In a year defined by breakthrough releases, global DJ support, and a fast-expanding international footprint, DJ Hydra has emerged as one of Afro House’s most exciting new forces.

His signature blend of deeply rooted African rhythms and forward-leaning electronic textures has captured the attention of tastemaker labels, influential selectors, and dancefloors from London to Hong Kong. Following the success of his debut EP Moyo Wa Upendo on OVAVA Music, the launch of his own imprint Suru Records, and a new residency at The Trilogy, Hydra is stepping into 2025 with undeniable momentum.

We sat down with the rising artist to discuss the creative journey behind his breakout year, the influences driving his sound, and his vision for crafting timeless music as he continues to shape the future of Afro House.

2025 has been a landmark year for you at what moment did it really hit that things were shifting in your career?

I think it has to be when Ovava signed my debut tracks ‘Like House’ and ‘Moyo Wa Upendo’, I realized my career started to get some international attention.

How do you balance staying true to your African rhythmic roots while incorporating modern electronic textures?

For me, I’m always constantly looking to push the boundaries of dance music, and there’s just something really exciting about mixing African rhythms and modern electronic textures that creates a unique style of music.

Tell us how the likes of Keinemusik and Black Coffee had a role inspiring your sound?

Black Coffee and Keinemusik over the years have constantly pushed and evolved the dance music scene over the years and have created distinct sounds, and it’s inspiring to see.

Your debut EP Moyo Wa Upendo and its B-side Like House made a strong international impact. What was the creative story behind these tracks?

‘Like House’ is a cheeky jab at my friends who are not really into house music; the second track, ‘Moyo Wa Upendo’ was a much more emotional journey.

How did it feel watching your own label’s first release, “Bamidele” take off?

It was absolutely amazing and a sign that I was heading in the right direction as well as building and connecting with an audience.

Your new single 5am in Soho showcases a more emotive, melodic direction. What inspired this shift in tone?

I’m a melodic guy at heart. I’ve always loved deeply emotive tracks; ‘5am in Soho’ was my attempt at letting my deeply emotive side on a song.

Your tracks have been supported by a wide range of global artists from Themba to Paco Osuna. What does that kind of recognition mean for you?

It is surreal, these are legends in the industry, and it truly means a lot to me as an upcoming act within the industry.

Launching Suru Records was a major step. What is the core vision for the imprint? Do you see Suru becoming a home not just for your music, but for emerging Afro House talent as well?

For now, it’ll mostly be a home for my music, but as time goes on, it will eventually become a space for emerging afro house talents as well.

You’ve just begun a residency at The Trilogy in Hong Kong, what excites you most about bringing your sound to that scene and how does playing in Hong Kong compared to the other crowds you’ve connected with globally?

Hong Kong is an amazing city, the crowd is different and unique than anywhere else in the world, and it’s really exciting to see.

DJ Hydra

You mentioned wanting to make “timeless music”, what does timelessness mean to you in the context of Afro House?

Timeless Music is not just the song of the summer; it’s that track you put on years later, and it still sounds like you heard it for the first time. ‘The Rapture III’ by Kienemusik and Black Coffee, that’s timeless afro house music.

With such a strong breakout year, how do you stay grounded and focused creatively and what piece of advice would you give to up-and-coming artists?

It’s been an amazing breakout year, but still a lot of work is needed to get to where I want to be. So, I’m constantly showing up and working on my sound, either in the studio on a new track or on the dance floor with an audience. And that’s the same advice I would give to other up-and-coming artists.

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