South African producer DJ Lag, widely recognized as a visionary and one of the foundational creators of the gqom genre, has officially announced his forthcoming project. This highly anticipated new mixtape, titled Southside, is scheduled for release on November 14, 2025.
Comprising twelve distinct tracks, Southside signals a significant shift in the producer's creative trajectory. It represents a deliberate evolution away from the raw, primary rhythmic pulse historically associated with Durban and moves toward a more intricate, multi-layered, and spatial architecture of sound.
For Southside, DJ Lag has successfully gathered some of the most influential figures currently shaping the South African music landscape. The roster notably features heavyweight collaborators DJ Maphorisa and Vigro Deep. Their involvement is crucial, establishing a vital sonic bridge that connects the raw energy of pure gqom with the widely popular, melodic amapiano sound and the more experimental edges of afro-techno. This deliberate cross-pollination of styles ensures the mixtape is a definitive snapshot of contemporary dance music innovation.
This powerful synthesis is reflective of the very essence of modern African music—a dynamic, fluid, and unifying force. It expertly navigates the delicate balance required to honor musical roots while simultaneously forging pathways toward the future. Here, music transcends mere rhythm; it functions as a living, breathing organism that constantly transforms and adapts with each new generation of producers and the evolving demands of global dance floors.
The Pulse of the New Wave
The project's lead single, “WaWaWa,” is already available across all major streaming platforms. This track serves not merely as promotional material but as a definitive sonic key, inviting listeners into the realm of DJ Lag's evolved sound. “WaWaWa” perfectly encapsulates his transition into what he terms “Gqom 2.0,” a concept first introduced in his 2022 debut album, Meeting with the King. That earlier work saw Afro House and Afro Tech seamlessly woven into the rhythmic fabric.
DJ Lag’s influence has long surpassed the boundaries of a localized phenomenon, establishing him as a true international force. His appearances at prestigious global events like Boiler Room and the UK’s Glastonbury Festival, coupled with high-profile collaborations, including a notable project with Beyoncé, have cemented his status as a leading figure. Furthermore, the enduring success of his viral hit “Hade Boss,” which has amassed a staggering total of over 20 million streams, confirms his standing as a global architect of rhythm, capable of moving audiences worldwide.
Far more than just a collection of songs, Southside is poised to be a genuine sonic manifesto. It extends an invitation for listeners to engage in a conscious immersion into sound, transforming the audience from passive observers into active co-creators of the experience, solidifying DJ Lag’s position at the forefront of electronic music innovation.