South African creative visionary, DJ and cultural tastemaker Lelowhatsgood has officially announced his forthcoming EP, Rebirth Is Necessary, set for release on 3 July 2026.
The announcement arrives alongside the unveiling of the project’s striking cover artwork, offering fans a first glimpse into what promises to be another boundary-pushing chapter in the artist’s evolving creative journey.
Following the critical acclaim and South African Music Award (SAMA) nomination of his groundbreaking EP Next Level, Lelowhatsgood returns with a project that continues his mission of redefining the possibilities of Dance and African Electronic Music.
Pushing African Electronic Music Into New Territory
Drawing inspiration from 3-Step, Afro Tech, Gqom, Is’qinsi and experimental club sounds, Rebirth Is Necessary exists at the intersection of tradition and futurism.
The EP challenges conventional ideas around genre, rhythm and identity, creating a sonic landscape that remains deeply rooted in African musical expression while embracing innovation and experimentation.
At its core, the project seeks to expand listeners’ understanding of what club music can be.
“Rebirth Is Necessary challenges listeners to rethink everything they know about club music,” says Lelowhatsgood.
“It’s about pushing beyond genre limitations and exploring how rhythm, identity and sound can continuously evolve. This project represents growth, transformation and the freedom to exist in multiple forms at once.”
A Visual Story of Transformation
The EP’s artwork serves as a powerful visual extension of the themes explored throughout the music.
Inspired by the late artist and close friend Lunga Ntila, the cover art incorporates collage techniques, fragmented imagery and photo manipulation to explore ideas of identity, transformation and self-formation.
The visual narrative mirrors many of the concepts present within the music itself, including displacement, distortion and reconstruction. Individual fragments come together to form a complete image, symbolising an identity that is constantly evolving rather than fixed.
More Than Music
For Lelowhatsgood, whose work consistently bridges music, fashion, culture and community, Rebirth Is Necessary represents far more than a collection of songs.
The project serves as a statement on transformation, self-definition and creative freedom, reflecting the realities of navigating multiple identities and finding strength in reinvention.
Its themes of growth, belonging and becoming are deeply personal, while also speaking to broader conversations around contemporary African culture and self-expression.
Building on a Growing Legacy
The announcement comes at a time when Lelowhatsgood continues to establish himself as one of South Africa’s most influential emerging cultural voices.
Beyond his work as a DJ and producer, he has become known for shaping conversations around nightlife, identity, creativity and the future of African electronic music.
With anticipation already building among fans and tastemakers, Rebirth Is Necessary is positioned to further cement his reputation as an artist unafraid to challenge conventions and explore new creative territory.
As the countdown to release day begins, audiences can expect a project that not only expands the boundaries of African electronic music but also offers a deeply personal reflection on growth, evolution and the power of reinvention.
Rebirth Is Necessary will be released on Friday, 3 July 2026, and is available for pre-save now.
