Durban producer DJ Knator is exploring new possibilities within Gqom on Ushukela, an album that brings together heavy bass, soulful influences and collaborations with some of the genre’s recognisable names.
Released through EMPIRE / IMSS Records, the project is led by “Woza Mawufuna”, featuring Mastende Landlord, Afika ww and Priddy DJ. It captures the Pinetown-born artist’s ambition to build on the sound that shaped him while making room for fresh ideas.
A Musical Education Close to Home
Born Kelvin Ibeleme, DJ Knator developed his love for music through his father and uncle. His father’s tavern gave him an early opportunity to watch DJs at work and see how their selections connected with a crowd.
His uncle’s music collection introduced him to artists including DJ Tira, Big Nuz, Oskido, DJ Cleo and Professor, establishing a strong kwaito influence.
“My uncle and my dad — my dad, given he owns a tavern/bar, I had access to it at a young age,” he explains. “I would see and hear DJs play at his place and it was always full.”
Those experiences helped spark an interest in DJing that began in Grade 5. After high school, he started giving the craft greater attention before deciding to pursue music professionally in 2020.
Adding Sweetness to the Sound
The album’s title, Ushukela, means “sugar” in isiZulu and reflects the feeling Knator wanted to bring to the project.
“It just brings sweetness to the sound that I was trying to make,” he says. “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.”
That intention runs through an album which, according to Knator, moves between heavy bass and R&B-influenced Gqom. He also introduces listeners to a sound he calls Mjovo, expanding the range of influences within the project.
“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’,” he explains. “It accommodates new sounds from different directions.”
Collaborations Across the Gqom Scene
Ushukela features a line-up that includes Babes Wodumo, DJ Lag, Dankie Boi, Que DJ, Skillz, Dlala DeMinor, Motion, KC Driller, SpacePose, Famsoul and Maahr, among others.
The collaborations bring several voices into Knator’s musical world, while lead single “Woza Mawufuna” offers an introduction to the project’s dancefloor focus.
Two Tracks Hold a Special Place
Asked to choose his personal favourites, Knator singles out “Bathi iGqom” and “Drum”.
Both sit within a project centred on his relationship with Gqom and his desire to explore its possibilities. From watching DJs at his father’s tavern to developing his own productions, Ushukela brings that journey into focus.
Explore the album here and listen to “Woza Mawufuna”.
