From Durban to the world.
Over the past year, 21-year-old producer DJ Lag has become the poster boy for Durban’s rapidly growing gqom scene. In late 2016 he teamed up with London label Goon Club Allstars to drop a self-titled EP of four relentless club tracks, a perfect introduction to the bass-heavy sound of gqom.
The EP’s standout ‘Ice Drop’ now has a video that takes us into the heart of the scene. Shot by director Chris Kets the weekend before Lag embarked on his world tour, “the video takes you deep into Lag’s neighbourhood, Durban’s Kwa-Dabeka township and the gqom scene that thrives there,” says Kets.
“In Durban you can be walking through a jungle one minute and in five minutes’ drive by in a lightning storm in a taxi blasting gqom with a smoke machine in it. It’s a place with a mad energy, there’s something in the air.
“I wanted to capture the essence of gqom in its raw, real form. The video ends at Clermont’s gqom spot Skhoti’s, where a huge send-off party was thrown for Lag. I think you see the sincerity of the people of Durban in this video – there is no jealousy here, just real support and love for the music. I think a lot of music scenes can learn from that.”
Director & Editor: Chris Kets
Producer: Andrew Aitchison (Black Major)
Cinematography: Chris Kets & Jabulile Nadia Newman
3D Animation: Stuart Kets
2D Animation: Dada Khanyisa
Aerial Cinematography: Airbourne Media
Final Mix: Raiven Haansman (Popsicle Studios)
Maskandi artist: Bhekisenzo Cele (Vukazithathe)
Dancers: S’buh and Samkelo (Mexican Boys)
Don’t miss DJ Lag & DJ Nigga Fox in London this Friday, May 4.
