DJ Tira
Birth nameMthokozisi Khathi
Born (1976-08-24) 24 August 1976
KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • DJ
  • record producer
  • businessman
Years active1997–present
LabelsAfrotainment
Spouse(s)
Gugu Khathi
​
(m. 2013)​
Websitewww.afrotainment.com

Mthokozisi Khathi is a South African DJ, record producer, kwaito and Gqom artist and businessman.He was born on 24 August 1976 in KwaHlabisa, South Africa. He is popularly known as "DJ Tira."

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[1] and enrolled at the University of Natal now known as UKZN in 1995, studying human resources.[2]

Career

Khathi developed an interest in being a DJ while he was at university, when he started playing as a DJ in 1996.[3] Around 2001, he released his first record named Real Makoya,[4] which is a compilation album with DJ Khabzela. In 2005, he was signed a record deal with Kalawa Jazzmee.[1] He formed a group named Tzozo En Professor and later formed Durbans Finest together with DJ Sox which also was under Kalawa Jazmee Records.[4] 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.[1] 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.[4]

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.[5] Tira released Ikhenani on September 13, 2019.[6] Ikhenani won Best Kwaito Album at the 26th ceremony of South African Music Awards.[7]

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.[8]

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.[9] 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.[3] DJ Tira and his wife hosted a Umabo (traditional Zulu ceremony) at his home in KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal.[10]

Discography

List of studio albums

Album title Album details Certification
Ezase Afro Vol:1
Ezase Afro Vol:2
  • Released: 2012
  • Label: Afrotainment
  • Formats: CD, Digital download
Ikhenani
21 Years Of DJ Tira (RiSA):Platinum
Rockstar Forever
Malume Way

Compilation albums

Album title Album details
Real Makoya (with DJ Khabzela)
  • Released: 2001
  • Formats: CD
Durbans Finest Vol:1 (with Sox and Ncedo M)
  • Released: 2004
  • Formats: CD
Durbans Finest Vol:2 (with Sox)
  • Released: 2005
  • Formats: CD

Awards and nominations

Year Award Prize Work/recipient Result Ref.
2004
 AMFMA Best Compilation album Durbans Finest Vol:1 Won
2018
 DMASA Best Live Act Himself Nominated
2019 SAMA Record of the

Year

 Nominated [11]
2020 26th SAMA Best Kwaito/Gqom/Amapiano Nominated
1st KZN Entertainment Awards Special Achievement Award Himself Won [12]
2023 Metro FM Music Awards Best Kwaito/Gqom Song "Sikilidi" Won [13]
Best Music Video Won

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "DJ Tira Biography: Age, Family, Education, Career, Awards, Wife, Controversy, Cars". zalebs.com. 11 April 2020. Archived from the original on 28 February 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  2. 1 2 "DJ Tira's biography". TVSA. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  3. 1 2 Nkosi, Joseph. "DJ Tira Biography, Age, Wife, Songs, Car, Contact Details, Wedding & Sons". thenation.co.za.
  4. 1 2 3 Julie Kwach (9 August 2019). "Dj Tira biography: age, wife, best songs, Instagram, cars, and net worth". briefly.co.za.
  5. ↑ "DJ Tira to release a new single, Thank You Mr DJ, featuring Joocy | JustNje". JustNje. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
  6. ↑ "DJ Tira releases his much anticipated album, Ikhenani | JustNje". JustNje. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  7. ↑ Shabangu, Nobantu. "Here's a List of the 2020 South African Music Awards (SAMAs) Winners - OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  8. ↑ "Speedsta And DJ Tira Join 1s And 2s Season Six - ZAlebs". Zalebs. 14 March 2021. Archived from the original on 25 October 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  9. ↑ "DJ Tira drops a new album ' Rockstar Forever '". DJs Production. 25 June 2021. Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  10. ↑ Dayile, Qhama. "DJ Tira introduces wife to ancestors". Drum.
  11. ↑ Mathebula, Kwanele (31 May 2019). "2019 SAMA Record of the Year nominees". Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  12. ↑ "Talent overload: All the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards". The South African.
  13. ↑ Shumba, Ano (7 May 2023). "Metro FM Awards 2023: All the winners".
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