Gqom (Zulu: ), igqomu (), gqom tech, sgubhu, 3-step or G.Q.O.M is a South African electronic dance music genre and subgenre of house music, that emerged in the early 2010s from Durban, 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 (isiZulu) 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 (stylization), gqom tech, sgubhu, qgom, igqom, gqomu or variants thereof. Alternative names that later developed 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" (3 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 (gqom and afro-tech), 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 (three-step), 4-step (four-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 (bacardi house) and Eastern Cape (isjokojoko) record producers like DJ Spoko, Machance, DJ Mujava, DJ Mthura and DJ Soso as well as sgxumseni (attributed to DJ Clock and DJ Gukwa) were prevalent during the era.
From the mid-2010s, the genre gained prominence abroad, especially in the cities of Lagos and London. Gqom entered commercial mainstream in the late 2010s and continued to grow in popularity, while also maintaining its "underground music and culture" existence. 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 (2015 TV series), 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 (comprising Desire Marea and Fela Gucci) 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 (comprising Que DJ and Goldmax) as well as Babes Wodumo were nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act, the ceremonies took place in London (2017) and Spain (2018). 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 (Nthato Mokgata) 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.
Subgenres Afrikaans gqom
Afrikaans gqom (also Gqom Afrikaans) integrates Afrikaans language associated with Afrikaans culture and musical influences. It merges the distinctive beats and rhythms of gqom with Afrikaans lyrics and themes and appeals to Afrikaans-speaking audiences. Zef, rap-rave duo Die Antwoord and rapper Slagysta's "Baita Jou Sabela" 2019 single displayed a combination of Afrikaans, English and Sabela rap vocal-delivery. Some yaadt music producers ( a type of Afrikaans musical style originating in Cape Town) for instance Darryl Davids who produced "Baita Jou Sabela" are influenced musically by Distruction Boyz and Babes Wodumo's music. Prominent Afrikaans gqom musicians include Barkie Vieslik, Temple Boys Cpt, Weh Sliiso, Jay Music and Dlala ikamva Badlalele ikamva.
Core tribe Core tribe gqom is characterized as frequent use of triplets (tresillio rhythm) as well as a blend of percussion patterns with tribal vocalizations. Syncopation plays a significant role in the production style, emphasizing drums over melodies. Illustrations of core tribe gqom music are Da Soul Boyz' Welcome To Durban EP and Dominowe's "Darbuka Tribe (Core Tribe)", single.
Electro gqom music (EGM) Electro gqom music, abbreviated and referred to as "EGM" was introduced by Distruction Boyz and Griffit Vigo. It is characterized as upbeat and incorporates percussion instrument elements. EGM is described as dark, futuristic, esoteric and spiritually evocative. From the Streets to the World, an album by Distruction Boyz released in November 2019, demonstrated EGM.
Gqom 2.0 Gqom 2.0 is characterized by decelerated beats and incorporates elements of amapiano, afrohouse, and afrotech.
Cape Town gqom Cape Town gqom also referred to as gqom gospel or gospel gqom pioneered by Mr Thela, Mshayi and Cairo CPT in the 2020s incorporates gospel music and sgubhu elements interwoven with gqom in the form of a "church keyboard"-driven sound.
Gqom tech Gqom tech blends traditional gqom with elements of tech house and electro. The genre features a diverse array of musicians, including notable figures such as Menchess and singer, Sykes.
Gqom trap Gqom trap, blending elements of gqom and trap music, arose in the 2010s, pioneered by the Durban hip hop collective Witness The Funk. In 2018, Record producer, DJ Maphorisa's BlaqBoyMusic EP, was an amalgamation of gqom and trap. The EP's opening song "Walk ye Phara" featured DJ Raybel, rapper and songwriter K.O., Moonchild Sanelly and ZuluMakhathini. BlaqBoyMusic included other various rappers, singers, record producers, and guest appearances by musicians such as Bontle Smith, A-Reece, Lerato Kganyago, Wichi 1080 and Lucasraps. Trap and amapiano rapper Costa Titch's Gqom Land EP released in 2019, comprised three songs, whereas the rapper delivered his verses over gqom beats.
Sgubhu Sgubhu, a variant of gqom and a form of house music, shares certain characteristics with gqom but distinguishes itself through its beat structure. In a 2019 Afropop Worldwide interview transcript, Citizen Boy described sgubu as featuring a three-step esque kick pattern and the incorporation of synthesizers, citing DJ Maphorisa, Shimza and Moonchild Sanelly's "Makhe" single, as an example. Unlike typical gqom, sgubhu features a significantly steadier kick drum pattern often following a consistent 4-beat rhythm, resembling traditional house music and infused with elements of deep house. In praise of an Emo Kid song (regarded as one of the pioneers of sgubhu), Griffit Vigo remarked:
Taxi kick