SAMA-nominated artist, DJ and creative visionary Lelowhatsgood is preparing to usher in a transformative new era with the release of his highly anticipated EP, Rebirth Is Necessary, arriving on 3 July 2026.
By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: SAMA-Nominated Lelowhatsgood Enters a New Era with Upcoming EP Rebirth Is Necessary. Photo Credit: Supplied
Fresh off the success of his critically acclaimed and SAMA-nominated project Next Level, the multidisciplinary creative has officially unveiled both the release date and striking cover artwork for his forthcoming body of work, signalling the start of an exciting new chapter in his artistic evolution.
Known for consistently pushing the boundaries of sound, culture and identity, Lelowhatsgood has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most innovative voices in electronic music. With Rebirth Is Necessary, he continues that journey, crafting a project that challenges convention while expanding the possibilities of African electronic music.
Rooted in the sounds of 3-Step, Afro Tech, Gqom, Is’qinsi and experimental club music, the EP explores the space where tradition and futurism collide. The result is a rich sonic landscape that reflects both the depth of African musical heritage and the limitless potential of contemporary innovation.
Far more than a dance project, Rebirth Is Necessary serves as a creative manifesto that questions accepted definitions of genre and artistic identity.
“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.”
The announcement has also drawn attention for its visually compelling artwork, which acts as an extension of the themes explored throughout the EP. Inspired by the late artist and close friend Lunga Ntila, the cover art incorporates collage, photo manipulation and fragmented visual elements to represent the ongoing process of self-discovery and reinvention.
The artwork mirrors the musical journey contained within the project, embracing ideas of displacement, reconstruction and transformation. Individual fragments combine to create a complete image, symbolising identities that are fluid, layered and constantly evolving rather than fixed or easily defined.
For Lelowhatsgood, whose influence extends beyond music into fashion, nightlife, creative culture and community-building, the project represents a deeply personal reflection on growth and self-definition. It explores the realities of existing between multiple worlds while finding strength in experimentation, adaptability and creative freedom.
The announcement arrives as Lelowhatsgood continues to cement his position as one of South Africa’s most important cultural tastemakers. Whether behind the decks, curating experiences or shaping conversations around contemporary African identity, his work consistently challenges audiences to engage with music and culture in new ways.
With anticipation building ahead of its release, Rebirth Is Necessary promises to be more than just an EP. It stands as a bold artistic statement—one that seeks to redefine the boundaries of African electronic music while offering a deeply personal exploration of becoming, belonging and transformation.
As South Africa’s electronic music scene continues to gain international recognition, Lelowhatsgood’s latest offering is poised to contribute meaningfully to that momentum, further establishing him as an artist unafraid to innovate, disrupt and reimagine what is possible.
Rebirth Is Necessary will be released on Friday, 3 July 2026. Fans can pre-save the EP now and follow @lelowhatsgood across social media platforms for updates, exclusive content and release announcements.
