Gqom | |
---|---|
Other names | Igqomu,Gqom tech,Sghubu[1] |
Stylistic origins | |
Cultural origins | Early 2010s, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Typical instruments |
|
Derivative forms | Township tech[2] |
Subgenres | |
Gqom ([ᶢǃʱòm]),(Igqomu([iᶢǃʱòmu]),Gqom tech or Sghubu),[9] is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 2010s from Durban, South Africa,[10] pioneered largely by music producers Naked Boyz, Sbucardo, DJ Lag,[11][12][13] Rudeboyz,[11][14][15][16], Nasty Boyz, Griffit Vigo,[17][18] Distruction Boyz,[19] Menzi,[20][21] and Citizen Boy.[22][23] It was developed from kwaito, a subgenre of house music from South Africa.[24]
Unlike other South African electronic music, gqom is typified by minimal, raw and repetitive sound with heavy bass beats but without the four-on-the-floor rhythm pattern.[10]
Music connoisseurs who were pivotal in influencing the genre's international acclaim included the likes of South African rapper Okmalumkoolkat, Italian record label Gqom Oh owner, Malumz Kole[25] inclusive of other South Africans; music taste-maker and public relations liaison, Cherish Lala Mankai,[25] Afrotainment record label owner DJ Tira, Babes Wodumo, Dlala Thukzin,[26] and Busiswa.
The word gqom derives from an onomatopoeic combination of click consonants in the Zulu language meaning a hitting drum. It is also expressed as qgom, igqom, gqomu or variants thereof.[27][28] Presumably another name is sghubu as its direct translation from the Zulu language is drum, furthermore it is a local word used to describe house or the drum instrument, in general ,whilst being a sub-genre of gqom itself, too.[29][30][9][31]
Gqom is known for its beats which have a minimal, raw and repetitive sound with heavy bass. It is mainly described as having a dark and hypnotic club sound. The style of beats does not use the four-on-the-floor rhythm pattern which is often heard in other house music.[10] 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.[23]
Partially similar to afro tech, gqom likewise is referred to as, "3 step". Gqom as well as afro tech producers and DJs often blend these two genres (gqom and afro-tech), together.[25][32] An illustration would be that of Dlala Thukzin's single "Nika Nika" (Magical Remix) featuring. Iso & CavaTheKwaal, from his 2020, Permanent Music, EP.[33][34]
Gqom emerged in the early 2010s.[10] 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 performances of Pretoria DJs like DJ Spoko, Machance and DJ Mujava were prevalent.[35]
From the mid-2010s, the genre gained prominence abroad, especially in London.[36] 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 iNazoke. It is celebrated by people from the city of Durban, but eventually other cities and towns in KwaZulu-Natal started celebrating it, too.[37]
As the genre gained international traction,[25][38][39] this made way for increased international collaborations as well as popularization. In 2017, lead Empire (2015 TV series), actor Jussie Smollett was sighted dancing to and what appeared to be enjoying,[40] the song "Omunye" by Distruction Boyz featuring Benny Maverick[41] and Dlala Mshunqisi.[42] Smollett described the song as "my jam".[40]
In 2018 the "gqom queen"[43][44] vocalist and dancer Babes Wodumo made an appearance on the Marvel Comics, Black Panther:The Album compilation by Kendrick Lamar,[45] additionally Wodumo collaborated with Major Lazer and showcased gqom dance moves in the song, "Orkant/Balance Pon It" official music video.[46]
Duo, FAKA's music from the "Amaqhawe" EP was enlisted by Donatella Versace for the Versace Spring 2019 Menswear Collection, fashion show.[47]
Both Distruction Boyz and Babes Wodumo[48] were nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act.[19] [49]
In 2019, DJ Lag produced a 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.[50][51] In October, during the rapper, poet, actress and songwriter Sho Madjozi, The Kelly Clarkson Show, performance WWE wrestler, John Cena made a surprise guest appearance performing the song, "John Cena" alongside her.[52]
