Gqom is a hard, raw, electronic sound that started in Durban, South Africa. It rose around 2012 and changed the country’s dance scene. The sound is drum-heavy, dark, and minimal. It’s not the same as house. Gqom is something else. Something bold.
Many artists have shaped gqom. But one name stands above the rest DJ Lag.
Why DJ Lag?
DJ Lag is not just a good gqom artist. He is one of the pioneers. He built the genre and took it to the world. Without him, gqom might have stayed in Durban. He opened the door for others.
Early Life and Start
DJ Lag’s real name is Lwazi Asanda Gwala. He’s from Clermont, a township near Durban. Like many South African producers, he started with little. No studio. Just a computer and basic software.
He made beats in internet cafés. His sound was different. It wasn’t house. It had no piano. Just drums. Heavy drums. That’s how the gqom style formed rough, cold, stripped-back.
The Global Break
In 2015, UK label Goon Club Allstars released his first international EP. It caught attention. The beats were new to the world. No melody. Just rhythm. It was pure gqom.
Soon, DJ Lag was playing shows across Europe. From London to Berlin. Then to Asia and the US. He wasn’t just touring. He was pushing gqom outside Africa.
By 2017, he was a global name. But he stayed true to Durban.
Beyoncé and “My Power”
In 2019, DJ Lag produced “My Power” for Beyoncé. The song was part of The Lion King: The Gift album. It featured Busiswa, Moonchild Sanelly, and others. The beat was all DJ Lag.
That was big. It brought gqom to a global pop album. Millions heard that sound. All built on his hard, original drum patterns.
This made him more than just a local act. It proved he could compete globally.
His Influence
DJ Lag shaped how gqom sounds. Many Durban producers followed his style. He didn’t just make hits. He started a movement.
He also gave other artists a path. People like Babes Wodumo, Distruction Boyz, and Mr Thela came up as the sound grew.
But DJ Lag stayed ahead. He kept refining the sound. He didn’t jump trends. He stayed with gqom.
Albums and Growth
In 2022, DJ Lag dropped his debut album, “Meeting With The King”. It showed how far he had come.
The album had classic gqom beats, mixed with amapiano, Afro-tech, and hip-hop influences. It had features from top South African artists.
But it didn’t lose the core it was still dark, drum-heavy, and unique.
He proved that gqom was not dead. It was evolving.
Other Artists in Gqom
Many names helped grow the genre:
- Babes Wodumo – vocals and club hits
- Distruction Boyz – anthems like “Omunye”
- RudeBoyz – early underground pioneers
- Mr Thela – Cape Town gqom-tech sound
- Griffit Vigo – solid producer from Durban
- Mshayi – another strong name from Cape Town
They all made an impact. But most of them followed the wave DJ Lag started.
Why He’s the Best
Being the best doesn’t just mean having hits. It means:
- Starting the genre
- Staying consistent
- Taking it global
- Working with big names
- Inspiring others
- Evolving without losing focus
DJ Lag did all of that.
Other artists had big moments. But DJ Lag built a career. And he helped build a scene.
Gqom and Amapiano
After 2019, amapiano took over. Its slower, jazzy vibe became the top sound in South Africa. Some said gqom was fading.
But DJ Lag didn’t leave. He respected the amapiano wave, but he stayed true to his roots. He kept making new gqom.
Now, gqom is coming back. Artists are blending it with Afro-tech and new styles. DJ Lag is part of that shift.
Not Just Music
DJ Lag is more than a DJ. He’s a symbol of Durban’s creativity. He showed that even with no money, you can build something big. His story inspires.
He also stayed grounded. He still works with local producers. He still records in Durban. That’s rare in this industry.
Thoughts
DJ Lag is the best gqom musician of all time. Not just for making hits. But for creating a sound, leading a movement, and staying loyal to it.
He took a local style and gave it a global stage. And he’s still going strong.
No hype. No gimmicks. Just beats that hit hard and a legacy that speaks loud.
Top Gqom Artists
- Babes Wodumo – for her vocals and energy
- Distruction Boyz – hitmakers, short-lived peak
- RudeBoyz – true pioneers
- Griffit Vigo – deep gqom sound
- Mr Thela – Cape Town’s gqom king
- Mshayi – solid in gqom-tech
- Que – part of the early Durban movement
But if you’re looking for the most influential? It’s DJ Lag.
Leave a Reply