A New Chapter for One of South Africa’s Most Innovative Creative Voices
Creative, DJ, SAMA-nominated artist and cultural trailblazer Lelowhatsgood has officially released his highly anticipated new EP, Rebirth Is Necessary, a five-track project that reimagines the future of Gqom while staying true to the genre’s South African roots.
Following the success of his critically acclaimed, SAMA-nominated EP Next Level and the release of lead single Ba Ko Kae, the latest body of work signals a new creative era for the multifaceted artist, one driven by experimentation, reinvention and cultural evolution.
Redefining the Sound and Language of Gqom
With Rebirth Is Necessary, Lelowhatsgood challenges long-held perceptions of Gqom by expanding both its sonic and linguistic identity.
While the genre has traditionally been characterised by its signature rhythms and vocal performances predominantly delivered in isiZulu and isiXhosa, the new project embraces a broader range of languages and musical influences. The result is an immersive listening experience that celebrates South Africa’s diverse cultural landscape while presenting Gqom as a constantly evolving global sound.
Rather than abandoning the genre’s foundations, the EP builds upon them, demonstrating that innovation and tradition can coexist within the same musical space.
Music as a Reflection of Personal Transformation
At the heart of the project lies the idea that growth requires reinvention.
According to Lelowhatsgood, Rebirth Is Necessary mirrors the natural evolution people experience throughout their lives.
“Rebirth Is Necessary is about allowing music to evolve in the same way we do. I’ve always believed that our stories, our languages and our identities deserve to exist across every dance floor. This project is an invitation to hear Gqom differently—to embrace its ability to hold many voices, many influences and many futures.”
The title itself reflects the belief that transformation often emerges through disruption, encouraging listeners to embrace change rather than resist it.
A Genre-Blending Journey Across South African Electronic Music
Musically, the EP stretches far beyond traditional Gqom, seamlessly weaving together elements of Is’qinsi, Afro Tech, 3-Step and experimental club music.
Each track contributes to a cohesive listening experience that refuses to be confined by genre labels, reinforcing Lelowhatsgood’s reputation as an artist willing to challenge convention while remaining deeply rooted in South African dance music culture.
An All-Star Line-Up of Collaborators
Rebirth Is Necessary brings together an impressive collective of collaborators from across the country’s electronic and underground music scenes.
The project opens with the previously released Ba Ko Kae alongside Espacio Dios before moving into Hypnosis featuring DJ Emotive and KIING BHUTIE.
Other standout collaborations include Mind Your Business with Lazarusman featuring KIING BHUTIE, Ngiw’logogo with Unkle Ken and Rifle Deep featuring Thobeka and Sunornza, before concluding with Ten Toes alongside Omagoqa featuring Joshua Futura.
Together, the collaborations highlight the project’s emphasis on community, experimentation and creative exchange.
Visual Storytelling Inspired by Lunga Ntila
The EP’s striking visual identity draws inspiration from the late multidisciplinary artist Lunga Ntila.
Through collage, fragmented imagery and distortion, the artwork extends the themes explored in the music, reflecting identities, cultures and sounds that continue to evolve beyond easy categorisation.
The visuals reinforce the central narrative of transformation, mirroring the project’s celebration of complexity, reinvention and creative freedom.
Continuing to Shape South African Culture
Beyond music, Lelowhatsgood has become recognised as one of South Africa’s most influential creative voices, operating at the intersection of music, fashion, nightlife and contemporary African culture.
With Rebirth Is Necessary, he continues to cement his reputation as an artist committed to expanding creative boundaries while remaining deeply connected to the communities and sounds that inspire his work.
More Than an EP
Far more than simply a collection of songs, Rebirth Is Necessary stands as a statement about the future of Gqom.
It challenges listeners to reconsider what the genre can become, arguing that Gqom is not defined by language, convention or expectation, but by its ability to evolve alongside the artists and communities who continue to shape it.
Rebirth Is Necessary is available now on all major streaming platforms.
