DJ Lag Drops “Southside” and Reaffirms His Reign as King of Gqom

Durban has long been celebrated as the vibrant epicentre of Gqom, a city that has produced icons like DJ Tira, Lady Du, Babes Wodumo, and the late Mampintsha. Its streets pulse with a rhythm that has defined a generation, and at the forefront of this movement is Lwazi Asanda Kwana, better known as DJ Lag. Born and raised in Clermont, Durban, he has steadily carved a place for himself as one of the genre’s most influential figures.

DJ Lag’s hit single “Ice Drop” became an instant club favourite and earned a spot on Netflix’s ‘Bad Influencer’ series, cementing his status as a producer whose beats dominate the South African music scene. His music captures the raw energy and kinetic drive of Durban’s streets, making each track both a tribute to his roots and a statement of his creative vision.

On 14 November, DJ Lag released his sophomore mixtape, “Southside,” a 12-track project that reflects both his growth as an artist and his love for his hometown. Blending pure Gqom swagger with elements of 3 Step and Afro Tech, the mixtape pushes the genre’s boundaries while staying true to the rhythms that shaped him. “Southside” showcases DJ Lag’s ability to evolve as a global electronic artist while remaining deeply connected to Durban’s signature sound.

As one of the founding figures of Gqom, DJ Lag has helped transform the genre from an underground movement into a global phenomenon. His work continues to expand the genre’s reach, redefining what Gqom can be without losing the hard-edged, bass-heavy intensity that made it a cultural force. With “Southside,” DJ Lag reaffirms his position as a pioneer and a king of the sound that has come to define Durban.