Gqom: Durban's Double-Tempo Beat

Durban's early 2010s Gqom sound, a raw, broken beat championed by DJ Lag and Distruction Boyz, breaks out from the underground to global stages and South African pop with hits like "Wololo."

Tracklist

  1. Ice Drop — DJ Lag
  2. Omunye (feat. Benny Maverick & Dladla Mshunqisi) — Distruction Boyz
  3. Trip to New York — DJ Lag
  4. Steam One — DJ Lag & Okzharp
  5. Wololo — Babes Wodumo feat. Mampintsha
  6. Midnight Starring — DJ Maphorisa, Distruction Boyz, RudeBoyz feat. DJ Tira, Busiswa & Moonchild Sanelly
  7. Makhe — DJ Maphorisa & Shimza feat. Moonchild Sanelly

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Hope your afternoon's going well. Let's dig in.

Ever wonder what happens when the beat just keeps pushing, doubling up on itself? Tonight, we're heading to South Africa for a dance style that does exactly that, moving at a pace that'll leave your usual radio tunes in the dust.

Ice Drop — DJ Lag

We're diving into a foundational Gqom track, straight from its Durban origins. Feel that raw, minimal, high-tempo percussive style defining the genre's distinct speed.

Omunye (feat. Benny Maverick & Dladla Mshunqisi) — Distruction Boyz

Emerging from Durban in the early 2010s, Gqom built a raw, minimal sound with heavy bass and irregular kick patterns, quickly gaining recognition. Distruction Boyz transformed the genre into mainstream pop, making it more 'edible to the human ear,' as Que from the group described.

Trip to New York — DJ Lag

This unique sound, often described by DJ Lag as a 'broken beat on a high tempo,' soon captured international attention. Kode9 once likened the experience of Gqom to 'being suspended over the gravitational field of a black hole, and lovin' it,' as DJ Lag brought tracks like "Trip to New York" to global audiences.

Steam One — DJ Lag & Okzharp

Gqom's outward journey continued as its influence spread to cities like London and Berlin. Collaborations with international producers, such as DJ Lag's work with Okzharp on tracks like "Steam One," exemplified how the distinct Durban sound could blend with global electronic music, expanding its reach.

Wololo — Babes Wodumo feat. Mampintsha

Back home, Babes Wodumo's 2016 hit "Wololo" was pivotal, propelling Gqom into South African mainstream media. DJ Lag noted, 'When Babes dropped that track, Gqom became mainstream in South Africa,' further cementing its cultural impact, even appearing in the Black Panther movie soundtrack.

Midnight Starring — DJ Maphorisa, Distruction Boyz, RudeBoyz feat. DJ Tira, Busiswa & Moonchild Sanelly

The genre's popularization was a collaborative effort, drawing in multiple prominent artists who embraced its driving rhythms. This blend of talents created powerful anthems that resonated widely, showcasing Gqom's energetic and infectious appeal across South Africa.

Makhe — DJ Maphorisa & Shimza feat. Moonchild Sanelly

Gqom's evolution continues, with artists exploring fusions and new interpretations while keeping its core vibe alive. This adaptability has allowed the genre to influence and blend with other South African electronic styles, like Amapiano, demonstrating its dynamic nature.

Thank you for listening to OffStereo. May the pulsating energy of this unique sound continue to inspire and remind us how rhythm travels far beyond its origin.