Shiva may well be 'going back to The Island' - but there'll be one such DJ on Saturday night who'll be leaving THIS Island of ours for good - South African turntable legend, Shylo. We catch up with the irresistible female DJ as she embarks on her swansong spinnin' set for Shiva....

You were already a very well-known DJ in South Africa, was it a tough decision to give all that up to come over to London as a relatively unknown DJ?

At that stage, back in Cape Town, the scene for my style of music was going down a route that was not really where I wanted to go. So, it seemed like the best decision to try something new and gain a bit more experience.

What were your first impressions of London – was the weather as bad as you had been warned?

I arrived here in July 2003, in the middle of the hottest heatwave London apparently has experienced EVER!, so I thought it can obviously not be as bad as I was told! Little did I know… Other than that, I thought the houses all looked the same. I fell in love with everything about London over the years, which is why it's quite difficult for me to leave it behind.

How hard was it breaking into the DJ scene here? How did you get your first break?

I did it the old fashioned way - by making a damn good demo and sending it to clubs and people who are connected. I got sets at Egg almost instantly and was offered a residency with Plush DaFunk.

You have been in London for 5 years now. How much has the clubbing scene changed during that time? Have these changes been positive?

For me, starting out playing Trance, it has obviously changed. But, fundamentally, it hasn't really changed much. At the end of the day, it is all about the music and our love and passion for it. The only thing that is changing constantly is the music, and it's quite interesting to witness the merge of genres to create new ones. I'm looking forward to where it's headed next. Other than that, it's nice to see that promoters like Shiva are making an effort to put up the best show they possibly can, to dazzle clubbers with an extravaganza worth their money spent.

Do you think being female has been an advantage or disadvantage to your DJing career?

I think it's still a novelty to be a female DJ. If you are talented and have got what it takes, you will succeed. So for me, it has definitely been an advantage.

What ONE thing from England would you like to take back to South Africa with you?

The one who has my heart…

What are your plans for your DJing career when you get back home? I know you can't hang up your headphones, as you don't own any at present! Haha!

I've been a bit slack here in the UK, I must admit. Due to certain circumstances, I've lost my passion for DJing a bit and it stopped being fun. I want to focus on that 100% again as soon as I arrive back home. I've always said I want to get into producing and things have now finally fallen in place for me to achieve that. But as far as hanging up those non-existing headphones? Maybe when I'm 50…

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while DJing?

I usually do funny things when I'm under the influence, which occasionally is the case. I've had to double check with my mate whether I've played a certain track already or not, having my memory fail me for a moment - which can obviously result in a lot of embarrassment. Luckily, I've never actually played any track twice in one set.

We know that you are looking to give people a trip down Shylo's Memory Lane on Saturday with some tracks that have rocked your floor during your time here. Can you give us any hints as to what you will play?

There are just certain tracks that will always have that special meaning to me. Some of them and some new stuff too. Expect it to be funky!

Who is the best looking looking Shiva DJ? (interviewer winks)

I'm gonna have to say the Panda. Fake fur is really hot right now!

NOW FOR THE QUICK FIRE ROUND!!!

Uplifting house or dirty house?

Uplifting, unless Im in a dirty mood...

Superclub or intimate venue?

Anywhere - if packed with an explosive crowd.

North London or Saaarf?

Saaarf.

London Taawwn or Cape Town?

London at the moment, Cape Town in a few days…(!)

Men or women?

Both!

Liverpool or Chelsea?

Who are they?

Liam D or John Paul?

Depends what for…

And finally, what the f*ck is 'biltong' all about?

To be honest with you, the idea of it is not very appealing at all, until you taste it of course. Very popular while watching rugby!!!

Shylo, you've been fantastic. It's been a pleasure working with you and seeing you DJ as a clubber. You'll be missed by a lot of people. Bon voyage...

INTERVIEW BY: ROBERT ALLDRITT (GET DIVERTED)