Summary

South African dance music and a variant of house music without the four-on-the-floor rhythm pattern of an electronic dance music. Gqom is known for its beats which have a minimal, raw and repetitive sound with heavy bass.

Influences
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HistoryGqom (pronounced with a click of the tongue – Nqu-om) is a sound that originated from the ever-buzzing city of Durban in South Africa during the early 2010s. Nobody knows who started Gqom music, but it is often credited to artists, groups, and producers like DJ Lag, Naked Boyz, Rude Boyz, Dj Kaybee, TLC Fam, Distruction Boyz, and Citizen Boy. Gqom is a type of electronic dance music, inspired by Kwaito music (a subgenre of house music). Disk Jockeys who created the sound were inspired by the nightlife activities that constantly took place in Durban city. Some of the pioneer musicians are, Rudeboyz, Dominowe, Citizen Boy, and Griffit Vigo. The word Gqom is an onomatopoeia that is derived from the sound of a hitting drum. In an interview on Afropop classic, Pioneering DJ/artist Dj Lag mentioned, ‘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.
Other notable personalities and artists who played significant roles in the commercialization of this genre include Babes Wodumo, Moonchild Sanelly, Dj Tira, and Gqom Oh! Label owner Francesco Nan Kolè, 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.
Elements 
Form and Style

Gqom, a South African electronic dance music genre, is defined by its minimalist, syncopated beats and repetitive patterns. Characterized by a raw, percussive sound, it fuels energetic dance culture.

Singing Style

In Gqom, repetition is key. Minimal lines are repeated over and over throughout a song. It is not the typical verse-chorus- verse-chorus style. The verses are sometimes in a call and response form which are always repeated constantly throughout the song. At times, there are no verses at all. The percussive vocal style of Kwaito can be said to be influential in terms of vocal style been implemented.

Theme

The lyrical contents are heavily inspired by nightclub activities.

Culture

Gqom music from South Africa draws influence from incorporating elements of kwaito and house. It reflects urban youth culture, with a fusion of local and global sounds.

Timbre

The timbre of Gqom music can be described as dark. Producers make use of bass synth sounds fused with Minor notes which ultimately provide the music genre with a distinctive dark and raw sound.

Arrangement

The Melodies in Gqom music are usually derived from instrumental productions. The most dominant melody in Gqom music is the monotonous minor synth bass sound that is always prominent from the beginning of a song until the end. Gqom’s rhythmic pattern is more of a distorted one in which the kick virtually leaves little or no space for hi-hats and snares. There is the constant use of kicks throughout.