Growing up, I was an extremely sheltered introvert; naturally, this came with its benefits and downfalls. I survived multiple drug epidemics akin to the raw and unfiltered craze that spawned genres like Gqom. I missed out on house parties and clubs I’d be too young to sneak into and also on having a multitude of near-death experiences as stories to share with my children.
DJ Lag’s debut album, Meeting With the King, suspended me in wishful thinking, and it had me pondering what could have been had I taken the YOLO pill as opposed to settling for FOMO. Trading between signature Allegro tempo (127BPM specifically) to a relatively slower Allegretto tempo (112 BPM) on several tracks, we adjust our preconceptions of what Gqom music can be with regards to its musicality and how well it syncs with new environments outside of the clubs.
“Thongo Lam” and “Destiny” fit the mode of family cookouts and road trips, while “Raptor”, “Lucifer”, “Something Different”, and “No Child’s Play” conform to the mould of boiler rooms and balcony mixes rivalling Amapiano. Lastly, “iKhehla”, “Into Ongayazi”, “DJ Lag”, “Yasho Leyonto”, and “Shululu” carry on the Durban taxi driver tradition and nightclubs.
Seasoned veterans and budding alumni of the electronic dance discipline were at the helm of some of the album’s standout moments. From the prodigal return of the Gqom Queen, Babes Wodumo and Kwaito King, Mampintsha to lingo lords Dladla Mshunqisi, General C’mamane, Omagoqa, Deejay Jackzin, and K.C Driller, MWTK knights Gqom 2.0 as the era of the international pantsula.
What truly warmed my heart was Lag’s seemingly limitless approach to broadening the soundscape. He invited sonic maturity by welcoming different artists from different genres into the genre-altering experimentation, pivoting the global standard he has set for himself.
From Amapiano mainstays, Lady Du, Mr JazziQ, Vic_typhoon, and Mpura to the Skhanda World first-born Loki, Afrosoul queen Amanda Black, and rising star Ndoni, MWTK‘s incubation sessions’ commonality is that everyone was well outside of their comfort zones, yet they came into their own with utmost ease and energetic poise.
An infectious soundtrack for a needed workout, a party, and a celebration. DJ Lag’s maiden album – well over a decade in the making – is an excellent enunciation of South Africa’s favourite language: Dance. So, pour up, raise your glass to the weekend, order that ice for your cooler boxes, shut up, and groove to u-u-u-u-u-u-u-uLag!
