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Kabi & Maezbi mark Synthesis Recordings’ inaugural release with mystic, mature production across ‘Unawatuna’ EP

Anyma & Layton Giordani join forces on Defected with brooding, stylized remix of Shakedown’s iconic ‘At Night’

Solomun

Solomun returns with ‘Love Recycled 4’, a crisp, percussive resurrection of Change’s ‘Angel In My Pocket’

Premiere: Zac Martel, Prïa, & NAB nail LSF21+ debut with polished dancefloor weapon, ‘All Over’

Beltran brings looping, late-night vibes to ‘Commisatio,’ as part of Frooogs Records Cirque du Soleil remix project

DJ Hydra debuts on OVAVA Music with emotionally-charged, afrocentric ‘Moyo Wa Upendo’ EP

Rebecca Besnos
Afro House, Reviews
20 June 2025

A rising force in the Afro House scene, DJ Hydra’s ‘Moyo Wa Upendo’ marks OVAVA Music’s 8th release. Having gained serious momentum in the run-up to his debut single release ‘Bamidele,’ this two-track EP further establishes DJ Hydra’s position as one of the genre’s most exciting new talents. 

The emotionally charged track ‘Moyo Wa Upendo’ leads the EP. Meaning ‘heart of love’ in Swahili, the single uses an emotive blend of Afrocentric rhythms, warm electronic textures, and original Swahili vocals. Blending tight rhythms, textured electronic soundscapes, and evocative storytelling, it showcases DJ Hydra’s signature style and bold artistic vision. Rooted in tradition yet forward-thinking in its execution, ‘Moyo wa Upendo’ is a powerful tribute to heritage and a symbolic return to his roots. An intimate journey inviting listeners to connect with sound, culture, and identity, this release cements Hydra as one of Afro House’s most compelling new voices. 

The B-side track, ‘Like House’, completes the stand-out EP, complimenting the lead with high-energy percussion and a raw Afro House spirit, crafted for the dancefloor but standing in authenticity. Together, the tracks showcase DJ Hydra’s distinct musical vision, bridging introspective storytelling with energetic impact. 

Set to drop his own label, Suru Records, with the release of Bamidele later this month, 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. Adding to his momentum, this signing on OVAVA music is set to elevate the artist’s success to another level. 

Related

Kabi & Maezbi mark Synthesis Recordings’ inaugural release with mystic, mature production across ‘Unawatuna’ EP

Anyma & Layton Giordani join forces on Defected with brooding, stylized remix of Shakedown’s iconic ‘At Night’

Solomun

Solomun returns with ‘Love Recycled 4’, a crisp, percussive resurrection of Change’s ‘Angel In My Pocket’

Premiere: Zac Martel, Prïa, & NAB nail LSF21+ debut with polished dancefloor weapon, ‘All Over’

Beltran brings looping, late-night vibes to ‘Commisatio,’ as part of Frooogs Records Cirque du Soleil remix project

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