Ashley ‘Shimza‘ Raphala had a bit of explaining to do when one of his tweets drew ire from social media.
Shimza clears the air on exploitative tweet
The renowned South African producer and businessman received backlash after he posted a tweet, calling on graphic designers to submit ideas for his reimagined brand logo.
Graphic design Twitter, I’m looking at changing my logo, please send me design suggestions for me to check out 🙏🏾
— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) April 26, 2022
The tweet was not accompanied by remuneration offers and this is what frustrated tweeps who accused the DJ of exploitation.
There’s so many people who have Shimza thinking. There’s another popular producer who believes he’s the best. Never pays creatives their money as what makes it more sick is how other industry people gas him up as if he gives people opportunities when in actual fact he exploits
— Sindiswa (@SindiswaNene) April 26, 2022
Shimza substantiation was wholly dismissed, with fans calling out the producer, who garnered a bad rep for his links to shoddy tender deals with Gauteng’s provincial government, for failing to use his platform to empower creatives.
However, Shimza disagrees. According to the Kunye hitmaker, “your full plate might come from just putting your empty plate on the table.”
Your full plate might come from just putting your empty plate on the table. pic.twitter.com/K4mZlw1lQn
— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) April 26, 2022
Twitter begged to differ. Here are some of the reactions to Shimza’s assertions:
What Shimza is doing is exactly what the UN expect us to do, expect an Intern to live in Geneva or New York as a volunteer to work for free under under guise of getting "exposure", even human rights organizations think it's palatable
— Nkanyiso Ngqulunga (@Nkanyiso_ngqulu) April 26, 2022
Shimza, I'm looking to hire a DJ for a party I'm throwing, send me some Playlists for me to check out… https://t.co/WznK3uknfH
— Ntsiks (@NontsikeleloZA) April 26, 2022
Shimza fighting for his right to free services in the name of exposure
— gentle giant🤴🏿 (@Silindokuhle_) April 26, 2022