DJ Tira explained

DJ Tira
Birth Name:Mthokozisi Khathi
Birth Date:24 August 1976
Birth Place:KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Years Active:1997–present
Label:Afrotainment

Mthokozisi Khathi (born 24 August 1976) popularly known as DJ Tira, is a South African DJ, record producer, and businessman.

Early life

Khathi was born in KwaHlabisa Village, KwaZulu-Natal,[1] and his family relocated to Durban in 1979.[2] Khathi attended Mlokothwa High School and enrolled at the University of Natal now known as UKZN in 1995, studying human resources.

Career

Khathi developed an interest in being a DJ while he was at university, when he started playing as a DJ in 1996. Around 2001, he released his first record named Real Makoya,[3] which is a compilation album with DJ Khabzela. In 2005, he was signed a record deal with Kalawa Jazzmee. He formed a group named Tzozo En Professor and later formed Durbans Finest together with DJ Sox which also was under Kalawa Jazmee Records. Tira and Sox together released a series compilation albums named Durbans Finest.

In 2007, he launched his recording studio Afrotainment and signed DJ Cndo as the first artist on his record label. Since he was working at his own production, he became a music producer. Later the same year DJ Tira signed kwaito group Big Nuz after they relocated from Johannesburg to Durban. In 2008, DJ Tira as a featured artist appeared on two tracks on urban radio charts and music shops charts alongside of Big Nuz's "Ubala Lolo" and DJ Clock's "Mahamba Yedwa".

In 2008, he released his first solo project under his record label named Ezase Afro Vol:1. The album is supported by the guest appearance of Bricks, Daddy, Big Nuz and Joocy of Afrosoul. Ezase Afro Vol:1 became a hit album and sold more than 20 000 copies.

In March 2019, his single "Amachankura" featuring TNS was released as the lead single from an upcoming studio album. In July 2019, the second single "Thank You Mr DJ" featuring Joocy was released.[4] Tira released Ikhenani on September 13, 2019.[5] Ikhenani won Best Kwaito Album at the 26th ceremony of South African Music Awards.[6]

On August 24, 2020, his fourth studio album 21 Years of DJ Tira was released in South Africa, celebrating a 21 years in music industry. The album was certified platinum by the Recording industry of South Africa (RiSA).

In March 2021, he co-hosted season 6 of the SABC 1 talent show competition, 1's and 2's.[7]

On June 25, 2021, his fifth studio album Rockstar Forever was released in South Africa. The album features the Q Twins, Makhadzi, Western Boyz, Jumbo, Prince Bulo, Biza Wethu, Mampintsha, Joocy, Ntencane, Proffesor, Beast, Worst Behaviour, Dladla Mshunqisi, BlaQRythm, Mtebza & Khazozo.[8] Rockstar Forever rank number 1 on iTunes charts South Africa.

Personal life

DJ Tira is married to Gugu Khathi and they have two sons and one daughter.[9] DJ Tira and his wife hosted a Umabo (traditional Zulu ceremony) at his home in KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal.[10]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleDetailsCertifications
Ezase Afro Vol:1
Ezase Afro Vol:2
  • Released: 2012
  • Label: Afrotainment
  • Format: CD, digital download
Ikhenani
  • Released: 13 September 2019
  • Label: Afrotaiment
  • Format: digital download, CD
21 Years of DJ Tira
  • Released: 24 August 2020
  • Label: Afrotaiment
  • Format: digital download
RiSA: Platinum
Rockstar Forever
  • Released: June 2021
  • Label: Afrotaiment
  • Format: digital download, streaming
Malume Way
  • Released: 24 August 2023
  • Label: Afrotaiment
  • Format: digital download, streaming

Compilation albums

TitleDetails
Real Makoya
  • Released: 2001
  • Format: CD
Durbans Finest Vol:1
  • Released: 2004
  • Format: CD
Durbans Finest Vol:2
  • Released: 2005
  • Format: CD

As featured artist

List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
ZA
"Gibela" (Xowla featuring DJ Tira)2022RiSA: Gold[11]
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations

YearAward PrizeNominee / workResult
2004AMFMABest Compilation AlbumDurbans Finest Vol:1
2018DMASABest Live ActHimself
2019SAMARecord of the Year[12]
202026th SAMABest Kwaito/Gqom/Amapiano
Special Achievement AwardHimself [13]
2023 Metro FM Music Awards Best Kwaito/Gqom Song "Sikilidi"[14]
Best Music Video

Notes and References

  1. Web site: DJ Tira Biography: Age, Family, Education, Career, Awards, Wife, Controversy, Cars. zalebs.com. 11 April 2020. 21 June 2020. 28 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200228104453/https://zalebs.com/DJ-Tira/dj-tira-biography-age-family-education-career-wife-controversy-cars. dead.
  2. Web site: DJ Tira's biography. TVSA. 18 April 2018.
  3. Web site: Julie Kwach . 9 August 2019 . Dj Tira biography: age, wife, best songs, Instagram, cars, and net worth . briefly.co.za.
  4. Web site: DJ Tira to release a new single, Thank You Mr DJ, featuring Joocy JustNje. JustNje. 11 July 2019.
  5. Web site: DJ Tira releases his much anticipated album, Ikhenani JustNje. JustNje. 13 September 2019.
  6. Web site: Here's a List of the 2020 South African Music Awards (SAMAs) Winners - OkayAfrica . OkayAfrica. Nobantu. Shabangu. August 16, 2020.
  7. Web site: Speedsta And DJ Tira Join 1s And 2s Season Six - ZAlebs. March 14, 2021. Zalebs. 5 July 2021. 25 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211025223530/https://zalebs.com/top-of-the/dj-zinhle/speedsta-and-dj-tira-join-1s-and-2s-season-six. dead.
  8. Web site: 2021-06-25. DJ Tira drops a new album ' Rockstar Forever '. 2021-06-26. DJs Production. en-US.
  9. Web site: DJ Tira Biography, Age, Wife, Songs, Car, Contact Details, Wedding & Sons. thenation.co.za . Nkosi. Joseph.
  10. Web site: DJ Tira introduces wife to ancestors. Qhama. Dayile. Drum.
  11. Web site: Certifications 2023. www.risa.org.za.
  12. Web site: 2019 SAMA Record of the Year nominees. Kwanele. Mathebula. May 31, 2019. 21 June 2020. 22 September 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200922071405/https://www.bona.co.za/2019-sama-record-of-the-year-nominees/. dead.
  13. Web site: Talent overload: All the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards. The South African.
  14. Web site: Metro FM Awards 2023: All the winners. Ano. Shumba. 7 May 2023.