Gqom, also called igqomu, gqom tech, sgubhu, 3-step, or G.Q.O.M, is a type of electronic dance music from South Africa. It is a kind of house music that began in the early 2010s in Durban. Music producers such as Naked Boyz, Rudeboyz, Sbucardo, Griffit Vigo, Nasty Boyz, DJ Lag, Menzi Shabane, Distruction Boyz, and Citizen Boy created and developed this genre.

Traditional gqom is different from other South African electronic music. It has simple, repeated sounds, strong bass, but does not use the steady beat that is common in dance music.

People who helped make the genre famous around the world during its early development include South African rapper Okmalumkoolkat, owner of the Italian record label Gqom Oh, Nane Kolè, and other South Africans such as event organizer and public relations person Cherish Lala Mankai, owner of Afrotainment record label DJ Tira, Babes Wodumo, Mampintsha, and Busiswa.

Lexicology and morphology

The word gqom comes from a sound in the Zulu language (isiZulu) that mimics the clicking sounds of certain consonants. This sound can be understood as meaning "hitting drum," "ricochet," or "bang." In isiZulu, gqom is pronounced with a clicking sound made with the tongue, followed by a deep, throaty "om." The word sounds similar to the loud, sudden noise made by a kick drum.

The word is also written in different forms, such as GQOM, gqom tech, sgubhu, qgom, igqom, gqomu, or similar variations. Other names, like Sgubhu and 3 Step, later became names for different types of music within the gqom style. The words isgubhu and igqom in isiZulu describe a drum sound or beat coming from speakers and are closely linked to a music style called Durban kwaito. The term "three-step" (3 Step) was created in the mid-2010s by gqom music producers Sbucardo and Citizen Boy. They used it not only as a name for gqom music but also to describe a specific rhythm or beat pattern that became a separate type of gqom music.

Characteristics

Gqom is a type of music known for its simple, rough, and repeated beats with strong bass sounds. It mixes elements from techno, Durban kwaito, maskandi, afro house, breakbeat, tribal house, and broken beat. Traditional Gqom has a dark and hypnotic sound meant for clubs. Unlike other house music, it does not use the four-on-the-floor rhythm pattern, which is a steady beat common in many house styles. Songs often focus on nightlife themes and repeat one or a few short phrases many times.

Gqom was created by young DJs who use software like FL Studio and share their music online without help from others. Griffit Vigo is known for creating the "sweep" sound, which sounds like a broom moving. Other sounds include tom rolls and Zulu chants.

In 2018, Rudeboyz said they sometimes mix Gqom with hip hop and pop. Gqom musicians also blend it with afro-tech. DJs often mix Gqom with sgubhu and hip hop. Sgubhu uses similar production methods to Gqom but has a kick pattern that follows a steady 4-beat rhythm, like traditional house music. In 3-Step, beats are grouped in threes. Gqom 2.0 is slower and includes sounds from amapiano. Gqom has different rhythm patterns, such as 3-step, 4-step, and two-step.

History

Gqom music began in the early 2010s. During this time, artists like Naked Boyz influenced the genre. Naked Boyz created the song "Ithoyizi," which appeared on a compilation by DJ Cndo, an artist signed to Afrotainment. Other producers, such as Blaq Soul and Culoe de Song, were inspired by tribal house music, which involved creating unique beat patterns. In some nightclubs in Durban, early gqom and tribal house music were played together in DJ sets. At the same time, music from other regions, such as Durban kwaito, Pretoria bacardi house, and Eastern Cape isjokojoko, was popular. Artists like DJ Spoko, Machance, DJ Mujava, DJ Mthura, DJ Soso, and sgxumseni (associated with DJ Clock and DJ Gukwa) were well-known during this period.

From the mid-2010s, gqom music became more popular outside South Africa, especially in Lagos and London. By the late 2010s, gqom entered the mainstream music industry and continued to grow in popularity, while still being connected to its underground roots.

Gqom also helped increase profits for local taxi services. People in Durban started celebrating gqom with a special event called "gqom explosion," also known as I-Nazoke. This celebration began in Durban but later spread to other cities and towns in KwaZulu-Natal.

As gqom gained international attention, more collaborations with artists from other countries happened. In 2017, actor Jussie Smollett, who was in the TV show Empire, was seen dancing to and enjoying the song "Omunye" by Distruction Boyz, featuring Benny Maverick and Dlala Mshunqisi. Smollett called the song "my jam."

Babes Wodumo, a singer and choreographer, was nominated for the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa. In 2018, she appeared on Kendrick Lamar’s Black Panther soundtrack album, performing a gqom-style vocal on the song "Redemption." She also collaborated with Major Lazer on "Orkant/Balance Pon It" and showed gqom dance moves in the music video.

