The 13-year-old Ethan English is one of the youngest internationally recognised DJs worldwide.

This young artist was born in Secunda where he lived until he was five years old before his family first moved to the Free State and later to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

It is in Dubai where Ethan began his career as a DJ.

He has shared a stage with or opened the show for famous artists including David Guetta, Kapuchon (Afrojack), Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, Eric Prydz, Alesso, Alan Walker, Steve Aoki and Coco & Breezy.

“Seeing my name on venue line ups alongside these artists is incredibly inspiring,” said Ethan.

“These are all artists I listen to and dreamt about performing with.

“Even if you are not directly playing back-to-back with them, just being in those environments teaches you a lot.

“You see how big shows are run, how artists prepare, and how much work goes into performing at that level.

“I try to learn something from every experience.”

Ethan was only nine years old when he became interested in becoming a DJ.

He saw a fellow-learner at the Arcadia British School in Dubai performing as a DJ and it immediately sparked his curiosity.

“I have always loved music and playing around with sound, but seeing someone my own age behind the decks made me think: ‘Maybe I could do that too’.”

Since he started going for lessons at the Dubai Sound Academy four years ago, he just went from strength to strength.  He went from being the DJ at his aunt’s wedding in Cape Town when he was only 10 years old, to playing at international events and festivals.

Ethan was the youngest DJ ever to perform at the Ushuaïa music venue at Dubai harbour and the Untold Music Festival.

Other international events where he performed include the Mena Cup, an international youth football tournament in Dubai, the Formula 1 race at Abu Dhabi, Rave the Planet in Berlin, the Emirates Rugby Sevens and other events in Ibiza, Greece and Netherlands.

Ethan’s music style is Electronic Dance Music and he has already produced and released three original tracks. These tracks, ‘Losing my Mind’ in collaboration with Julie Tribler, ‘Tell Me’ and ‘Serenade’ are available on most music platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud and Amazon Music.

He is already working on a few more songs and preparing for his next big performance which will be in February in Saudi Arabia.

He has recently started with piano lessons and can also play drums and guitar, although the piano remains his primary focus.

Despite his international DJ career, school remains a priority.

His mom, Shareen English, said balancing education and music requires careful planning and discipline.

“It’s not always easy, but having structure and support makes a big difference,” said Ethan.

His parents and his two younger sisters’ support means the world to him.

When Ethan is not in school, preparing for his next performance or on a stage, he enjoys fishing, playing PlayStation, riding his bicycle, cruising around on his electric scooter or spending time with family and friends.

At school, Ethan is also an avid sportsman and takes part in swimming, rugby, football, basketball and athletics.

Follow Ethan on social media platforms under the name dj_ethan_english.