DJ LAG THE REIGNING KING OF GQOM SHARES NEW MIXTAPE ‘SOUTHSIDE’
Internationally celebrated South African producer and DJ DJ Lag makes his most commanding return yet with the release of ‘Southside’, a powerful new 12-track mixtape that reaffirms his position as the reigning King of Gqom. Out now via Black Major x Ice Drop, Southside showcases Lag’s evolution as a global electronic artist while staying deeply rooted in the unmistakable rhythms of his hometown, Durban.
Known as one of the founding figures of Gqom, the hard-edged, bass-heavy sound that reshaped South Africa’s electronic landscape, DJ Lag continues to expand the genre’s reach and definition. Following his recent international hits ‘GQTech’ with Ape Drums of Major Lazer, ‘Woza’ featuring Sir Trill and Sykes, and ‘WaWaWa’ with DJknator and Thobeka, this new project fuses 3-Step, Afro-Tech, and Gqom into a genre-bending journey through South Africa’s next club frontier.
DJ Lag | SUPPLIED
Building on the momentum of his acclaimed albums ‘Meeting With The King’ and ‘The Rebellion’, Southside is both a homecoming and a declaration. Across twelve meticulously crafted tracks, Lag pushes the boundaries of Gqom with the precision of a producer in full command of his craft. From the hypnotic drive of ‘NgyaSindelwa’ featuring Zee Nxumalo and K.C Driller, to the deep, melodic pulse of ‘Shona Malanga’ with Argento Dust and Natasha MD, the mixtape captures a spectrum of moods that feel raw, spiritual, and cinematic all at once.
One of the most anticipated moments arrives with ‘Yey’Wena’, a long-awaited collaboration between DJ Lag and Amapiano heavyweight Vigro Deep, where Gqom’s percussive power meets Yano’s melodic warmth. Elsewhere, DJ Maphorisa, Sir Trill, Ape Drums, Jay Music, NovaBoy, Xduppy, and 2woshort all contribute to a record that unites some of South Africa’s most exciting talent under Lag’s uncompromising vision.
Speaking about the project, DJ Lag says: “With Southside, I wanted to celebrate where I’m from and show how far the sound has come. It’s for the people who’ve been part of this journey since the beginning, and for everyone discovering Gqom for the first time.”
Widely recognized as one of the pioneers of Gqom, DJ Lag has built a career that bridges underground experimentation and global acclaim. His achievements include a Metro FM Award nomination for ‘Hade Boss’, a SAMA nomination for ‘Meeting with the King’, and a feature on Beyoncé’s GRAMMY-nominated album ‘The Lion King: The Gift’. His multi-platinum single ‘The Re-Up’ has amassed over 20 million streams, and his most recent album ‘The Rebellion’ earned another SAMA nomination.
Southside artwork | SUPPLIED
Praised by Mixmag as “one of the best ambassadors for dance music in the world” and described by DJ Mag as “a pioneering force in Gqom’s global rise,” Lag continues to elevate South African electronic music to new heights. Currently on a worldwide tour, he has delivered show-stopping performances at Glastonbury, DC10 Ibiza, Ultra South Africa, EDC Las Vegas, Amsterdam Dance Event, Fabric UK, Rage in the City, and Beneath the Baobabs, continuing to showcase his genre-defying sound to audiences around the world.
With Southside, DJ Lag opens a new chapter in his artistic evolution, connecting Durban’s underground energy with the pulse of international dance floors. It is a bold statement from an artist who continues to lead from the front, shaping the future of global club music with every release.
TRACKLIST:
- NgyaSindelwa ft. Zee Nxumalo, K.C Driller
- GQTECH ft. Ape Drums
- Wa’Wa’Wa ft. Djknator, Thobeka
- Native Sound ft. Jay Music
- Woza ft. Sir Trill, Sykes
- Yey’Wena ft. Vigro Deep, K.C Driller
- Shona Malanga ft. Argento Dust, Natasha MD, K.C Driller
- RSVP ft. Djknator
- WTF
- Detroit Rave ft. NovaBoy
- Beast
- NgyaGowa ft. DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy ft. SjavasDaDeejay, 2woshort, K.C Driller, Stompiiey