WATCH: Umlilo aka Kwaai Diva Releases Their 20-Minute Post-Apocalyptic Blooming Sounds Set.

Billed as a dark electronica set that features “political musings, queer activism and dancefloor bangers”, Umlilo’s latest performance once again solidifies their status as an ahead-of-their-time artist. 

Set in a futuristic reimagining of Johannesburg, the performance, which formed part of the Blooming Sounds event, merges avant-garde, gender-bending fashion with eclectic genre-defying music and provocative dance performances from internationally renowned performers Llewellyn “Lulubelle” Mnguni and Kyle Holland.

“With this year being at a standstill because of COVID-19, I wanted to create something inspiring, different, relevant, risky which also showcases my musical range and growth as an artist. I haven’t been able to be on stage many times this year and wanted to do a show that leaves an indelible mark on my fans and the SA music community at large,” says Umlilo.

The 20-minute extravaganza, which was staged at Constitutional Hill’s Women’s Prison, sees Umlilo perform songs from their acclaimed EPs “Shades of Kwaai” and “Aluta”, which are both available to stream on Spotify.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Songwriter, performer and producer: Umlilo 

Choreographers/Dancers: Llewellyn “Lulubelle” Mnguni, Kyle Holland

Live DJ: Roberto “Lotion The Star”

Visuals: Francois Knoetze and Umlilo     

Styling and costume: Ndi Mak and Umlilo    

 Read more about Umlilo's extraordinary life and career in our exclusive SCAFFOLD interview.