In 2025, rising Afro House talent DJ Hydra has firmly cemented his place as one of the genre’s most compelling new artists, earning support from the industry’s biggest players, landing releases on tastemaker labels, climbing download charts, and securing a Hong Kong residency to crown a landmark year.
DJ Hydra has spent years refining his signature sound. Drawing inspiration from musical legends like Keinemusik and Black Coffee, his releases span intimate dancefloors and the biggest stages, combining deep-rooted African rhythms with modern electronic textures. The year began with the release of his debut EP, “Moyo Wa Upendo”, on UK label OVAVA Music, accompanied by the B-side ‘Like House’, both of which quickly gained international attention and support from global DJs.
Following this momentum, DJ Hydra launched his own imprint, Suru Records, with the debut single ‘Bamidele’, which quickly climbed to number five on the Traxsource Afro House chart and entered the overall Top 10. His follow-up, ‘5am in Soho’, further showcases his emotive, melodic approach to Afro House.
To close out the year, Hydra celebrates the release of two significant projects with highly respected labels. His track ‘My Soul’ is now out on Ostowana, the influential platform known for championing the richness of African and Middle Eastern culture. He also marks a new milestone with the release of ‘The Time Is Now’ on Grammy-nominated DJ Spen’s Quantize Recordings, a label recognised for more than five hundred releases and a Number One position on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
Together, these projects strengthen Hydra’s global presence and bring his sound to an even wider audience.
Over the summer, DJ Hydra’s music has received support from international players including Themba, Paco Osuna, Arthur Baker, Ruben Mandolini, Maxi Meraki, Clavette, Marmion, Leandro Silva, and XiJaro & Pitch. His tracks have been played at Defected Croatia, featured in Burning Man sets, and broadcast on pivotal stations including Select Radio in London.
In addition to his releases, DJ Hydra has launched a brand new residency at The Trilogy in Hong Kong, further establishing his presence on the international club circuit and providing a base for crowds to experience his unique sound.
DJ Hydra comments:
“2025 has been amazing, really grateful to everyone who’s been on this journey with me. Looking forward to making more timeless music and keeping the dancefloor grooving. This year has been full of milestones, from releases that reached new audiences to connecting with crowds live around the world. I am inspired to continue exploring my sound, blending rhythms and textures that move people and tell a story, and I cannot wait to see what the next chapter brings.” – DJ Hydra
Known for his emotive Afro House vibe that fluidly blends deep-rooted African rhythms with modern electronic textures, DJ Hydra continues to carve a path that bridges cultural heritage with forward-thinking innovation. With Suru Records, key label signings, and growing industry support, 2025 marks not just the beginning but a breakout chapter in DJ Hydra’s global journey.
To celebrate the end of the year and his two last releases, DJ Hydra recorded a new mix for our Prima Lux series. Enjoy!
Tracklist:
- Nene Man Ni – Gianni Romano, Emanuele Esposito
- Furaha & Furaha – Paso Doble, Wilson Kentura
- Bo Bom – Moeaike
- Wela Bo – Moeaike
- She Asked Me to Dance – Arodes, Fahlberg
- It Makes You Forget (Itgehane) – Peggy Gou
- Jambala – Coflo, Adeniji Heavywind
- Jolie Fille – Maz (BR), Antdot, Ginton, Layefa
- Ah Ya Albi – Ajna (BE), Samm (BE)
- Vamonos – Moojo, Gabsy
- Mantra – Jamek Ortega
- Wile Out – Bontan, Surya Sen
- Opera – Marasi
- Takata – Humans
- Magic in the air – Magic System, Francis Mercier, Chawki
- Sete – Blond:ish, Amadou & Mariam, Francis Mercier
- Maria Maria – Tech it Deep