Cape Town – South African DJ and producer Shimza has given fans a candid glimpse into the demanding realities of life on the international touring circuit, revealing that the glamour often seen on social media only tells part of the story.
The globally acclaimed DJ, who is currently in the midst of a busy European tour, took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes moment from his travels.
Posting a photograph of himself sleeping on an airport couch in Frankfurt, Shimza opened up about the exhaustion, uncertainty and resilience required to maintain a demanding performance schedule.
His European run began in France, where he performed at Marseille’s Isula Festival, a three-day celebration of Corsican culture. He then travelled to Italy, taking to the decks at Space Riccione, a renowned superclub on the Romagna Riviera.
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The tour is set to continue with a performance at the iconic Pacha Ibiza in Spain on 4 June. Shimza is also scheduled to return to the legendary venue on 18 June, where he will join Grammy Award-winning South African star Tyla for a major closing party.
While fans often see packed dancefloors and energetic performances, Shimza said the reality behind those moments is far more demanding.
“The other side that requires resilience. Last night I finished at 3am after a full day of travel and went straight to the airport for a 6am flight. It’s now almost 16:00 and I’m still on the road, one cancelled flight, rebooked onto another airline, an extra connection, and now another delay,” he wrote.
The DJ said that the challenges of international touring extend well beyond what is captured in short clips shared online.
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“The happy 30-second videos from the shows rarely show this side of what we do. The travel, the uncertainty, the long hours, and the constant adapting and still showing up at the highest level,” he said.
Despite the demanding schedule, Shimza said he remains grateful for the opportunity to pursue the career he loves.
“It’s all part of the journey, and I’m grateful to be able to do what I love,” he added.
His post resonated with many fans, offering a reminder that behind the sold-out shows and social media highlights lies a relentless schedule that requires discipline, endurance and a passion for the craft.
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Picture: Instagram/ Shimza
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
