While travelling the world, South African DJ and producer DBN Gogo figured out that her purpose expanded into creating a platform for the next generation of stars. She formed her label Zikode Records in 2022, and artists from the roster—Gogo calls them her “kids”—make appearances in her first full-length project: the likes of Stixx, DJ Stopper, EltonK and Nvcho contribute to several songs on Whats Real. They are joined by some of Gogo’s peers—amapiano stars Boohle, Pabi Copper and Mellow & Sleazy—among others in the assortment of ’piano slappers which ranges from chilled (“JIKA”) to soulful (“CHEATER”, “UYATHANDEKA”), spiritual (“MDALI”) and thumping (“GURU”, “KHOMBA BANI”). What’s real to “Umaka Mah” are meaningful connections with friends and family, an idea encapsulated in the album opener, “MARADEBE”, where socialite Zodwa Wabantu recites Gogo’s izithakazelo (clan praises) which the artist also has tattooed on her left arm—illustrating her similarly deep connection with her heritage.