Gqom
Gqom is an African electronic dance music genre and subgenre of house music, that emerged in the early 2010s from Durban, South Africa, pioneered and innovated by music producers Naked Boyz, Rudeboyz, Sbucardo, Griffit Vigo, Nasty Boyz, DJ Lag, Menzi Shabane, Distruction Boyz and Citizen Boy.
Unlike other South African electronic music, traditional gqom is typified by minimal, raw and repetitive sound with heavy bass but without the four-on-the-floor rhythm pattern.
Music industry personnel who were pivotal in accelerating the genre's international acclaim in the genre's initial developmental phases included the likes of South African rapper Okmalumkoolkat, Italian record label Gqom Oh owner Nane Kolè, as well as other South Africans, including event curator and public relations liaison Cherish Lala Mankai, Afrotainment record label owner DJ Tira, Babes Wodumo, Mampintsha and Busiswa.
Lexicology and morphology
The word gqom derives from an onomatopoeic combination of click consonants in the Zulu language which could be interpreted as a "hitting drum", "ricochet" or "bang". Gqom's isiZulu pronunciation is pronounced with an alveolar click followed by a guttural "om". The word itself in a literal sense resembles the sound produced by a kick drum.It is also expressed as GQOM, gqom tech, sgubhu, ''qgom, igqom, gqomu or variants thereof. Alternative names that later devoped into subgenres are Sgubhu and 3 Step. Isgubhu and igqom'' are IsiZulu words to describe a drum sound or beat emanating from speakers, that became synonymous with Durban kwaito. The term "three-step" was coined in the mid-2010s by gqom record producers Sbucardo and Citizen Boy to describe gqom music not only as a name, moreover attributed to a specific beat structure or pattern of gqom music preceding developing into a distinct subgenre of gqom.
Characteristics
Gqom is known for its beats which have a minimal, raw and repetitive sound with heavy bass as well as incorporations of techno, Durban kwaito, kwaito, maskandi, afro house, breakbeat, tribal house and broken beat. Traditional gqom is mainly described as having a dark and hypnotic club sound. The style of beats does not primarily use the four-on-the-floor rhythm pattern which is often heard in other house music. Typical lyrical themes include nightlife. It often uses one phrase or a few lines which are repeated numerous times in the song. Gqom was developed by a young generation of technologically skilled DJs producing in D.I.Y. fashion with software such as FL Studio and often self distributing their music on file sharing platforms. Griffit Vigo is credited for pioneering the 'sweep' sound used within the genre, described as having a sound that resembles "the sound of a broom". Other notable sounds include, tom rolls and Zulu chants.Gqom production and mixing
In 2018, Rudeboyz noted that they occasionally blend gqom with an array of other genres such as hip hop and pop. Gqom musicians often blend, together. Additionally, DJs commonly blend gqom with a conspicuous combination of sgubhu and hip hop during their sets. Sgubhu employs the typical elements found in gqom music production, however what sets it apart is the kick pattern. In sgubhu, the kick follows a consistent 4-beat pattern reminiscent of traditional house music and deep house. In 3-Step, a predominant 3-beat pattern or beats are commonly arranged in groups of three. Gqom 2.0, is characterized by a slower tempo, infused with other elements such as amapiano. Gqom exhibits variances in rhythm, for instance such as a 3-step, 4-step and two-step tempo patterns.History
Gqom emerged in the early 2010s. Influences in the 2010s, cite acts such as Naked Boyz, prominently known for producing the track "Ithoyizi" which appeared on Afrotainment signee DJ Cndo's compilation as well as music producers Blaq Soul and Culoe de Song's inclination towards tribal house which involved experimenting with beat formations. Additionally, in certain Durban nightclubs, early gqom and tribal house seamlessly alternated in DJ sets, while the music of Durban kwaito, Pretoria and Eastern Cape record producers like DJ Spoko, Machance, DJ Mujava, DJ Mthura and DJ Soso as well as sgxumseni were prevalent during the era.From the mid-2010s, the genre gained prominence abroad, especially in London. Gqom entered commercial mainstream in the late 2010s and continued to grow in popularity, while also maintaining its "underground music and culture" existence.File:Stress Giver taxi.jpg|alt= A common sight in South Africa is the customized and enhanced subwoofer-equipped mini van taxi, frequently blasting gqom at high volumes with amplified bass speakers.|thumb|193x193px|A common sight in South Africa is the customized and enhanced subwoofer-equipped mini van taxi such as a Toyota Quantum, frequently blasting gqom at high volumes with amplified bass speakers.
Gqom also plays its part in increasing business profit for local taxis as people established a day to specifically celebrate gqom called "gqom explosion" that is mostly known as I-Nazoke. It is celebrated by people from the city of Durban, however eventually other cities and towns in KwaZulu-Natal started celebrating it, too.
As the genre gained international traction, this made way for increased international collaborations as well as popularization. In 2017, lead Empire , actor Jussie Smollett was sighted dancing to and what appeared to be enjoying, the song "Omunye" by Distruction Boyz featuring Benny Maverick and Dlala Mshunqisi. Smollett described the song as "my jam".
"Wololo" singer and choreographer, Babes Wodumo, received a nomination for the BET Awards, BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, category.
In 2018, Babes Wodumo made an appearance on the Marvel Comics, Black Panther:Soundtrack album compilation by Kendrick Lamar showcasing a gqom vocal style delivery on the song "Redemption", additionally Wodumo collaborated with American electronic dancehall-reggae group Major Lazer on "Orkant/Balance Pon It" and displayed gqom dance moves in the official music video.
Duo, FAKA's music from their "Amaqhawe" EP was enlisted by Italian fashion luxury designer Donatella Versace for the Versace Spring 2019 Menswear Collection, fashion show.
Both Distruction Boyz as well as Babes Wodumo were nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act, the ceremonies took place in London and Spain. In the same year, Distruction Boyz were nominated at the BET Awards for BET Award for Best International Act: Africa additionally the duo performed at Sónar an arts, design and music festival in Spain.
In 2019, DJ Lag produced the song "My Power" for Beyoncé featuring various artists inclusive of songwriter and singer Busiswa and musician as well as dancer Moonchild Sanelly, the song was on the track list of The Lion King–inspired album, titled The Lion King: The Gift. At the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, The Lion King: The Gift received a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album. DJ Lag performed at the African Giants party which celebrated all the 2020 Grammy nominees from Africa. In October, during the rapper, poet, actress and songwriter Sho Madjozi's The Kelly Clarkson Show, performance WWE wrestler, John Cena made a surprise guest appearance performing the song, "John Cena" alongside her.
Thabo Ramokoena founded the Annual South African Gqom Awards. The awards honor various facets of gqom across different domains, including fashion and music, featuring 25 categories. The inaugural ceremony was held at the ICC Arena on 20 April 2019.
In 2021, the South African Music Awards, officially introduced separate categories for gqom and amapiano, which had previously been awarded under the Best Kwaito Album category.
In 2023, Disney Plus released an afrofuturism, sci-fi animated series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, which includes Surf Sangoma'' set in year 2050 in Durban directed by Spoek Mathambo and Catherine Green. The animation film's soundtrack was gqom-inspired created by music producer Aero Manyelo.
DJ Lag won the Best Gqom album at the, South African Music Awards.