Shimza OMS charity show to host top SA musicians

OMS is an outdoor party held on Christmas Day to raise funds for underprivileged children in the Tembisa township. Shimza has used the proceeds from the OMS show to buy school uniforms for pupils in the township since 2009.

The 2018 event will be hosted by Somizi and Skhumba and feature AKA, Kwesta, Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Sjava, Nadia Nakai, Lady Zamar, Shekhinah, Busiswa, Mi Casa and Black Motion.

“I am so excited about this year’s show," Shimza told Music In Africa. "We have raised the bar, we have an amazing line-up and there are more female artists this year as well, which I am very excited about.

“I am grateful for the support from fans and peers. We have a great programme for the kids before the adult party starts. Somizi and Skhumba are back as hosts. I can’t wait for the 25th!”

Shimza said he had always wanted to give back to the community in which he grew up.

"OMS was something that I started at a time when I was the only DJ playing at the event," he said. "It later developed to an event where other artists joined me. This show has been growing over the years, which is quite good because it gives me access to donate more to my community.”

Asked if the fundraising event had received government and cooperate support, Shimza said: “I am getting a lot of support from the city of Ekurhuleni. Things would have been difficult for me as a promoter if it wasn’t for the city's support in organising such a big show.

"The city has played a big role in making sure that this event happens. The Gauteng department of sport, arts, culture and recreation is also playing an important part in the event. Last time we donated 500 pairs of shoes to schoolchildren but this year I would like to raise the figure to 1 500.”

The 2018 OMS event will begin with a daytime children’s charity party for orphans living in various homes in Tembisa. The orphans will receive shoes in January before the new school year begins.

OMS tickets are available via Computicket.