South African electronic music powerhouse, Shimza continues to shape the global Afro House movement with the release of Sunset in Pretoria, a deeply emotive three-track EP that reflects both the scale of his international ascent and the enduring connection to the country that shaped him.
Released through his own imprint, Kunye Records, the project arrives at a defining moment in his career, following the launch of his landmark residency at Pacha Ibiza, and stands as a bold artistic statement from one of the most influential architects of contemporary African electronic music.
The body of work, Sunset in Pretoria EP, is a celebration of home, culture, and the evolution of Afro House as a global force.
Built around a carefully curated collective of South African and international collaborators, Sunset in Pretoria EP unfolds as a complete body of work rather than a collection of standalone tracks. Rich in atmosphere, melody, and emotional depth, the EP explores multiple shades of Afro House while remaining unmistakably rooted in South African musical identity.
Each record serves a distinct purpose, moving from introspection to celebration before arriving at an emotional resolution that reflects Shimza’s maturity both as a producer and cultural storyteller.
Opening the project is the cinematic title track, Sunset in Pretoria, created alongside French and Dubai-based producer Demayä. Built on warm synth textures, hypnotic percussion, and expansive melodic arrangements, the record captures the quiet beauty of a Pretoria sunset while gradually evolving into an immersive dancefloor experience. It is a composition that reflects Shimza’s gift for balancing subtle emotion with powerful musical progression, setting the tone for an EP that prioritises feeling as much as rhythm.
The second offering, uMa Wami, brings together Shimza, acclaimed vocalist Thatohatsi, and celebrated producer Jnr SA for one of the project’s defining moments. Driven by soulful vocal performances and rolling Afro House grooves, the collaboration celebrates the richness of South African musical talent while demonstrating the collaborative spirit that continues to define the country’s electronic music scene.
Arriving at a significant moment in Thatohatsi’s career as one of Spotify’s most-streamed female artists in South Africa, the record bridges local excellence with global ambition, reinforcing Shimza’s long-standing commitment to creating platforms where African artists can thrive on the world stage.
Closing the EP is Entle, featuring Jabulani Majola, a deeply expressive finale that showcases another dimension of Shimza’s artistry. Built around heartfelt vocals, rich instrumentation, and a slow-burning arrangement, the record unfolds with quiet restraint before reaching a powerful emotional climax. It is a fitting conclusion to a project built on atmosphere and storytelling, bringing Sunset in Pretoria EP full circle while leaving listeners with a lasting sense of warmth, reflection, and belonging.
The release lands during one of the most significant periods of Shimza’s career. Fresh from launching his residency at the legendary Pacha Ibiza, he continues to expand the international footprint of Afro House while remaining deeply invested in nurturing the culture that gave rise to his sound. His catalogue includes collaborations with Aloe Blacc, Elderbrook, CamelPhat, Prince Kaybee, Black Motion, Ami Faku, and Kasango, while his landmark performances for Cercle, Boiler Room, Tomorrowland, Ultra Music Festival South Africa, Sziget Festival, and Cercle Festival have established him as one of the defining electronic music artists of his generation. His global hit Fire! Fire! alongside AR/CO and Kasango has amassed more than 50 million Spotify streams, further demonstrating Afro House’s growing influence on the international music landscape.
Beyond his musical achievements, Shimza has become one of South Africa’s most important cultural leaders. Since launching his annual One Man Show in Soweto in 2009, the event has grown into one of the country’s largest philanthropic music gatherings, welcoming more than 25,000 attendees each year while supporting education and community development through the Shimuzic Foundation. His historic performance on Robben Island in 2020, the first by any artist, further illustrated his belief that music can preserve history, inspire dialogue, and create meaningful social impact beyond entertainment.
With Sunset in Pretoria EP, Shimza once again demonstrates that Afro House is more than another genre, but a cultural language capable of carrying deeply personal stories across continents. By bringing together international collaboration, South African excellence, and emotional storytelling, the EP captures an artist operating at the height of his creative powers while remaining firmly connected to his roots. It is both a celebration of where Shimza comes from and a confident statement about where South African electronic music is headed next.