one of the co-producers on Drake’s global smash “One Dance” (featuring Wizkid and Kyla). Maphorisa’s production input — working with tempo changes, samples and vocal layers — placed him on a global stage and proved that South African producers could contribute meaningfully to international pop and dance hits. That credit opened doors for more cross-border collaborations with artists like Wizkid, Major Lazer and others.
The amapiano era and partnership with Kabza De Small
As amapiano emerged from township parties to national prominence, Maphorisa was an early adopter and innovator. His partnership with Kabza De Small — another titan of the genre — produced music that both honored the soulful, jazzy roots of piano-led house and pushed the sound into new experimental spaces. Together and in solo projects, he helped amplify amapiano’s profile across Africa and internationally, releasing EPs and singles that racked up millions of streams.
Record label and entrepreneurship
After time with established labels, DJ Maphorisa established BlaqBoy Music, his own imprint, which allowed him to sign emerging talent, curate projects and manage releases with more creative freedom. Through the label and his production work, he’s become a mentor figure to younger producers and artists in South Africa’s fast-growing music industry.
Notable collaborations and credits
Maphorisa’s credits are wide-ranging: beyond South African stars like Busiswa and Kwesta, he has worked with international names including Wizkid and collaborated indirectly on projects that involve Major Lazer and others. He’s also produced for and with rising amapiano stars and collective projects, contributing to the soundtracks of 2010s and 2020s Afro-dance culture.
Awards and recognition
Over the years Maphorisa has earned nominations and awards at major music events in South Africa and across Africa. He has been recognized as one of the continent’s top DJs and producers — a status reinforced by his frequent festival appearances, high-profile collaborations, and charting singles. His influence is often described as catalytic for the wider acceptance of South African house and amapiano rhythms on world stages.
Style and production approach
What sets DJ Maphorisa apart is his versatility: he can craft a stripped-down amapiano groove, a big radio-friendly afropop single, or a layered, sample-based dance track. He blends live instrumentation, sampled piano riffs, and precise percussive programming. Vocally, he often features strong local artists, ensuring his beats retain a distinctly South African flavour. The result is music that’s both local and export-ready.
Personal life snapshot
Maphorisa tends to keep much of his personal life private, but it’s known that he grew up in Soshanguve and is related to fellow music figure Myztro. His career trajectory — from township DJ to global producer — reflects both hard work and an ability to adapt to changing musical trends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is DJ Maphorisa’s real name?
A: His birth name is Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe.
Q: When and where was DJ Maphorisa born?
A: He was born on 15 November 1987 in Soshanguve, Pretoria, South Africa.
Q: Did DJ Maphorisa work on Drake’s “One Dance”?
A: Yes — he is credited as one of the co-producers on “One Dance”, a credit that helped raise his international profile.
Q: What genre is DJ Maphorisa known for?
A: He’s known for house, afropop and especially amapiano, though his work spans multiple genres.
Q: What label does he run?
A: He runs BlaqBoy Music, after his earlier association with Kalawa Jazmee Records.
Q: Who are some artists DJ Maphorisa has worked with?
A: Wizkid, Kwesta, Busiswa, Kabza De Small, Major Lazer, TRESOR, and many more.
Conclusion
DJ Maphorisa’s journey — from a Soshanguve teenager with turntables to an internationally recognized producer — is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange. He helped bring South African sounds to the world stage, influenced the shape of the amapiano movement, and continues to mentor and produce for a new generation of artists. Whether you know him for blazing club tracks or major pop productions, Themba Sekowe remains a central figure in modern African music.