In 2020, singer Alicia Keys was video-recorded by record producer Swizz Beatz dancing to "eLamont" by Babes Wodumo featuring Mampintsha (former Big Nuz, member).[53][54]
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 (Nthato Mokgata) and Catherine Green.The animation film's soundtrack is gqom-inspired created by music producer Aero Manyelo.[55][56][57]
Various British record labels, including Gqom Oh! and Goon Club All Stars, released gqom records by Durban gqom pioneers and record producers such as Mafia Boyz, Dominowe, Cruel Boyz, Julz Da Deejay, Formation Boyz, DJ Mabheko, Untichicks, TLC Fam, Unticipated Soundz and Emo Kid.[22][58] Notably Kode9 (Steve Goodman), head of the electronic music label Hyperdub also exhibited a heightened interest in Gqom. Additionally, Gqom tracks can be found on releases like the EP Touch by KG & Scratcha DVA and & Baga Man by Scratchclart. Scratcha DVA envisioned UK Gqom as a unique offshoot of gqom, influenced by British club culture, particularly the UK funky sound. An illustration of UK Gqom is KG & Scratchclart's EP The Classix. In 2023, Scratcha had a back-to-back, mixset with gqom pioneer and Nyege Nyege signee as well as Durban native Menzi Shabane.[59][60]
In Japan, a gqom scene emerged, spearheaded by DJ and producer KΣITO, who was initially involved in the Japanese footwork scene. KΣITO's interest in gqom grew in the mid-2010s. In 2016, he released Hatagaya an EP which incorporated gqom. Various other projects by KΣITO, such as Jakuzure Butoh, drew inspiration from gqom.
KΣITO hosts TYO GQOM nights in Tokyo. Additionally, he established the USI KUVO label, which serves as a hub for the Japanese gqom scene and released gqom records by Durban gqom artists such as Loktion Boyz. Some Japanese producers, like Indus Bonze, blend gqom with "gorge" an experimental Japanese music style.[61][62]
In France, the Gqommunion collective was initiated in 2017 by Sebastien Forrester and Amzo, the latter associated with the Gqom Oh! label. In 2019, Sebastien Forrester released the gqom inspired EP, Salvo.[63]
In 2020, Greek duo Bang La Decks and Dutch producer Wiwek collaborated on a single titled 'GQOM'. They paid tribute to gqom while expressing their admiration for Guinean vocalist Mory Kanté by incorporating his vocal from 1987, single "Yeke Yeke" into the record's production.[64]
Brazilian producers established a bridge between gqom and baile funk, as seen with examples such as JLZ's GQOM IDEIAS EP and State OFF's"I Need Some Baile-GQOM", song.[65][citation needed]
In 2018, boy band BTS released "Idol" which was inspired by and encompassed gqom rhythmic elements. Moreover, the band promoted an alternate, digital-only version of the song featuring Trinidadian-American rapper and singer, Nicki Minaj.[66]
In 2021, Mexican music producer OMAAR's, Drum Temple album was inspired by gqom among other genres such as UK funky. Single, "Drum Dance" was described as "a rapturous reinterpretation of gqom and techno, at once resembling an ancient ritual and an intense strength-training session".[67]
Gqom music is associated with a number of distinctive dance moves, including gwara gwara, vosho and bhenga.[68]
Gwara gwara is performed by rolling and swinging the arm and the elbow in terms of making a circle, and one of the leg moves in connection with the arm's rhythm. It appears to have some similarities to the stanky legg.[69] Gwara gwara[70] was made famous by South Africans DJ Bongz and musician Babes Wodumo.[71][46] The dance move was created by disc jockey and producer DJ Bongz, it was heavily imitated by South Africans and other African people mainly during 2016.[72][73] It also received widespread popularization globally as the choreography was adopted by notable musicians: Rihanna performed the dance move while performing "Wild Thoughts" at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018. Childish Gambino performed the dance in the video of his song "This Is America".[74] BTS performed the dance in the choreography for their song "Idol".[75][66]