The music duo FAKA, made up of Desire Marea and Fela Gucci, had their "Amaqhawe" EP featured in Donatella Versace’s Spring 2019 Menswear Collection. Both Distruction Boyz and Babes Wodumo were nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2017 and 2018. Distruction Boyz also received a BET Award nomination for Best International Act: Africa in 2017 and performed at the Sónar festival in Spain.

In 2019, DJ Lag created the song "My Power" for Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift album, which included artists like Busiswa and Moonchild Sanelly. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album. DJ Lag performed at the African Giants party, which honored 2020 Grammy nominees from Africa. Later that year, Sho Madjozi performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and John Cena made a surprise appearance, singing "John Cena" with her.

Thabo Ramokoena started the Annual South African Gqom Awards, which recognize achievements in gqom music, fashion, and other areas. The first ceremony took place on April 20, 2019, at the ICC Arena.

In 2021, the South African Music Awards added separate categories for gqom and amapiano, which had previously been grouped under the Best Kwaito Album category.

In 2023, Disney Plus released the animated series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, which includes the song "Surf Sangoma" set in Durban in the year 2050. The soundtrack was inspired by gqom music and created by producer Aero Manyelo.

DJ Lag won the Best Gqom Album award at the South African Music Awards.

Subgenres

Afrikaans gqom combines the Afrikaans language and culture with the musical style of gqom. It uses gqom’s unique beats and rhythms along with Afrikaans lyrics and themes, and it is popular among people who speak Afrikaans. In 2019, the song "Baita Jou Sabela" by Zef, Die Antwoord, and Slagysta mixed Afrikaans, English, and Sabela rap styles. Some yaadt music producers, such as Darryl Davids, who worked on "Baita Jou Sabela," are influenced by artists like Distruction Boyz and Babes Wodumo. Notable Afrikaans gqom musicians include Barkie Vieslik, Temple Boys Cpt, Weh Sliiso, Jay Music, and Dlala ikamva Badlalele ikamva.

Core tribe gqom is known for using repeating three-note patterns (called triplets) and blending tribal sounds with drum rhythms. Syncopation, or offbeat rhythms, is a key feature, with drums being more important than melodies. Examples of core tribe gqom include the EP "Welcome To Durban" by Da Soul Boyz and the single "Darbuka Tribe (Core Tribe)" by Dominowe.

Electro gqom, or EGM, was introduced by Distruction Boyz and Griffit Vigo. It is fast-paced and includes percussion instruments. EGM is described as dark, futuristic, and spiritually inspired. An example is the 2019 album "From the Streets to the World" by Distruction Boyz.

Gqom 2.0 has slower beats and mixes elements of amapiano, afrohouse, and afrotech. Cape Town gqom, also called gqom gospel, combines gospel music and sgubhu sounds with gqom beats. It was started in the 2020s by artists like Mr Thela, Mshayi, and Cairo CPT.

Gqom tech blends traditional gqom with tech house and electro music. Artists like Menchess and Skyes are part of this genre. Gqom trap mixes gqom with trap music and was started by the Durban group Witness The Funk. In 2018, DJ Maphorisa’s EP "BlaqBoyMusic" combined gqom and trap, featuring artists like K.O. and Moonchild Sanelly. In 2019, Costa Titch’s EP "Gqom Land" included gqom beats with trap-style verses.

Sgubhu is a type of gqom that shares some traits but has a steadier beat, similar to house music. It uses synthesizers and a three-step kick pattern. An example is the song "Makhe" by DJ Maphorisa, Shimza, and Moonchild Sanelly.

Taxi kick is a style with loud, distorted beats and cymbals, created to attract taxi passengers. It was popularized by the group TLC Fam in the late 2010s and early 2020s.

The term "three-step" was used to describe gqom’s rhythm in the 2010s. Later, artists like Emo Kid, DJ Lag, Ben Myster, and Menzi developed a variation called "3-step," which mixes gqom with triple time and broken beats. 3-step music blends with other styles like afrotech and amapiano. Examples include DJ Lag’s album "Meeting With The King" and DJ Biza’s song "3 Step." In 2021, Dlala Thukzin’s single "Phuze (remix)" combined gqom and amapiano.

Triple metre is a musical time signature with three beats per measure. It is used in 3-step music, which also includes elements of sgubhu and gqom 2.0. DJ Lag’s album "Rebellion" mixes 3-step, afrotech, amapiano, hip hop, and drill.

uThayela, meaning "corrugated iron," refers to a style of gqom with heavy bass beats designed for nightclubs. It was started by Uniticipated Soundz, and an example is DJ Lag’s EP "Uhuru."

