Lelowhatsgood: shifting norms and re-imagining Joburg’s creative community

A few people have the enviable feat of spending their days doing what they love, pushing boundaries, partying away and advocating inclusivity and safe spaces for the queer community –while being at the forefront of Joburg’s creative culture.

Puttering in a myriad of trades, Lelo Meslani, otherwise known as Lelowhatsgood is one of few individuals who relentlessly push the envelope and make it virtually difficult to box them in. The multitalented creative wears many hats – from DJ, writer and Vogue Nights founder – he curates culture, queer and beyond.

“I feel like, with creativity or just being the leaders or the frontrunners of pushing culture or pushing boundaries, queer people – whether in South Africa or wherever around the world – have always been doing that for decades. How it differentiates is how people take inspiration from other places, put it in one thing and make it unique and make it their own personal story to tell or to bring out other voices from their communities,” Lelo said.

To speak about queer culture and the stereotypes surrounding its community is nothing new, however, the culture seems to be undergoing a renaissance as members of the community boldly own their narratives, spaces and exist in a society that would otherwise have them side-lined.

Vogue Nights Jozi (VNJ) is one such inclusive movement redefining South African queer culture. VNJ is an event for the queer community shifting norms and reimagining Johannesburg’s nightlife scene to allow diverse freedom of expression through dance, music, art and community.

“Before I started Vogue Nights Jozi, there wasn’t really much going on in terms of spaces for diversity and inclusion for queer black bodies. I think there is a resurgence alongside new and fresh ideas and spaces opening up as well. There is something that’s bubbling under and it definitely needs someone to kick-start it,” he said.

Lelo’s taste in music, art and all-round expression made his transition into deejaying seamless, although he credited FAKA’s Fela Gucci for giving him his first big break. Lelo’s tenure on the decks has seen an incredible rise – pitting him against the best industry tastemakers. A night out in Joburg increases your chances of dancing to an explosive and eclectic set by Lelo – his set sets are symptomatic of artists creating the future sounds of South Africa within the alternative, experimental and LGBTQ+ communities – artists redefining and reinterpreting the established sounds of kwaito, gqom, Afropop, hip-hop and house.

“I’d describe my taste as alternative – but also having my roots really based into ballroom, which is vogue music. I’ve made it a point to always surprise people whenever I play because I never play the same genre. I think that’s the one thing with me – being diverse in my sound and my set, experimenting and never keeping it stagnant.”

Having proven his set worthy of keeping any crowd on their feet, he promised to give revellers astounding beats and a technically matured sets at this year’s AfroPunk Festival as he plays alongside some of the best international and local musical acts.

“People can expect a high energy set. I want people to feel good, have fun,” he said.