Seeing the bigger picture with Ballito’s DJ Merlon
The 37-year-old DJ says most young hopefuls fail because of impatience, so he and his team at Greyman Music and Events are working on an intensive programme to guide local stars to succeed, as he has done with his own brand.
On the cusp of releasing his fourth album, Ballito based spin master DJ Merlon is reaching out pave the way for young talent to come through the ranks.
DJ Merlon, real name Sibusiso Mhlongo, was catapulted to stardom in 2014 with the chart-topping single Koze Kuse, a collaboration with fellow star Mondli Ngcobo.
“To achieve this, I would like to lobby support and investment from both government and the private sector. People need to understand that music is not just entertainment or a hobby, but a career path worth pursuing. Music creates business opportunities and employment.”
Merlon advised aspiring DJs to be wary of the pitfalls of fame.
“Chasing fame gets you nowhere. You need to channel your focus to growing and continuously improving your craft to remain relevant.”
He said he fully agrees with the sentiment of international hip-hop superstar and a billionaire businessman JAY-Z (Shawn Corey Carter), who in one of his songs referred to fame as the most dangerous drug on earth.
Merlon’s own music dreams began coming to life as a student at Durban University of Technology.
“I wanted to be a DJ from the word go but the first opportunity to become involved was to work behind the scenes, starting as a road manager and then moving on as manager to an artist known as Lvovo. By then I was busy pushing my own DJ career in my spare time. I never looked back, took on more artists under management and later became a label executive.
“My love for the decks grew to a point where I had to choose between being a DJ or working behind the scenes as a record label executive.”
It was difficult to take a risk over a guaranteed salary but the reward has been great.
Little did he know his choice would take him places, not only locally, but also globally.
“This year expect another banger as I’ll be releasing my fourth album titled Bigger Picture. What excites me is that it will be available in more than 150 countries through digital stores.”
Merlon said it was heart-warming to see different racial groups with diverse cultures and different beliefs coexisting in harmony in Ballito.
“We live in the best holiday destination. We have the best beaches, great activities, restaurants, beautiful scenery and a rich history.”
Merlon has been booked to play in the number one club in the world, Hï iBiza in Spain on the Black Coffee Saturdays slot along with legends from all over the world.
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