With a sound rooted in heritage and carried by a pulse that moves bodies and minds alike, DJ Hydra makes a bold entrance into the Afro House scene with his debut EP Moyo Wa Upendo, releasing June 6th via OVAVA Music. Marking the eighth release on the label, this two-track statement confirms Hydra’s place among the genre’s most promising newcomers, blending cultural resonance with dancefloor intent.
The title track, Moyo Wa Upendo—Swahili for “heart of love”—is a spiritual and sonic journey that encapsulates DJ Hydra’s evolving identity. Its powerful blend of Swahili vocals, textured electronic rhythms, and tribal percussion offers more than a club track—it’s a layered meditation on memory, ancestry, and reconnection. While its emotional core shines through in every element, its production remains crisp, sophisticated, and perfectly timed for summer’s deeper moments.
Balancing introspection with movement, the B-side Like House shifts gears, laying down a raw, high-energy groove built for the dancefloor. Percussive and pulsing, it’s Hydra in full flight—unapologetically present and rhythmically charged. Together, the EP showcases a range of expression that’s both intimate and expansive, and a clear reflection of an artist unafraid to bridge emotional depth with club energy.
With influences ranging from Keinemusik to Black Coffee, and a growing presence on the international radar, DJ Hydra is not only releasing his first EP—he’s launching a vision. Later this month, his own imprint Suru Records will debut with the single Bamidele, continuing his mission to elevate global Afrocentric narratives through music.
The release comes at a high point for OVAVA Music and its founder Ollie Mundy, whose work has been supported by Mixmag, DJ Mag, and Techno Mood, alongside a freshly renewed residency at Ibiza’s iconic Pikes. Hydra’s debut adds new depth to the label’s ever-expanding influence, marking a key moment for both artist and collective.
Moyo Wa Upendo will be available exclusively via Beatport on June 6th, with a wider DSP rollout to follow. It’s a debut not to be missed—a love letter to roots, rhythm, and reinvention.
