DJ Shimza, whose real name is Ashley Kholofelo Raphala, has been removed as a director of Kunye Records following allegations of financial misconduct, despite headlining the Kunye Jozi XI event at Huddle Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
The development has raised questions about the relationship between Shimza, Kunye Records and the Kunye music events, which are closely associated with the internationally acclaimed DJ.
The Companies Tribunal ordered Shimza and fellow director Jarrad Evan Treger’s removal with immediate effect on 20 August 2026, following an application by fellow shareholder Hannes Hoffmeister. The ruling was based on allegations that the two had neglected or been derelict in performing their duties as directors.
According to court papers reported by Africa Daily, Hoffmeister accused Shimza of failing to disclose his interest in Just Exists (Pty) Ltd, which allegedly received R752,000 from Kunye Records between 2022 and 2024.
The payments reportedly included R300,000 for a SOL Pretoria sponsorship, R120,000 for a Standard Bank sponsorship of a Kunye Johannesburg event, another R300,000 linked to a SOL/Heineken sponsorship and R32,000 for a KwaZulu-Natal sponsorship.
Hoffmeister further alleged that Strongbow paid Kunye Records R540,000 on 2 April 2024, which was transferred to Just Exists the following day under the reference “Just Exist Refund”, despite there allegedly being no refund due and no board approval.
Another payment of R185,000 to Shimuzic, an entity associated with Shimza, was also questioned. Hoffmeister alleged that the payment was not authorised by the board and was unrelated to supporting Kunye’s events.
The allegations also included payments to Shimza’s personal tour manager and photographer, as well as claims that he established competing entertainment brands, U’R and Shimza & Friends, while serving as a director of Kunye Records.
The Companies Tribunal found that the documentary evidence presented by Hoffmeister supported his application. It noted that Shimza and Treger had been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations but did not submit evidence to oppose the application.
However, Shimza and Treger have approached the Western Cape High Court to challenge the Tribunal’s decision. They are seeking to have the ruling reviewed and set aside, arguing that they were not given a proper opportunity to respond to the allegations. (www3.saflii.org)
Despite the corporate dispute, Kunye Jozi XI went ahead at Huddle Park on Saturday, with Shimza on the advertised line-up alongside international DJ Francis Mercier and South African house veteran DJ Kent.
The event was organised under the Kunye Together brand. Its continuation, and Shimza’s appearance on the line-up, highlight the distinction between his removal as a director of Kunye Records and the wider Kunye-branded music events.
