# DJ Tira

Mthokozisi Khathi (born 24 August 1976) popularly known as DJ Tira, is a South African DJ, record producer, and businessman.

## Early life

Khathi was born in KwaHlabisa Village, KwaZulu-Natal, and his family relocated to Durban in 1979. Khathi attended Mlokothwa High School and enrolled at the University of Natal now known as UKZN in 1995, studying human resources.

## Career

Khathi developed an interest in being a DJ while he was at university, when he started playing as a DJ in 1996. Around 2001, he released his first record named Real Makoya, which is a compilation album with DJ Khabzela. In 2005, he was signed a record deal with Kalawa Jazzmee. He formed a group named Tzozo En Professor and later formed Durbans Finest together with DJ Sox which also was under Kalawa Jazmee Records. Tira and Sox together released a series compilation albums named Durbans Finest.
In 2007, he launched his recording studio Afrotainment and signed DJ Cndo as the first artist on his record label. 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 they relocated from Johannesburg to Durban. In 2008, DJ Tira as a featured artist 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".
In 2008, he 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 sold more than 20 000 copies.
In March 2019, his single "Amachankura" featuring TNS was released as the lead single from an upcoming studio album. In July 2019, the second single "Thank You Mr DJ" featuring Joocy was released. Tira released Ikhenani on September 13, 2019. Ikhenani won Best Kwaito Album at the 26th ceremony of South African Music Awards.
On August 24, 2020, his fourth studio album 21 Years of DJ Tira was released in South Africa, celebrating a 21 years in music industry. The album was certified platinum by the Recording industry of South Africa (RiSA).
In March 2021, he co-hosted season 6 of the SABC 1 talent show competition, 1's and 2's.
On June 25, 2021, his fifth studio album Rockstar Forever was released in South Africa. The album features the Q Twins, Makhadzi, Western Boyz, Jumbo, Prince Bulo, Biza Wethu, Mampintsha, Joocy, Ntencane, Proffesor, Beast, Worst Behaviour, Dladla Mshunqisi, BlaQRythm, Mtebza & Khazozo. Rockstar Forever rank number 1 on iTunes charts South Africa.

## Personal life

DJ Tira is married to Gugu Khathi and they have one son and one daughter. DJ Tira and his wife hosted a Umabo (traditional Zulu ceremony) at his home in KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal.

## Discography
### Studio albums

| Title | Details | Certifications |
| Ezase Afro Vol:1 | Released: 12 December 2013 Label: Afrotainment Format: CD, digital download | |
| Ezase Afro Vol:2 | Released: 2012 Label: Afrotainment Format: CD, digital download | |
| Ikhenani | Released: 13 September 2019 Label: Afrotaiment Format: digital download, CD | |
| 21 Years of DJ Tira | Released: 24 August 2020 Label: Afrotaiment Format: digital download | RiSA: Platinum |
| Rockstar Forever | Released: June 2021 Label: Afrotaiment Format: digital download, streaming | |
| Malume Way | Released: 24 August 2023 Label: Afrotaiment Format: digital download, streaming | |

### Compilation albums

| Title | Details |
| Real Makoya (with DJ Khabzela) | Released: 2001 Format: CD |
| Durbans Finest Vol:1 (with Sox and Ncedo M) | Released: 2004 Format: CD |
| Durbans Finest Vol:2 (with Sox) | Released: 2005 Format: CD |

### As featured artist

List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name :
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album |
| Title | Year | ZA | Certifications | Album |
| "Gibela" (Xowla featuring DJ Tira) | 2022 | — | RiSA: Gold | Non-album single |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |||||

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Prize | Nominee / work | Result |
| 2004 | AMFMA | Best Compilation Album | Durbans Finest Vol:1 | Won |
| 2018 | DMASA | Best Live Act | Himself | Nominated |
| 2019 | SAMA | Record of the Year | Himself | Nominated |
| 2020 | 26th SAMA | Best Kwaito/Gqom/Amapiano | Himself | Nominated |
| 2020 | 1st KZN Entertainment Awards | Special Achievement Award | Himself | Won |
| 2023 | Metro FM Music Awards | Best Kwaito/Gqom Song | "Sikilidi" | Won |
| 2023 | Metro FM Music Awards | Best Music Video | "Sikilidi" | Won |