In the bubbling city of Durban, the ever-great South African side, a new sound sprung up in the early 2010s, taking the music industry by storm. Gqom (pronounced with a click of the tongue – Nqu-om) is a pulsating and energetic sound started by teenagers in Durban. Gqom has gone on to become a cultural phenomenon, endearing its audience with raw energy.

Gqom music has strong roots in traditional house music and kwaito. The genre is described as South African dance music and its unique sound is characterized by heavy basslines, tempo, rolling drums, synths, and effects. It also eliminated the traditional 4/4 kick rhythm of conventional house music and replaced it with minimalist beats, setting it apart from its predecessors.

In an interview on Afropop classic, DJ Lag, a pioneering DJ/artist said, "The word Gqom might have come from where someone was making music in their room and an adult came in and asked, ‘Who is making that qum qum noise? ' Now everybody starts calling it that because of the sound it produces."

It is also believed that the sound originated when teenagers, eager to create music and get their friends dancing, took advantage of accessible production gear and democratized commercial music. This movement was driven by social media and other self-promotion techniques.

Artists, groups, and producers like DJ Lag, Naked Boyz, Rude Boyz, DJ Kay Bee, TLC Fam, Distruction Boyz, and Citizen Boy are often credited as pioneers of this sound. These groundbreakers played a significant role in shaping the genre and bringing it to the front row of South African music.

Other notable personalities and artists who played significant roles in the commercialization of this genre include Gqom Oh! Label owner Francesco Nan Kolè, Babes Wodumo, Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Tira, Sho Madjozi, Griffit Vigo, Mampintsha, and Busiswa. These heavyweights in the music industry have helped transition Gqom from an underground movement to a mainstream phenomenon.

While some may argue that commercialization of the genre has negative effects, like diluting the original sound, others see it as an avenue for Gqom to reach a wider audience.

Connection to the Durban Street Culture - The Taxis' Contribution

In Durban, taxis — or Kombis as they are affectionately known in the South African streets — are more than just a method of transportation. They are a hub for music promotion, fashion, and self-expression. These taxis served as a mobile music platform blasting Gqom tracks from their powerful sound systems with subwoofers. This increased the number of hits from these non-mainstream artists, especially in South Beach.

In the early days of this genre, the taxis served as the main test for Gqom because of how compressed the sounds are in a taxi. Radio stations frowned on playing Gqom tracks on their system because they believed it would crash their sound system due to the heavy bop sound it produces. This allowed taxis to blast Gqom tracks while driving through the city. According to Nan Kolè in the documentary Woza Taxi, ‘This is the best way to attract people to your taxi if your taxi is blasting Gqom, people will be attracted to your taxi.’

This connection of Gqom to the city’s taxi culture deepened its roots in the streets.

Like many street-influenced genres, Gqom has also had a fair share of criticism from the audience and local press. Gqom has faced significant criticism for promoting explicit lyrics, ghetto lifestyles, drugs, sexual immoralities, and the perceived glorification of violence and crime in Durban. According to DJ Mabheko in the Woza Taxi documentary,; ‘Gqom music has gotten some kind of reputation for drugs in the local press, but I do not conceive music for druggies or whatever, I just make music to make people feel happy.’

Despite how this music might make people feel, Gqom endorsers believe the genre reflects the tough realities of many young South Africans. The genre’s underground roots and DIY culture have also fueled its authenticity.

Gqom’s influence extends past the country’s shores, with international artists incorporating its elements into their music or creating the absolute sound. In Nigeria, the ever-ready pop artists are adopting this sound, with a few notable takes being Penalty by Small Doctor, Available by Patoranking, and Issa Banger by D’banj (Koko Master).

This international exposure has opened doors for the genre and artists, creating avenues for collaboration with renowned global artists and producers.

Overall, Gqom is a true Durban classic. Born from the streets and shaped by its people, Gqom has remained a stronghold in the South African pop music culture since its conception, thumping its way into the hearts of music lovers across the world.

A neural-style rendering of Sho Madjozi, a South African rapper who is iconic in the Gqom genre scene.

Gqom Music: A Durban Classic –True Reflection of the Durban Raw Vibe

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