Sibusiso Mhlongo famously known as the music luminary DJ Merlon was born 28 years ago
on the 7th day of August at Umbumbulu, a mission under eThekwini Municipality.
Technically gifted and ambitious with his education he moved to Esikhawini Township in
Zululand where he matriculated at Hlamvana High School. His passion for Music began
when he started his Tertiary Education in 2002 at the Durban University of Technology.
From then on his life was never quite the same; this musical prodigy was destined for great
things. He graduate getting his Operations/ Production Management Diploma in 2005.
Later that year (2005), DJ Merlon joined forces and went on to assist ZakesBANTWINI when
he started his Music label, Mayonie Production. In that midst, Mayonie Productions
discovered and signed Lvovo Derrango early in 2006 and Merlon become his Tour Manager,
DJ and opening Act. During his time at Mayonie Productions DJ Merlon was presented with
an exclusive opportunity, he was one of the people whom were in the forefront in the
making of Lvovo Derrango’s first studio album. This opportunity led him to work closely with
a group called Shana (Shota, Demor and BlackCoffee). In 2007 parallel to his DJ career he
became an Artist Manager for Lvovo Derrango and Later for all Mayonie Productions Artists
including Zakes Bantwini, Beezory and the late DJ Buddah.
In 2008 he left Mayonie Productions to focus and develop his DJ career, a month later Lvovo
Derrango also left Mayonie Productions to start his own label Derrango Records and signed
DJ Merlon as his first artist. This was yet another promising opportunity for the multitalented
Disc Jockey. However; it was not all smiles and gloom, with Lvovo busy with his
booming and the promising Kwaito career, DJ Merlon was left with no choice but to go back
into the office, he then multi tasked between being a DJ and a label manager for Derrango
Records. During this time he used this opportunity to further develop his DJ skills playing
before/ after Lvovo’s performance in all the gigs they attended, including the international
performances/ stages in England, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and also in all
nine provinces locally, slowly DJ Merlon’s brand was growing and with immense potential,
indeed greater things were on the way.
In 2010, Merlon joined forces with Mthokozi “DJ Tira” Khathi on the release of Lvovo’s 4th
offering “Irresistible”, both of them as executive producers to the project.
Flash-forward to 2011 DJ Merlon developed his DJ brand and became one of the most
sought after DJ’s in Durban and the entire KwaZulu Natal Province and other provinces, he
was no longer just a DJ, he was a well-recognised and respected brand among promoters
and event organisers.
2012 was a stepping stone for this house music sensation; besides being an executive
producer to Lvovo Derrango’s “The Head Master” album, he started working on his first
musical offering, his very own project titled “Sounds musical” which is now released and
available in all good music stores. To guarantee success of this album nationally Derrango
Records joined forces with Music Box Entertainment owned by the popular DJ Terence.
Together they sealed a deal for a star DJ with Soul Candi now known as Music
Entertainment and Solution Hub (MESH). With this album Merlon wanted to unleash new
talent, working with local underground Vocalists such as Lwazi, Ndu Shezi, Bevan Lynch and
Monaco. However, with all his references he did work with some of the big names as well
such as DJ Terence, Lvovo Derrango, Moneoa and Mondli Ngcobo and well recognised
producers including Invaders of Africa, Pex Africa, Mondli Ngcobo and Unplugged.
Over the years he has played alongside and shared stages with internationally recognised
and musical influences such as BlackCoffee (Soulistic Music), Ralf gum (GOGO-Music),
Rocco, Oskido, Fistaz and DJ Fresh.
Besides being a DJ, Merlon has also coordinated and managed a number of events for
tertiary institutions, private sector and government departments around the country. In
these events he has also booked and worked with a number of high ranking artists and
companies.
What makes him unique as a DJ is his vocal house sound, continuously improving skills and
techniques when he entertained crowds all over the country and very soon the world.
Indeed with so much talent, focus and skill, DJ Merlon is the next Big name to ever come out
of the South African Music industry.


Saint Evo, an illustrious DJ/Producer with East African and South Asian roots, has long been celebrated as a pioneer of the Afro House scene in East Africa. His musical odyssey, fueled by an unyielding passion for melody and a profound belief in the transformative power of music, has seen him craft distinctive sounds deeply rooted in African cultural heritage while resonating with global audiences.

From a tender age, the rhythmic heartbeat of the Maasai people profoundly shaped his artistic journey. The vibrant soundscapes of the Equatorial region, combined with his South Asian lineage, infused his artistry with a rich diversity of influences. Over the years, his productions have graced acclaimed record labels across Africa, Europe, and North America, with celebrated tracks such as Tawada (Remix), Call, Wahyu, Tuhan, Wiyyan, Lespri, Ecouter, Mntwana, and Abantu Betshe. His contribution to global dance music was recognized by 1001 TrackLists’ “Future Of Dance 2023”, solidifying his reputation as a creative force in the industry.

