A creative who wears many hats, DJ Lelowhatsgood (real name Ntsikelelo Meslani) describes his gqom driven sound as experimental, underground, innovative, and dark, which emanates through his recently released EP, Next Level. But Meslani’s work extends beyond the decks and the DAWs. He is an essential contributor to queer representation in South Africa’s entertainment industry. As a founder of Vogue Nights Jozi (VNJ), he pioneers safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ community and champions queer excellence. VNJ is an inclusive, intersectional event and cultural movement integral to the rise of South African ballroom culture. With Meslani at the helm, the event continues to break new bounds with each edition. We caught up with him to discuss life since Next Level, and what level he’ll unlock next.
Lelo, what’s good? What are you currently working on?
What’s gooood! At the moment, I’m currently working on releasing my merch for the Next Level EP as part of the roll out and to sort of bring everyone who has been on the journey into the universe i’m building for this project. I’m also working on a whole lot of music, which also feels so scary but good.
Over the past few years, you’ve been on an incredible upward trajectory. Is there a recent project that you’re most proud of, and why?
That would have to be releasing my first music project Next Level. I’m incredibly proud of what i’ve managed to achieve, not many people are brave enough to ignore the noise and just keep doing what they set their mind to. I’m proud of it for many reasons, one of them being able to provide a sonic escape within dance music because it’s such a healing tool. I just want to make people feel good in a world where so many things can be daunting.
Tell us about this mix – what sort of sound are you playing with here, and how does it speak toward your current interests as a DJ?
This mix starts off with a quote from Pepper LeBeija who was featured on the film Paris Is Burning, explaining the concept of being a house mother and father and also putting themselves on the frontlines as a figure where young kids look up to them. I feel like I can relate to that in a lot of ways, and for anyone who gets it can relate this to my work through VNJ BALL and my impact with setting the tone for ballroom culture in Africa. This mix feels like a reintroduction with my current interests as a DJ right now which is taking African electronic & dance music everywhere- which includes Afro Tech/House and Gqom. I’ve managed to merge cultural work with ballroom and the music that speaks to that underground essence.
This May, you released your much anticipated EP ‘Next Level.’ Could you speak to us about the process behind conceptualising this project, and your journey as a producer?
The journey of this project actually started 2 years ago when I met Dee Traits on the internet. A lot of our visions aligned and we committed to creating a project that feels a little more different from the Gqom that has been released. We wanted a fusion of more electronic sounds and put a stamp in the dance community in South Africa. We did just that. My journey started with Demon’s Kiss, which to my surprise people still rock with it and many more people are still discovering who I am so this is a great way to see what goes on in my head.
You recently joined Another Zero – how has being a part of a talent agency helped you explore new avenues as an artist?
Being asked to be part of Another Zero came at the perfect time where I needed a team to just take the vision up a notch. It really does take a village, and where I’m headed needs the best creative mind. As someone who has managed themselves most of the time, I am more than grateful I found like-minded people to help me craft what I’m doing and also take the brand to newer heights.
Aside from being a prolific artist, you’re also a celebrated leader in the queer community. Could you tell us how things at VNJ are going? What does the next year look like for the collective and event?
We’re all about leaning with the currents of the culture and pushing boundaries which might scare a lot of people [brands]. We’re trying out new things such as VNJ BODEGA – which might be the answer to providing more inclusivity within the dance and electronic community as well as never straying away from what Ballroom can do for the community, which is providing safer spaces for people to express themselves and also a space to meet others and foster relationships. The next year we’re looking at tweaking what we can improve at our events and most definitely going international with the brand.
With your reach and influence growing, you fearlessly continue to advocate for your community and their values. How do you navigate negativity when it comes your way?
I tend to know when to speak up and know when not to. Not everything deserves a response. I let the work speak for itself, most of the time. Luckily I don’t get to deal with negativity often.
How do you hope to see South Africa’s queer nightlife scene grow over the next few years? How do you think this community could better support each other?
I definitely see the nightlife scene competing with the “mainstream” in a lot of ways. There are queer festivals popping up, there’s specially curated nights and events, people are coming together in numbers and that’s amazing. The best way we could all support each other is by collaborating.
What advice do you have for young DJs and promoters who are looking to start their journey? What lessons have you learnt coming up in your scene that you’d like to pass on to the next generation?
Don’t be afraid to try things and make sure you get up and work… people want things handed out to them for some reason. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts – and if you want to build something that lasts with a good foundation you have to cut out the noise and just keep doing you. You’ll see something happen.
Download / Stream Next Level here
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