15 African DJs changing the sound of global nightlife

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At a Glance

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• African DJs are driving Amapiano, Afro-house and gqom into global festival headliners.
• Streaming, collaborations and social media fuel African DJs’ international influence.
• Black Coffee, Kabza De Small and others position Africa as nightlife’s new epicenter.

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African DJs are no longer confined to local stages—they are redefining nightlife across global capitals, from Ibiza to New York.

Once considered niche, sounds like Amapiano, Afro-house, and gqom are now pulsing through the world’s biggest festivals and charting alongside mainstream electronic hits.

Powered by streaming platforms, international collaborations, and viral social media moments, African DJs have become cultural exporters, shaping how the world experiences club music.

DJs like Black Coffee, Kabza De Small, and DJ Spinall are proving that Africa is not just participating in the global dance scene—it’s leading it.

Here are 15 DJs pushing African rhythms to the center of global nightlife, compiled by Shore.Africa.

Black Coffee (South Africa)

One of the most recognizable names in house music, Black Coffee has built a global reputation through residencies in Ibiza and festival headlining sets. His presence on international charts and at top venues has helped Afro-house break into mainstream electronic music.

Kabza De Small (South Africa)

Dubbed the “King of Amapiano,” Kabza’s productions transformed a local township sound into an international club force. His streaming dominance and global collaborations have cemented Amapiano as more than just a passing trend.

DJ Lag (South Africa)

Known for pioneering gqom, DJ Lag has turned a raw, percussive street sound into a global festival favorite. His work with international artists has carried the genre into new spaces, from techno clubs to pop crossovers.

Major League DJz (South Africa)

The twin brothers have championed Amapiano’s spread beyond southern Africa with high-energy back-to-back sets at festivals worldwide. Their bookings confirm the genre’s international staying power.

Shimza (South Africa)

A respected producer and curator, Shimza combines large-scale events with international tours, showcasing how African DJs are shaping not only sound but also the global club experience.

DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)

Equally at home in Afrobeats and dance music, Maphorisa has produced hits that cross radio, clubs and festival stages, making him one of the most versatile African DJs today.

DJ Spinall (Nigeria)

From Lagos nightlife to global tours, Spinall has built a career on connecting Afrobeats with international audiences. His streaming appeal and brand partnerships highlight how Nigerian DJs monetize their reach.

DJ Neptune (Nigeria)

Starting as a hype man, Neptune evolved into a headline DJ, curating Afrobeats anthems that dominate both local clubs and diaspora festivals.

DJ Tunez (Nigeria)

Wizkid’s official DJ and a bridge between Afrobeats and global dancefloors, Tunez consistently pushes Nigerian music into new spaces through touring and playlists.

DJ Cuppy (Nigeria)

Cuppy blends entertainment, DJing and brand partnerships. Her sets and collaborations show how influencer culture and music performance now overlap in nightlife.

Uncle Waffles (Eswatini/South Africa)

Rising from viral social clips to international festival stages, Uncle Waffles illustrates how digital platforms can accelerate a DJ career in record time.

DJ Zinhle (South Africa)

A veteran DJ and businesswoman, Zinhle runs her own label and lifestyle ventures, demonstrating how African DJs expand into full-scale entrepreneurship.

Slikour (South Africa)

More than a DJ, Slikour’s curatorial footprint across events and broadcasts has helped codify playlists that mix hip-hop, house and local dancefloor sounds.

DJ Kaywise (Nigeria)

Known for building entire club nights around his presence, Kaywise fuses Afrobeats, Afropop and EDM, making him a regular name at festivals and arenas.

Juls (Ghana / UK)

Operating between London and Accra, Juls has created a lane where Afrobeats meets global pop and electronic music, offering a blueprint for DJs who double as producers.