Widely acknowledged as the trailblazer of the Gqom movement, DJ Lag continues to redefine the genre’s boundaries, venturing into new sonic territory with fearless creativity. Currently deep into an expansive world tour that includes stops at EDC Las Vegas, MTN Bushfire, and Ultra South Africa, Lag isn’t just representing the sound—he’s exporting it to the world.
His latest release, ‘Woza’, is a bold leap forward. Teaming up with powerhouse vocalists Sir Trill and Sykes, DJ Lag dives into the fast-emerging genre of 3-Step, a sound he’s been increasingly drawn to—especially through collaborations with genre pioneer Thakzin.
“I started working on the beat for ‘Woza’ while doing back-to-back sets with Thakzin late last year,” DJ Lag shares. “I was imagining what my version of the 3-Step sound might be, influenced by the Afro-Tech tracks I’ve been mixing into my sets recently. It came together naturally. Then Sir Trill and Sykes added their vocal magic—it just clicked. When I played it out, I knew I’d tapped into something new that still carried my signature energy.”
Sir Trill adds his own reflection: “With the lyrics, I’m reminding people where this style comes from. Sometimes you just need to let go, pour a drink, and stop taking things personally. A lot of people didn’t stand with me when I fought for this sound—but I’m still standing.”
What's your hot take on this story?
‘Woza’ pulses with high energy, fusing DJ Lag’s unmistakable rhythmic drive with deep, Afro-Tech-influenced basslines. Sir Trill’s emotional vocals meet Sykes’s ethereal tones, creating a dynamic, transportive soundscape that’s both gritty and atmospheric.
While grounded in the tough, percussive roots of Gqom, ‘Woza’ marks a new chapter in DJ Lag’s artistic journey. It’s a clear signal of his commitment to innovation and evolution—constantly reshaping his sound while staying true to its powerful foundation.
As he continues to champion South African music on a global scale, DJ Lag is set to appear at some of the world’s most prestigious venues in the coming months, including DC10 in Ibiza, Rush Festival in France, Open Ground in Germany, Glastonbury, and Fabric in the UK.
Main image: Supplied
