DJ Tira
Mthokozi Khathi professionally known by his stage name DJ Tira, is a South African DJ, record producer and Kwaito artist from Durban, South Africa. He is the founder of the record label Afrotainment. DJ Tira is known for introducing artists such as Big Nuz, DJ C'ndo, DJ Fisherman and Dladla Mshunqisi through his record label Afrotainment. DJ Tira is part of the collective that discovered the Gqom music genre, which became popular around 2017.
Earlier Life
Mthokozi Khathi was born in KwaHlabisa Village located in KwaZulu-Natal. He moved from Hlabisa Village to Durban in 1979.He attended Mlokothwa High School and in 1995, he studied human resources at the University of Natal now known as UKZN.Music career
In 1996 DJ Tira developed an interest in being a DJ while he was still in varsity at which point he started playing as a DJ. Around 2001 he released his first record named Real Makoya, which is a compilation album along with DJ Khabzela. In 2005 he was signed by Oskido's Kalawa Jazzmee. He performed under group named Tzozo En Professor and later formed Durbans Finest together with DJ Sox which also was under Kalawa Jazzme Records. Dj Tira has history with Oskido as he is the one who signed him his first music contract, since then Dj Tira became a star. He established Ezase Afro which fell under Kalawa later being solo. Tira and Sox together they released a series compilation albums named under Durbans Finest. In 2007 DJ Tira launched his recording studio Afrotainment and signed DJ Cndo as the first artist under Afrotainment. 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".Ezase Afro Vol:1
In 2008 DJ Tira 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.Personal life
DJ Tira is married to Gugu Khathi and they have two sons and one daughter Junior, Chase and Chichi Khathi.DJ Tira (born In October 2016 he and his wife hosted a Umabo ceremony at his home in KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal. He is also a close friend of Zodwa Wabantu
Discography
List of studio albums
Compilation Albums
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award Ceremony | Prize | Work/Recipient | Result | Ref |
2004 | Metro FM Music Awards | Best Compilation album | "Durbans Finest Vol:1" | ||
2018 | Dance Music Awards South Africa | Best Live Act | Himself | ||
| 2019 | SAMA | Record of the Year | Himself |