Derivative and fusion genres

Amapiano is a music genre that mixes elements of house, piano melodies, kwaito, gqom, deep house, jazz, soul, and lounge music. Amapiano sample packs often include sounds taken from gqom music. The genre was originally called iNumba and gets its name from IsiZulu, which means "the pianos." Amapiano began in Johannesburg townships and was developed and popularized by many producers and DJs, such as The Soul Dictators, MFR Souls, Arasoul, Gabba Cannal, DJ Stokie, Kabza De Small, Luu Nineleven, Busisiwa, Sphectacula, DJ Naves, DJ Maphorisa, and Sha Sha.

In 2016, in France, musician Teki Latex and other French producers created a new club music style called "bérite club." This style blends gqom, Afro trap, Baltimore house, ballroom house, kuduro, and grime.

In the 2020s, a new music style called "Nigerian cruise" (or "cruise" and "freebeat") emerged in Nigeria. The name comes from the WhatsApp generation. Cruise music mixes gqom and amapiano with techno, afrobeats melodies, fast beats, and vocal samples from Nollywood actors, politicians, or social media clips. Dancers often remix original songs by speeding up the tempo, recording themselves dancing, and sharing these videos on TikTok. In 2022, a compilation called "Cruise" by MOVES Recordings showcased this style, featuring artists like DJ Stainless, DJ Elede, DJ Yk Mule (a pioneer of Nigerian cruise), DJ West, Fela 2, and DJ OP Dot. In 2020, DJ Yk Mule and Portable released "Zazu Beat," and in 2022, Poco Lee, Portable, and Olamide released "ZaZoo Zehh," which reached Billboard Global 200.

Street pop (also called street hop) is a type of experimental rap music that began in Lagos, Nigeria. It combines Nigerian hip hop, popular music, Afropop, afrobeats, and street music. It was influenced by artists like Danfo Drivers, Baba Fryo, Daddy Showkey (known for galala, a dance and music style from the 1990s), and shaku shaku, a dance style that later became its own music genre. Street pop uses fast beats and mixes gqom, highlife, pop, hip hop, and other EDM styles. Some songs have fast tempos, while others are slower. It includes melodies, urban language, Pidgin, Yoruba singing, and Western and indigenous rap. Themes often focus on improving life quality and spiritual devotion. Variants include neo-fuji, shaku shaku, and zanku. Notable artists are Naira Marley, Slimcase, Mr Real, Olamide, Idowest, Reminisce, Rexxie, Zlatan Ibile, 9ice, Lil Kesh, Zinoleesky, MohBad, T.I Blaze, Poco Lee, Asake, Portable, Bella Shmurda, Balloranking, Seyi Vibez, DJ Kaywise, and Sarz.

Quantum sound is a genre influenced by taxi-kick music, and it is known for its re-editing style. Artists linked to this genre include RealShaunMusiq, Sizwe Nineteen, and Nandipha808.

Scratcha DVA imagined UK Gqom as a version of gqom influenced by British club culture, especially the UK funky sound. An example is KG & Scratchclart's EP The Classix. Other releases include Baga Man and Touch by KG & Scratcha DVA.

In the mid-2010s, musician Kode9 (a dubstep pioneer) and label head Hyperdub showed interest in gqom. British labels like Gqom Oh!, Hyperdub, and Goon Club All Stars released gqom music by pioneers such as Mafia Boyz, Dominowe, Cruel Boyz, Angrypits Fam, DJ Lag, Julz Da Deejay, Formation Boyz, 3D & Untifam, DJ Mabheko, Angelic Fam, Forgotten Souls, Chaostee, Swag Fam, Mosthatedboyz, Untichicks, Formation Chix, TLC Fam, Unticipated Soundz, Emo Kid, and Okzharp.

In 2020, Coldcut (a duo from Ninja Tune, known for pop sampling) worked with South African and Nigerian musicians to create the album Keleketla! for the In Place of War charity. The album blended gqom beats, afrobeat percussion by Tony Allen (an afrobeat pioneer), and jazz. In 2021, Bryte and Mina released their debut EP Abeka Bugatti, which mixed gqom, afrobeats, UK funky, and dancehall. In 2023, Scratcha DVA performed a mixset with gqom pioneer Menzi Shabane. DJ Lag collaborated with Novelist on a song called Bulldozer. KG's Red EP was the first release from her label, Rhythm In The City (RITC), and included styles like UK funky, alté R&B, afro alté, gqom, amapiano, highlife, and afrohouse.

Alternative gqom

In 2017, electronic rapper Okmalumkoolkat's song "Gqi" with Amadando was produced by Rudeboyz, a group made up of Menchess and Massive Q.

