DJ Njelic, whose real name is Tshwarelo Motlhako, is one of South Africa's most celebrated Amapiano DJs and producers. Born and raised in Soweto, Gauteng, he rose to prominence with his 2019 hit "Shesha Geza." He is also a vocalist, performer, comedian, and actor who has helped shape the global sound of Amapiano.
Source: Instagram
Key takeaways
- DJ Njelic's real name is Tshwarelo Motlhako, born in Mzimhlophe, Orlando West, Soweto.
- His 2019 breakout track "Shesha Geza", with De Mthuda, launched him to national fame.
- He began DJing in 2001 at his mother's shebeen in Soweto.
- His stage name evolved from the high school nickname "Njenji" before he settled on Njelic.
- He released his debut album, Garage FM, in 2020.
Profile summary
Full name | Tshwarelo Motlhako |
Date of birth | 14 July (birth year unconfirmed; c. 1989–1990) |
Age | Approximately 36–37 (as of 2026) |
Place of birth | Mzimhlophe, Orlando West, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Profession | DJ, producer, vocalist, comedian, actor |
Education | Not publicly disclosed |
Relationship status | Not officially confirmed |
Children | A daughter named Oarabile |
Parents | Mother (deceased, 2021); stepfather (father figure) |
Hair colour | Black |
Eye colour | Black |
Social media |
Njelic's life story
If you are a big fan of music in South Africa, you most definitely recognise DJ Njelic. He has risen through the ranks to become one of the most prominent deejays in the Mzansi nation.
How did Njelic get his name?
Tshwarelo Motlhako's stage name has an interesting origin. In a 2023 interview with Level Up Live Music Sessions, he recalled:
"The name Njelic started as Njenji. My name is Tshwarelo, my surname is Motlhako, and back then, in high school, I used to play soccer while deejaying elsewhere. But now, for soccer, it is easier for you to get a name, so I was named Njenji because of Palacious."
Source: Instagram
Njelic's family
Njelic grew up in Soweto with a close bond to his mother. He described her in an interview with Tbose on the My Top 10 at 10 show on Kaya 959. He noted:
"My mother was a very jolly person who loved speaking. She was one of those mothers who were never afraid to speak her mind."
His relationship with his stepfather was initially complicated. As he explained:
"At first, I didn't like the idea of him dating my mother, but as time went on, I noticed that this person genuinely cared for us."
Njelic eventually came to regard his stepfather as a father figure. Tragically, he lost both parents in quick succession: his mother passed away in 2021, and his father died in a road accident in 2022.
He has a daughter named Oarabile.
Njelic's career
How did Njelic start DJing? Njelic began his DJ journey in 2001, performing at his mother's shebeen in Soweto. He later became a resident DJ at Backroom (now known as Icon) in Soweto. Before adopting the Njelic name, he performed as Nje Nje.
He was among the early pioneers of Amapiano, the South African house music subgenre that blends deep house, jazz, and lounge music. His sound draws directly from his Soweto upbringing. He explained this on Level Up Live Music Sessions.
"My music is basically based on my background, how I grew up and how I listened to music back then."
He also sang tenor in the music ensemble Band of Hope and pursued singing seriously from high school.
Breakthrough and collaborations
His breakthrough came with "Shesha Geza", released in May 2019 alongside De Mthuda. The track established him as a leading Amapiano voice across South Africa. He has since collaborated with Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Boohle, and Samthing Soweto.
He is associated with House Afrika Records, run by veteran producer and DJ Vinny Da Vinci. He has also advised upcoming artists to value their craft and use platforms such as YouTube and Instagram to share their work.
In 2022, he partnered with the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) on the Spring edition of its Phepha road safety campaign.
DJ Njelic's songs
Some of his most popular tracks include:
- "Shesha Geza" (with De Mthuda, 2019)
- "Umsholozi" (with DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, 2019)
- "Chomi" (with Mthuda and Samthing Soweto, 2020)
- "Wamuhle" (with Boohle, 2021)
- "Eningi" (with Kabza De Small, Simmy, and Mhaw Keys, 2022)
- "Nana Thula" (with Kabza De Small)
- "Liyoshona"
- "Down The Drain (Mixed)" (with Thabza Tee)
- "Bophelo Ke Ntwa"
- "Ebumnandini"
- "Phanda"
- "Tsotsi"
- "Mudle Mali'Yakhe"
- "Shesha"
- "Krag"
- "Messiah"
- "Jabula"
- "Hamba Juba"
- "Abadeleli"
- "Maria Nova"
- "The Life"
- "Africa My Africa"
- "Ho Monate Sandton"
- "Woza"
DJ Njelic's albums
His debut album, Garage FM, was released in 2020. It features Afropop-leaning tracks with various guest artists and cemented his reputation as a versatile Amapiano producer.
DJ Njelic's net worth
Njelic's net worth has not been publicly disclosed. His income streams largely come from his music career, including live performances, music releases, brand partnerships, and streaming royalties.
Latest news
As of 2026, Njelic continues to perform across South Africa and internationally. He headlined a live-band show at The Basement, Johannesburg, in April 2026. He also performed at Tshwanefontein, Pretoria, in June 2026. Earlier, in January 2025, he headlined the House of Habanos launch party in Botswana.
His international profile grew after a Boiler Room x Ballantine's True Music Studios session filmed in Soweto, which introduced his sound to a global audience.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Njelic's real name? His real name is Tshwarelo Motlhako. He adopted the stage name Njelic after his high school nickname "Njenji."
- Where was Njelic born? He was born in Mzimhlophe, Orlando West, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa.
- How old is Njelic? His exact birth year has not been officially confirmed. Sources suggest he was born around 1989 or 1990. He celebrates his birthday on 14 July, which would make him approximately 36 or 37 as of 2026.
- Does Njelic have kids? Yes. He has a daughter named Oarabile.
- How much does it cost to book Njelic? His booking fee has not been publicly confirmed. To enquire about a booking, reach out via his Instagram (@njelic_sa) or through the promoters and venues he works with.
- Who are the top Afro house DJs in South Africa? South Africa's leading Afro house and Amapiano DJs include Black Coffee (ranked 14th in DJ Mag's 2026 Top 100 DJs), Shimza, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, and Njelic himself. Black Coffee is widely regarded as the biggest DJ on the continent.
- What was Njelic's breakout song? His breakout hit was "Shesha Geza" (May 2019), a collaboration with De Mthuda.
- What genre does Njelic make? He specialises in Amapiano, a South African house music subgenre that blends deep house, jazz, and lounge music.
DJ Njelic has created a big name for himself as an amapiano artist and deejay. He continues to release good music and mixes for the Mzansi nation and the whole continent of Africa.
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Source: Briefly News
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