DJ Tira

Mthokozisi Khathi (born August 24, 1976^[1]) professionally known by his stage name DJ Tira, is a South African DJ, record producer and Kwaito artist. Born in Hlabisa, he moved to Durban as a child.^[2]

In 2000 he won the Smirnoff SA DJ Knockout competition along with Mthokozisi Mbatha from Hlabisa. He is part of the collective that discovered the Gqom music genre.

In 2007, he established his own record label Afrotaiment.

On August 24, 2020^[3] he released his fourth album 21 Years Of DJ Tira and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) ^[4][5]album include chart-topping singles "Nguwe" and "Uyandazi", which peaked #5 on iTunes Chart and #31 on Apple Music Chart.^[6][7]

0n June 25, 2021, his fifth studio album Rockstar Forever was released. The album rank number 1 on iTunes chart.

Early life and career[]

Khathi was born in KwaHlabisa Village, KwaZulu-Natal,^[8] He relocated to Durban in 1979 and attended Mlokothwa High School^[8] In 1995, Khathi studied human resources at the University of Natal now known as UKZN.^[1]

1996-2001:Career beginnings and DJ Tira[]

He developed an interest in being a DJ while he was still in varsity at which point he started playing as a DJ, In 1996.^[9] Around 2001 he released his first record named Real Makoya,^[1] which is a compilation album along with DJ Khabzela. In 2005, he was signed his record deal with Kalawa Jazzmee.^[8] He performed under group named Tzozo En Professor and later formed Durbans Finest together with DJ Sox which also was under Kalawa Jazmee Records. He has history with Oskido as the one who signed him his first music contract, since then he became a star.^[8] He established Ezase Afro which fell under Kalawa later being solo.^[10] Tira and Sox together they released a series compilation albums named under Durbans Finest.

In 2007, He launched his recording studio Afrotainment and signed DJ Cndo as the first artist on his record label.^[8] 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 relocating from Johannesburg to their origin, Durban. In 2008, DJ Tira as a featured artist, he 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".

2008:Ezase Afro Vol:1[]

In 2008, he released his first solo project under his record label named Ezase Afro Vol:1. Ncedo Mbundwini, from Mount Frere was the top producer of many hit songs on this album. 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 did remarkable on the market as it sold more than 20 000 copies.^[1]

2019-2020: 21 Years of DJ Tira[]

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).

On March 2021, he co-host sabc 1 talent show competition called 1's and 2's season 6.^[11]

2021-present:Rockstar Forever[]

0n June 25, 2021, he released his fifth studio album Rockstar Forever, was released in South Africa. The album features Q Twins, Makhadzi, Western Boyz, Jumbo, Prince Bulo, Biza Wethu, Mampintsha, Joocy, Ntencane, Proffesor, Beast, Worst Behaviour, Dladla Mshunqisi, BlaQRythm, Mtebza & Khazozo.^[12]

Rockstar Forever rank number 1 on iTunes charts South Africa.^{[citation needed]}

Personal life[]

DJ Tira is married to Gugu Khathi and they have two sons and one daughter Junior, Chase and Chichi Khathi.^[9] DJ Tira and his wife hosted a Umabo ceremony at his home in KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal.^[13]

Discography[]

List of studio albums[]

Compilation albums[]

Awards and nominations[]

This list is incomplete; you can help by . (March 2018)

References[]

External links[]

• Official website