Internationally celebrated South African producer and 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 his evolution as a global electronic artist while staying deeply rooted in the unmistakable rhythms of his hometown, Durban.
Widely recognized 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 definition and reach. Following recent international hits like “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.
Building on the momentum of his acclaimed albums “Meeting With The King” and “The Rebellion”, Southside is both a homecoming and a bold declaration. Across twelve meticulously crafted tracks, DJ Lag pushes the boundaries of Gqom with the precision of an artist fully in 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 explores a spectrum of moods that feel raw, spiritual, and cinematic all at once.
One of the project’s most anticipated moments arrives with “Yey’Wena”, a long-awaited collaboration between DJ Lag and Amapiano heavyweight Vigro Deep, where Gqom’s signature percussive power meets Yanos-driven 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 voices under Lag’s uncompromising creative vision.
Speaking about the project, DJ Lag shares: “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.”
Praised as one of the genre’s true pioneers, DJ Lag has built a career that effortlessly 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 generated over 20 million streams, and his most recent album “The Rebellion” earned yet another SAMA nomination.
Lauded by Mixmag as “one of the best ambassadors for dance music in the world” and hailed by DJ Mag as “a pioneering force in Gqom’s global rise,” DJ Lag continues to elevate South African electronic music to unparalleled heights. Currently on a worldwide tour, he has delivered explosive performances at Glastonbury, DC10 Ibiza, Ultra South Africa, EDC Las Vegas, Amsterdam Dance Event, Fabric UK, Rage in the City, and Beneath the Baobabs, bringing his genre-defying sound to dance floors across the globe.
With Southside, DJ Lag opens a new chapter in his artistic evolution—one that connects Durban’s underground energy with the pulse of international club culture. It stands as a powerful statement from an artist who continues to lead from the front, shaping the future of global dance music with every release.
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