However, in 2025, Saint Evo embraced a profound new direction—answering a higher calling to pivot fully into Gospel music. This spiritual transition marks not just a change in genre but a rededication of his life and artistry to the glory of God. For him, music is no longer only an expression of cultural identity and creative innovation but also a vessel of worship, healing, and testimony.

Saint Evo’s gospel soundscape fuses his mastery of rhythm and production with biblical inspiration, creating deeply spiritual compositions that uplift, encourage, and call listeners into divine encounters. His unique background in Afro House and electronic music enriches his gospel artistry, offering a refreshing, cross-cultural sound that bridges contemporary worship with African spiritual traditions.

As he steps into this new chapter, his mission is clear: to use music as a ministry that spreads the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth, touching hearts across nations and generations. 

With unwavering dedication to his faith and an enduring commitment to musical excellence, Saint Evo stands as a testament to the power of reinvention under divine guidance. His new path in Gospel music reaffirms that true artistry lies not only in innovation but also in obedience to purpose—leaving an indelible mark on both the cultural and spiritual landscapes of our time.

Follow my journey of sounds.

Co-founder of Louvain Burn Music & Arts Festival.

It all started in high school in 1997 where i learned to play guitar and break-dance. The first ever rap album i heard was Bone Thugs & Harmony Art of War. The precision of their rap flow and lyrics enlightened me and Hip Hop was to become my way of life. 
During matric graduation I purchased a set of Technics turntables and found myself surrounded in the culture with the likes of Ready D at club 206 & Reality, Hamma, Redwood, Blaise, Bionic and C-live. On the weekends the local get together was known as Hunters where Graffiti artists, emcees, B-boys and Dj's would express their art form. Break Dance crew Azanian Flames from Cape flats was South Africa's finest and Demolition squad was the first few white boys to break the dance scene. 
After too much spinning on my head i got diagnosed with spinal compression and was advised to stop dancing. I took my expression to music production. In 2007 when it struck that i had to start taking life seriously and earn a penny this all took a back seat. An insurance salesman and Chinese Martial Arts was to be my new life. Reggae and Acoustic folk music became sweetness to the ears.
I attended the 2013 Cape town international Jazz Festival and socialized with Brother Ali from New York and a band called Chef' Special from Netherlands. I discovered The Robert Glasper Experiment and Gregory Porter and the inspiration reignited the flame. I am back with the vengeance and am currently studying Jazz piano and composition. Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Wildlife Photography are other hobbies. 
More recently in February 2022 I Co-Founded The Louvain Burn Music & Arts Festival.

Stay connected!!

delicately deep . 


https://www.instagram.com/purerincense/
chat to me here patrick@pureincense.co.za
www.pureincense.co.za

fragrant regards

Patrick


DJLYRA, is Samantha Cartwright, a dynamic live-singing DJ who blends electronic music with live vocals across genres like Afrohouse, Desert Techno, reggae, and orchestral techno-trance. 

With her degree in musical theater and starting behind the decks 3 years ago in Garden Route, DJLYRA quickly gained recognition for a unique sound that blends emotion, energy, and artistry. 

Driven by a belief that music is both ritual and revolution, DJLYRA continues to push boundaries and elevate experiences with every beat dropped. 
With a signature blend of hypnotic beats, deep basslines, and ethereal melodies, DJLYRA is a force reshaping the soundscape of modern electronic music & crafts immersive sets that take listeners on unforgettable journeys. 

A Cosmic Alchemist of Harmonic Frequencies. Known for  genre-blending sets, soulful transitions, and deep crowd connection. 

Follow her on Instagram as @djlyra_goddess, on YouTube & SoundCloud 

Amazing entertainment for opening & 
or closing sets /ceremonies for retreats, festivals, private events,birthday parties South Africa and internationally. 


Style :

Live singing with 1920 - 90 classics and my own produced tracks.

Spiritual African, Asian,
Indian, sound journies. 

Organic House 
Afro-house
Ecstatic dance
Ethnic shamanic 
Desert/Melodic techno
 

classics/desert-techno/minimal/progressive beats/vocal, deep, afro-house.

> https://linktr.ee/djlyra

> Instagram @djlyra_goddess

> bookdjlyra@gmail.com


Squeaky Takkie Productions provides artists with affordable live and recording solutions!

Squeaky Takkie Productions oferece aos artistas soluções acessíveis ao vivo e de gravação!

Recorded and Performing Artist, Music Teacher & Live Sound Journey Artist

Meraki - to do something with Soul, Creativity or Love 

Psytrance Duo {TripsyGypsy & State of the Arb}

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