Turn up the volume: DJ Lag reimagines Gqom with his latest hit 'Woza'

When DJ Lag releases a track, the world listens. 

The Durban-born producer, widely regarded as the “King of Gqom”, is back with his latest single, “Woza”, featuring Sir Trill and Sykes - a track that pushes the boundaries of Gqom while staying rooted in its township origins. 

Speaking to “Independent Media Lifestyle”, DJ Lag opened up about the creative process behind the track. 

“It started with the beat,” he explained. “I made it last year and recorded Sir Trill in December. I left the song unfinished for months, thinking about who else to bring on, and Sykes felt like the perfect choice.” 

He added, “That 3-Step vibe was something I had been exploring at the time … I actually made this beat around the time I was first dipping my toes into that sound.” 

The collaboration with Sir Trill and Sykes was organic.

“I sent Sir Trill the track and he loved it. He finally popped into the studio while I was in a session with Thakzin, laid the vocals down, and that’s why he’s shouting out Thakzin on the hook,” DJ Lag recalled.

“With Sykes, I wanted someone who’s a great male vocalist and writer, and he came to mind. It just made sense.” 

“Woza” merges the unmistakable pulse of Gqom with fresh electronic textures. “I always try to give a fresh sound to Gqom,” DJ Lag said. “With this song, I added a lot of 3-step elements … it just came naturally.” 

Reflecting on his journey, he added, “I’ve been part of the Gqom scene since it was developing. It’s like my baby - I’ll never stop making it. At the same time, I work with other genres like tech and electronic, which lets me make my own sound.”

From Durban townships to global festival stages, Gqom has become a worldwide phenomenon - but DJ Lag wants international fans to remember its roots. “Gqom was made by dancers,” he said. “When it got popular in 2012, it started its own underground rave scene in Durban, which still exists today.” 

Asked about inspiration from the current South African scene, he names Black Coffee as a constant influence. “And new producers like Knator and Funktone inspire me with their fresh Gqom styles.” 

Recent performances on his African tour, including Lagos and Nairobi, stand out. “I rarely get to play outside Southern Africa, so those were really special. Those people know how to party.”

As for what’s next, DJ Lag teases surprises beyond the decks.

“They might just see me behind the mic very soon,” he hinted. Fans can also expect more collaborations - both local and international - and a longer project in the works.

With “Woza”, DJ Lag proves once again why he’s not just shaping Gqom - he’s constantly evolving it.