Mthokozi Khathi who was born on 24th August 1976 is known by his stage name DJ Tira, is a South African DJ, record producer, Durban kwaito artiste and a founder of a record label called Afrotainment. DJ Tira is known for introducing artistes in the music industry such as Big Nuz, DJ C’ndo, and DJ Fisherman through his record label Afrotainment.
DJ Tira is one of those who discovered Gqom music genre which became popular around 2017. Mthokozi Khathi was born in KwaHlabisa Village located in KwaZulu-Natal. He moved from Hlabisa Village to Durban in 1979. He studied Human Resources at the University of Natal.
Dj Tira. Source: @djtira/Instagram
DJ Tira in 1996 he developed the interest of being a disk jockey while he was still in varsity and 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 joined with Kalawa Jazzmee under a group named Tzozo En Professor and later formed Durban’s Finest together with Sox. Tira and Sox together they released a series compilation albums named under Durban’s Finest. In 2007 DJ Tira launched his recording studio Afrotainment and signed DJ Cndo as the first artist under Afrotainment.
Dj Tira. Source: @djtira/Instagram
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 artiste, he appeared on two biggest records on urban radio charts and music shops charts alongside Big Nuz’s “Ubala Lolo” and DJ Clock’s “Mahamba Yedwa”.
Dj Tira. Source: @djtira/Instagram
In 2008 DJ Tira released his first solo project under his record label named “Ezase Afro Vol:1”. 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 remarkably on the market as it sold more than 20,000 copies.
Dj Tira. Source: @djtira/Instagram
DJ Tira who is also a close friend with Zodwa Wabantu is married to Gugu Khathi and they have two sons and one daughter Junior, Chase and Gigi Khathi and they are willing to follow into their father’s shoes, and the father was not convinced they will make it because of the rough path of the music industry and he wanted them to put more effort into their studies. On October 2016 he and his wife hosted a Umabo ceremony at his home in KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal which indicates he believes in Persecution of traditional African religion.