DJ LAG SHARES SOPHOMORE ALBUM ‘THE REBELLION’
Written by Brooklyn Masuku on 12 July, 2024
Internationally acclaimed South African DJ and producer, DJ Lag, releases his sophomore album ‘The Rebellion’. Following the success of his singles ‘Hade Boss’, ‘Hade Boss Re-Up’, ‘Oke Oke’, and ‘Iza Ngamandla’— garnering praise from music critics globally, DJ Lag, the undisputed King of Gqom, is back with his highly anticipated sophomore album.
“Making this album has been a real journey and I had a lot of fun making it. I wanted to experiment musically but also take the experience from dance floors I play for around the world into the project. I just hope everybody enjoys it as much as I did making it” expresses DJ Lag.
‘The Rebellion’, a 13-track album, solidifies DJ Lag as a pioneering force in Gqom. It masterfully blends innovation with a deep respect for his musical roots, offering a rich and diverse mix that stays true to his unique sound while exploring 3Step, Afro Tech, Amapiano, Hip Hop, and Drill. Building on the success of his debut album, ‘Meeting With The King’, this album represents a bold evolution and features a stellar lineup of guest artists. Hits like ‘Hade Boss’ and ‘The Re-Up’ have expanded his influence, achieving viral status and earning a multi platinum status in South Africa with over 20 million streams (equivalent to 160,000 units sold).
Image: Supplied
From acclaimed EPs to high-profile collaborations, DJ Lag has distinguished himself as one of electronic music’s most thrilling creators. Recently awarded Best Gqom Album at the South African Music Awards, his impact on the global music scene is profound. Originating from Durban, DJ Lag pioneered the Gqom sound, crafting original tracks using FruityLoops during his school days. His music quickly gained popularity, with taxi drivers in Durban using his tracks to attract customers as early as 2012. Since then, he has captivated audiences at renowned festivals and venues worldwide through numerous international tours. More recently, DJ Lag completed the USA leg of his world tour and is set to kick off his European leg this weekend with two highly anticipated dates at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival, with his Asia tour kicking off this August.
As he continues to push boundaries and connect with audiences globally, DJ Lag remains deeply rooted in his hometown of Clermont, fostering a devoted fan base through events like Something for Clermont. With his world tours, festival appearances, and the release of ‘The Rebellion’, DJ Lag continues to redefine the sonic landscape, further cementing his legacy.
Make sure to connect with DJ Lag online, request his latest single ‘Iza Ngamandla’ from your favourite radio stations, and stream or download his sophomore album today: https://platoon.lnk.to/the-rebellion
TRACKLIST:
1. Iza Ngamandla (feat. Sykes, Vanco)
2. Bamba (feat. Workaholics, Matthew Otis)
3. Hade Boss (feat. Mr Nation Thingz, K.C Driller)
4. Trouble (feat. NovaBoy)
5. Yebo (feat. Thobeka)
6. Dubula (feat. Da Man)
7. Oke Oke (ft. Jazz Alonso)
8. Ubhiya
9. Kwenzakalan (feat. Blxckie, Leodaleo, Dezzodigo)
10. Shay’sana (feat. Kamo Mphela & Robot Boii)
11. Yeyeyeyeye (feat. Sane, Charlie Magandi)
12. Umlio (feat. YoungstaCPT, Dee Koala, Holy Alpha, Kay Faith)
13. Hade Boss Re-Up (Feat. DJ Maphorisa, Kamo Mphela, Robot Boii,Mr Nation Thingz, 2woshort, Xduppy, K.C Driller)
TOUR DATES:
28.06 Rum Shack, Glastonbury Festival, UK
29.06 Firmly Rooted, Glastonbury Festival, UK
06.07 Ice Drop July, Durban, SA
“The gqom king conquers the globe” – DJ Mag
“The groundbreaking forefather of gqom” – New York Times
“One of the best ambassadors for dance music in the world” – Mixmag
“The electronic musician is a key figure in the rise and evolution of gqom, while taking his sound in a unique direction” – Clash
“One of the most definitive producers and DJ’s of the present day… he’s a key figure in progressive development of bass music culture” – Ransom Note
“Meeting with The King is a triumph of South African club culture that will inevitably propel DJ Lag further into the mainstream” – The Wire
“DJ Lag is the blueprint as far as electronic music in South Africa is concerned” – Okay Africa
“[DJ Lag’s] Powerfully propulsive South African dance beats create serious big room drama” – Guardian
Connect with DJ Lag:
X: @RealDJLag
Instagram: @realdjlag
Facebook: @realdjlag
TikTok: @realdjlag
YouTube: @DJLAG