DJ Kyle Manilal, who will be playing at H2O’s 25th Birthday Edition at Wild Waters on Saturday, said he started his career as a hobby, but it had grown into a passion.

The weekend's birthday edition in Boksburg has been billed as "Africa's biggest daytime 2 nighttime electronic dance music event".

Munilal, 31, also known as Kylo, relocated from Durban to Johannesburg 11 years ago.

He said he started dabbling with DJing at age 17 and had landed his first professional gig a year later at Tokio Nightclub in Durban.

“I used to watch DJ's bring life to parties and felt inspired to do the same. Durban’s vibrant culture and nightlife scene shaped my love for music and music became a big part of who I am.

“My dad, Neresh Manilal, who passed away three years ago, was also my inspiration. He loved music and I guess that passed down to me. He played the harmonium and tabla, and my uncle, Rajen Manilal, was in the band, Medley Beats. My passion just went the digital route."

Munilal describes himself as a mix of "driven and laid-back".

Off the decks, he said he was easy-going but when he performed he was fully in the zone.

He said his heart was with house music, but he also loved hip hop, R&B and Amapiano.

“One song that stuck with me over the years is 'Mina Nawe' by Soa Mattrix & Mashudu. It’s a track I always find myself coming back to. But when I’m DJing, you’ll hear everything from Biggie Smalls to Amapiano in my sets. I am an open-styled DJ, who is able to read a crowd."

Manilal, who studied business management and marketing, said these fields have given him a strong foundation for managing both his IT career and his DJ brand.

“I juggle two worlds — my 8am to 5pm job as an IT manager during the week and DJing on weekends. It’s a challenge, but I love both. DJing lets me express my creativity, while my corporate job keeps me grounded. I’ve learned to manage my time well, so both get the attention they deserve."

He added: “I’ve played at nearly every major club in Johannesburg, including Nicci Beach, Truth, Greenhouse, Cocoon, and Madison Avenue as well as Katy's Palace Bar where I’ve held residencies. I’ve also played in Durban at venues like Azar, Suncoast and Beach Bums. My Cape Town gigs include Tigers Milk and The Address nightclub."

Manilal said he had headlined H20 and the Durban July after party.

“Earlier this month, I was invited to play live on Good Hope FM in Cape Town's SABC studios. The response was so good that I returned the following day for another set."

His goal is to take his brand international and mentor up-and-coming DJs.

"I am excited to play at the H2) birthday edition. It's a huge festival and I will be alongside international giants Claptone (Germany), Cosmic Gate (Germany) and more than 60 of the finest artists in South Africa like Shimza, DJ Fresh, Ryan the DJ, and Chrizz Beatz."

In his free time he loves crosswords and Sudoku.

“I also enjoy discovering new music. My family, friends, and loved ones have been by my side throughout this journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them."

His Instagram page is @deejay_kylo.

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