As the season changes and the days grow warmer, Gqom superstar Dladla Mshunqisi is turning up the heat with fresh beats and the much-anticipated return of his annual Usuku Lomshunqo Music Festival. Spring is about to get a whole lot hotter.
Dladla’s latest single, “Yini Lengaka,” is meant to drop on August 31. Featuring heavyweights Goldmax, DJ Tira, and Siboniso Shozi, this track is meant to reignite the Gqom flame and remind fans why they fell in love with the genre in the first place.
“Gqom has never died and never will as long as we still exist. Liyabhubha eDurban!” the Durban-based artist proudly declares, promising that his new release will capture the essence of what makes Gqom music so electrifying.
After a two-year pause, the Usuku Lomshunqo Music Festival is back and bigger than ever, and it will be taking place on November 30 at its new home at Berea Rovers in Stamford Hill, Durban CBD. The festival, which had previously lit up KwaMashu’s Artizen Lounge and Wiseman Car Wash, returns with a bang, featuring a star-studded lineup that reads like a who’s who of the South African music industry.
On the bill are Q Twinz, DJ Tira, Beast, Duncan, Zakwe, Big Zulu, Ayanda Ntanzi, Kabza De Small, Dlala Thukzin, Lerato Kganyago, Somizi, Sizwe Mdlose, Gagasi FM’s Sphectacula, DJ Naves, Sonic, and DJ Happy Gal. With such an epic line-up, this year’s festival promises to be a day to remember, filled with unforgettable performances and the kind of energy that only Dladla Mshunqisi can bring.
Reflecting on the festival’s return, Dladla shared, “After Covid-19, things were never the same, and the lack of sponsors forced us to pause the event. But due to popular demand, we are excited to return to a bigger and better venue with an even more exciting line-up of my industry colleagues.”
Beyond his music, Dladla Mshunqisi is also making waves as a businessman. This September, his popular food stall, Mshunqo Bites, is finidng a permanent home on Mathews Meyiwa Road, between City View Shopping Centre and Total Garage in Greyville, Durban.
Main Image: Beatport
