DJ Shimza, born Ashley Raphala, has carved out a significant career as an international DJ and producer, but his romantic life has also garnered public attention, marked by a long-term, resilient relationship with Athi Geleba and a few notable public interludes. His journey through love reflects the complexities of maintaining personal connections under the glare of the public eye, ultimately returning to a foundational partnership that has spanned over a decade.
The cornerstone of Shimza's romantic history is his enduring relationship with Athi Geleba, a prominent figure as the Head of Digital Communication in the South African Presidency. While their relationship has gained significant public visibility more recently, the couple celebrated twelve years together as of March 2025, indicating their initial connection began around 2013. This long-standing partnership has been a consistent, albeit sometimes private, aspect of his life, weathering the storms of fame and public scrutiny.
During a temporary separation from Athi Geleba, Shimza was publicly linked to actress Kamo Modisakeng in September 2017. The DJ himself confirmed this relationship to Drum magazine, and the couple shared snippets of their time together on social media. This brief romance was a public acknowledgment of a new connection during a period when his long-term relationship was reportedly on pause, showcasing a fleeting chapter in his romantic narrative.
Following the relationship with Kamo Modisakeng, Shimza entered a highly publicized "whirlwind romance" with model and media personality Keitumetse Naomi Noinyane, widely known as K Naomi, in 2018. This period was explicitly noted as a time when Shimza and Athi Geleba had briefly parted ways. Their connection reportedly began on Instagram, quickly becoming a subject of tabloid headlines due to its public nature and rapid progression.
The relationship with K Naomi was intense but short-lived, culminating in a highly publicized breakup that generated considerable media attention. Reports at the time suggested a dramatic end, with some sources indicating that Shimza had attempted to reconcile with K Naomi through a "notorious email," pleading for her return. This brief, high-profile interlude marked a significant, albeit temporary, deviation from his long-term partnership.
Despite the public nature of these other relationships, Shimza ultimately returned to Athi Geleba, reaffirming their deep connection and commitment. Their reconciliation marked the re-establishment of their enduring partnership, which has since continued to flourish publicly. The couple frequently shares their journey on social media, offering glimpses into their life together and celebrating milestones, such as their recent 12-year anniversary.
Their relationship, particularly due to Athi Geleba's high-profile role, has not been without its share of public scrutiny and controversy. Social media users have, at times, accused Shimza of benefiting from Geleba's political connections to secure government tenders, leading to ongoing "tenderpreneur" allegations. Despite these criticisms, the couple has consistently presented a united front, choosing to share their love story openly.
Athi Geleba and DJ Shimza continue to be a prominent couple in the South African public eye, often seen attending events together and supporting each other's careers. Their ability to navigate public criticism and maintain a stable relationship over such a long period speaks to the strength of their bond. As of recent reports, they remain together, showcasing a journey of love that has evolved and deepened through various public and private challenges.
Shimza's romantic history, while featuring brief public relationships, is predominantly defined by his consistent and long-standing partnership with Athi Geleba. Their story highlights a journey of love that has endured over a decade, marked by public appearances, temporary separations, and eventual reconciliations, cementing their status as one of South Africa's enduring celebrity couples.