Dj Merlon's crafty efforts in Koze Kuse have resulted in great things for him beyond South Africa's borders, and will see him conquering the international market.

The sizzling hot and chart-topping track, with vocals from Mondli Ngcobo, has led to the star, whose real name is Sibusiso Mhlongo, signing with London's DM.Recordings.

This will see him release his Reflections EP, featuring Black Coffee and Khaya Mthethwa, in Europe by the end of August.

And he has been appointed as a Durban University of Technology ambassador.

Although Koze Kuse, now the theme track to Shield's latest advert, has never been officially released in other markets, its presence on iTunes has seen it spread like wildfire.

It has generated interest in the artist, who has appeared on the decks in London, Ireland, Greece and picked up nominations at the Metro FM and Sama awards.

Merlon, who used to manage Zakes Bantwini's Mayonie Records, says this has led people to search for his previous work.

The Durban DJ/producer, who is now riding the charts with his second single Sonini, featuring Metro FM and Idols judge Unathi Msengana, from his latest album Original Copy, says the interest from international markets is overwhelming.

"I had calls from a lot of people overseas, and this has resulted in a deal to release the EP this year.

The EP will include different remixes by respected house music names including D-Malice and Djeff Afrozila.

"With the release overseas, this will surely open more doors for me, and see me securing more international dates."

He says he has grown since Koze Kuse. "Even when you go to my social media page my followers have grown dramatically, to a point where when I drop a new track, people will be commenting from Europe, the US, all over Africa, and basically from all over the world.

"I have also gone back to where I started, and have my own company doing events as well."

This includes the forthcoming Durban Music Carnival.

He also plans to repackage Original Copy which includes the chart-topping first single Ubugingqigingqi featuring Ngcobo, which made the highest jump by a local artist on the SA ranking chart during the festive season, and Inhlonipho/Respect with Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

The iTunes release of the album features three extra tracks: with Bucie on You Are Here, gospel star Sfiso Ncwane on Yehla Moya Ongcwele and Bouncing Sax with Heavy K.