DJ Lag - Biography, Career and Discography

Lwazi Asanda Gwala, popularly known as DJ Lag, is a South African DJ and record producer. He is considered one of the pioneers of gqom, a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Durban in the early 2010s. DJ Lag gained notable recognition in 2019 when he collaborated with artists like Tierra Whack, Beyoncé, Moonchild Sanelly, Nija, Yemi Alade, and Busiswa on the track "My Power" from Beyoncé's album, The Lion King: The Gift.

Early Life and Education

Born (1995) and growing up in Durban, DJ Lag initially aspired to be a soccer player, but an ankle injury halted his ambitions. His cousin, a rapper in the local hip hop scene, introduced him to FL Studio, and Lag taught himself music production. This new passion led him to explore DJing. He played his first gig at Durban's club Uhuru during a high school graduation event while he was in 10th grade. DJ Lag completed his matriculation at Wyebank Secondary School in Wyebank, KwaZulu-Natal.

Career

DJ Lag kick started his career in an unconventional way by releasing his first EP on WhatsApp. Fans would sign up on his website and receive the exclusive EP for free through the messaging app. His unique style, known locally as "uthayela," features rough timbres and hard bass-lines tailored for club settings.

At 21, DJ Lag made his international debut in late 2016 at the Unsound Festival in Poland, followed by a performance at Seoul's Cake Shop. He has since performed at Afropunk in New York City, held a residency at RinseFM, and embarked on a worldwide tour called #GqomIsThePresent. His music has been featured on BBC Radio 1, including shows by Diplo and Benji B, and he delivered a BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix set hosted by Pete Tong. In 2019, he spoke at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE).

That same year, DJ Lag released a 6-track EP titled "UHURU" under Diplo's label Good Enuff Records. The EP paid homage to Durban's club Uhuru, a key venue for gqom producers to test new sounds. He also started curating and hosting an event called Something for Clermont, which encourages new acts to experiment with evolving the gqom genre. The first event was held in partnership with Boiler Room.

Discography

Albums

2022 - Meeting With The King

2024 - The Rebellion

EPs

2016 - DJ Lag EP

2018 - Stampit EP

2019 - Steam Rooms EP

2019 - Uhuru

2021 - Goon Club Allstars & Friends, Volume 1

Singles

2018 - Jika

2018 - Going Modd

2019 - Anywhere We Go

2019 - Anywhere We Go (Redfield Remix)

2020 - Jungle

2020 - Siyagroova

2021 - Ngomso (DJ Lad Remix)

2021 - Ndiyakuthanda (12.4.19)

2021 - Lucifer

2021 - Overdue

2021 - Into Ongayazi

2021 - Raptor

2022 - Destiny

2022 - Where's Your Father

2023 - Bulldozer

2023 - Amapiano Naija Vibes

2023 - Kwenzakalan

2024 - Hade Boss

2024 - Umthwalo Wam

2024 - Hade Boss (Re-Up)

2024 - Ukyepu