Artist profile
About
DJ Merlon, the stage name of South African artist Sibusiso Mhlongo, is a Durban-rooted DJ and producer whose sound joins vocal house Afro House and rhythmic electronic music. Born in Umbumbulu and raised in Esikhawini, Mhlongo developed his musical practice alongside studies at Durban University of Technology and entered the professional industry in the mid-2000s. He worked with Zakes Bantwini's Mayonie Productions and became a tour manager DJ and opening act for L'vovo Derrango before focusing on his own artist project. His 2012 album Sounds Musical and later Original Copy and Pure Black releases trace a path from local house culture to an international audience. The 2014 single Koze Kuse made with vocalist and producer Mondli Ngcobo became a defining recording and helped establish Merlon as one of South Africa's notable house voices. His catalogue also includes Reflections Layla Super Africans BroCode and the Two Zulu Men in Ibiza EP with Enoo Napa. Merlon's sets are built around vocal warmth rolling percussion and a strong sense of movement with a balance between melodic feeling and club drive. His performances alongside Black Coffee and other leading Afro House artists have carried that sound to rooms in South Africa Ibiza and beyond. Across records and DJ sets he keeps a clear connection to Zulu musical identity while using contemporary production to make the music travel.