Lelowhatsgood Unveils Rebirth Is Necessary
On 2 July 2026, Urban Lifestyle was invited to witness the official launch of Lelowhatsgood’s highly anticipated new EP, Rebirth Is Necessary. Despite the winter chill outside, the event radiated warmth, creativity and celebration as friends, collaborators, media and fans gathered to experience the next chapter in the SAMA-nominated artist’s musical journey.
Following the success of his critically acclaimed Next Level EP and the release of lead single Ba Ko Kae, Rebirth Is Necessary arrives as Lelowhatsgood’s most ambitious project yet. Across five carefully crafted tracks, the producer, DJ and creative visionary expands the possibilities of Gqom while remaining deeply connected to its South African roots.
Rather than being confined by tradition, the EP embraces evolution. Lelowhatsgood introduces multiple languages and diverse musical influences into the Gqom landscape, proving that the genre can continue to grow without losing its identity. The result is a project that feels both familiar and refreshingly progressive.
Speaking about the project, Lelowhatsgood explains that Rebirth Is Necessary reflects personal and musical transformation.
“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.“
Musically, the EP explores a rich blend of Gqom, Is’qinsi, Afro Tech, 3-Step and experimental club music, creating an immersive listening experience that refuses to be limited by genre boundaries.
The project also features an exciting list of collaborators including Espacio Dios, DJ Emotive, KIING BHUTIE, Lazarusman, Unkle Ken, Rifle Deep, Thobeka, Sunornza, Omagoqa and Joshua Futura, with each artist adding their own unique flavour while reinforcing the EP’s spirit of collaboration and innovation.
Visually, Rebirth Is Necessary draws inspiration from the late multidisciplinary artist Lunga Ntila, using collage, distortion and fragmented imagery to reflect themes of transformation, identity and cultural evolution. The artwork mirrors the music’s willingness to embrace complexity and continuous reinvention.
A Launch Filled with Energy
Although Johannesburg’s winter weather was unforgiving, the atmosphere inside the launch venue couldn’t have been more vibrant. Every performance was met with enthusiastic cheers as guests danced, sang along and celebrated the new music.
Urban Lifestyle experienced first-hand how the EP effortlessly connects with listeners. The production is polished, energetic and modern, combining infectious dance rhythms with bold experimentation. The inclusion of hip-hop influences alongside traditional Gqom elements creates a sound that feels fresh while remaining unmistakably South African.
More than simply introducing a new body of work, the evening celebrated community, creativity and the evolution of local music culture. The crowd’s reaction made it clear that Rebirth Is Necessary has all the ingredients to become one of the standout South African electronic releases of the year.
For fans of Gqom and anyone looking to discover the future of South African dance music, Lelowhatsgood’s latest offering is an essential listen. Rebirth Is Necessary is more than an EP—it’s a bold statement that challenges convention while honouring the genre’s roots, proving that Gqom’s future is as limitless as the artists shaping it.
Stream / Download: https://cca.ffm.to/rebirthisnecessary
