Durban-born DJ, producer and cultural architect DJ Knator officially releases his highly anticipated full-length album ‘Ushukela’ worldwide. The project, released through EMPIRE / IMSS Records, is led by his lead single “Woza Mawufuna” featuring Mastende Landlord, Afika ww & Priddy DJ.
Born Kelvin Ibeleme, DJ Knator is a South African DJ and music producer hailing from Pinetown, Durban – the birthplace of Gqom. He has become synonymous with high-energy electronic music, specialising in Gqom and Bass House with a heavy, soulful twist.
But his journey didn’t start in a formal music class. As he puts it:”Not really, but I just loved the sound of music.” That love affair started at home, deeply influenced by two key figures – his father and his uncle.
My uncle and my dad – my dad, given he owns a tavern/bar, I had access to it at a young age. I would see and hear DJs play at his place and it was always full. And my uncle and his friends had CDs of songs / music from the likes of DJ Tira, Big Nuz, Oskido, DJ Cleo, Professor – it had that kwaito influence on me.
Growing up in a tavern meant music was never just sound – it was community, it was business, it was celebration. Watching a full tavern move to a DJ set planted a seed that would never leave him.
THE JOURNEY: FROM GRADE 5 DECKS TO PROFESSIONAL DREAMS
For many artists, producing comes first. For Knator, it was DJing.
“DJing, I started it properly in Grade 5 but didn’t put the input up until after high school I put my full potential to it.”
At just 12 years old, he was already behind the decks, figuring it out.
“At the age of 12, I had a feel of what I was doing but it wasn’t really strong when it comes to the knowledge of DJing.” It was a slow burn, a craft honed over years of bedroom mixes and tavern observations. The turning point came in 2020. During a time when the world stood still, DJ Knator decided to move forward.
“In 2020, I decided I will pursue music professionally.”
From that decision, the Knator sound was born – respectful to the Gqom forefathers, but hungry to create something new.
THE PROJECT: WHY ‘USHUKELA’?
‘Ushukela’ translates to “Sugar” in isiZulu. It is a title that perfectly captures the album’s intention.
“It just brings sweetness to the sound that I was trying to make. It’s something that hasn’t been done and also it’s something new to the audience – ‘into enoshukela’ – so that’s why I named it.”
Where Gqom is often known for its dark, minimal, and heavy-hitting drums, ‘Ushukela’ adds sugar to the grit. It is sweet, smooth, inviting, but still with that undeniable Durban power.
THE SOUND: WHAT SHOULD LISTENERS EXPECT?
If you think you know Gqom, ‘Ushukela’ will reintroduce you.
“It takes you to a whole new different sound – from heavy bass to Rnb type Gqom sound to a new sub genre Gqom sound called ‘Mjovo’. It accommodates new sounds from different directions.”
This is not a one-dimensional club album. It is a carefully curated sonic journey:
- Heavy Bass Gqom: For the die-hard Gqom fans who live for the drop.
- RnB-Type Gqom: A soulful, melodic, late-night interpretation – sugar for the heart.
- Mjovo: A brand new sub-genre pioneered on this album – a fusion that is light, bouncy, and addictive.
The lead single “Woza Mawufuna” (which translates to “Come If You Want”) is the perfect entry point. It’s a call to the dancefloor, a flirtatious anthem that embodies the sweet and commanding nature of the entire album.
THE COLLABORATORS: A WHO’S WHO OF GQOM ROYALTY
True to Durban culture, ‘Ushukela’ was not made alone. It is a community project featuring legends and future legends.
DJ Knator joined forces with an incredible lineup: The late Queen of Gqom Babes Wodumo, Gqom pioneer DJ Lag, Dankie Boi, Que DJ, Skillz, Dlala DeMinor, Motion, KC Driller, SpacePose, Famsoul, Maahr and many more.
Each collaboration adds a different flavour of sugar to the project, showcasing the unity and depth of the Durban music scene.
THE HEART OF THE ALBUM
With so many bangers, choosing a favourite is hard. But for Knator, two tracks stand out above the rest:
“There are 2 – ‘Bathi iGqom’ and ‘Drum’.”
‘Bathi iGqom’ is a statement – a declaration of what Gqom is and what it means to him. ‘Drum’ is the soul of the album – pure rhythm, pure feeling.
DJ Knator’s ‘Ushukela’ is out now worldwide via EMPIRE / IMSS Records.
Stream / Download Full Album Here: https://music.empi.re/ushukeladisca
Watch / Listen to “Woza Mawufuna” Here: https://youtu.be/vcKh4yXMD9A?si=6axtZSAt2rgngEO2
FOLLOW DJ KNATOR:
Instagram: @DJKnator_Official
Facebook: DJ Knator
TikTok: @DJKnator
X (Twitter): @DJKnator