Stiff Pap, a music duo from Cape Town with rapper Ayema Probllem and Jakinda, received attention for their first EP, Based On a Qho Story. The EP was praised by critics and included a mix of gqom, kwaito, house, and industrial music.

Sho Madjozi's Limpopo Champions League album combined gqom, hip hop, shangaan electro, trap, afrobeats, house, pop, reggae, dancehall, R&B, and EDM. The album included songs by artists like Makhadzi and rapper Kwesta.

In 2019, DJ Tira created her own album, Ikhenani (meaning "Canaan"), which blended gqom, maskandi, gospel, amapiano, trap, and hip hop. The album included guest appearances by Chymamusique, Duncan, Skye Wanda, Dlala Mshunqisi, Kwesta, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, and Tipcee.

The song "Bum Bum" by El Maestro featuring TP included elements of afrobeat, gqom, amapiano, and ragga.

In 2020, the gqom duo Worst Behaviour worked with Okmalumkoolkat, DJ Tira, rapper Beast RSA, DJ Lag, and Tipcee to remix their hit single "Samba Ngolayini." Singer Tyla, DJ Lag, and Kooldrink also collaborated on a song called "Overdue," which included gqom and popiano.

In 2022, the Natal Piano Movement released a gqom album called The Legendary Edition, which combined gqom, deep house, and amapiano.

Moonchild Sanelly's Phases album, which included a guest appearance by Blxckie, mixed kwaito, gqom, and amapiano with hip hop, jazz, pop, R&B, and trap. Sanelly calls this style "future ghetto funk."

Rapper Teether and producer Kuya Neil describe their music as "future-focused rap" influenced by gqom, bass music, and footwork. Their nine-song album, Stressor, was released in 2023.

In 2024, Franchise released a song called "Satisfaction."

Producers from Brazil and others connected gqom with baile funk (funk carioca), as seen in JLZ's GQOM IDEIAS EP and State OFFF's song "I Need Some Baile-GQOM."

In 2021, Jessy Lanza's DJ-Kicks album, which focuses on contemporary house and techno, included elements of gqom, footwork, and funk carioca.

In 2019, Chinese DJ Terry Zhong, known for gqom and afro house, worked with Canadian label Monstercat to release his debut song "Play It Cool," which featured Conro.

In the late 2010s, Kelman Duran explored music styles from the African and Afro-Caribbean diasporas, including gqom, reggaetón, dancehall, kuduro, and hip hop. His album 13th Month included gqom, batida, and dembow beats.

The Gqommunion collective started in 2017 by Sebastien Forrester and Amzo, who is linked to the Gqom Oh! record label. In 2019, Forrester released a gqom-inspired EP called Salvo, which also used coupé-décalé rhythms.

In 2020, Greek duo Bang La Decks and Dutch producer Wiwek made a song titled "GQOM." They honored gqom and included a vocal sample from Guinean singer Mory Kanté's 1987 song "Yé ké yé ké."

In the 2020s, Ravish Momin combined acoustic instruments with mechanical sounds to create music influenced by gqom, kuduro, and mahraganat. His song "Song For The Zanzi" honored the Zanzi (or Siddi) people, an African diasporic community.

In 2024, Bandung DJ REYY released a song called "Tokyo Gqom," a remix of Teriyaki Boyz's 2006 track "Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious)."

In Japan, a gqom scene began with DJ KΣITO, who was first involved in the Japanese footwork scene. He released an EP called Hatagaya in 2016 that included gqom. Other projects like Jakuzure Butoh were also inspired by gqom. KΣITO started the USI KUVO record label, which supports the Japanese gqom scene and releases gqom music by South African artists like Loktion Boyz. Some Japanese producers, such as Indus Bonze, mix gqom with gorge, an experimental Japanese music style.

In 2021, Mexican DJ collective N.A.A.F.I's producer OMAAR released an album called Drum Temple, inspired by gqom and UK funky. His song "Drum Dance" was described as a "rapturous reinterpretation of gqom and techno" by Isabelia Herrera of Pitchfork.

Reggae-dancehall artist Patoranking's 2017 song "Available" combined afrobeats and gqom. The song was produced by South African musicians DJ Catzico and Vista. Mike Steyels of Pitchfork wrote that the song showed how powerful gqom can sound in a pop setting. In 2018, Citizen Boy worked with Nigerian singer Dapo Tuburna on the afrobeats and gqom song "Alala," which was on the B-side of Citizen Boy's EP Gqom Fever. CKay's song "Container" blended gqom, jazz, afrobeats, and trap. Yemi Alade was featured on "My Power" in 2019.

In 2018, boy band BTS released "Idol" from their Love Yourself: Answer

Gqom dance

Gqom music is connected to several unique dance moves, including gwara gwara, vosho, and bhenga.

Gwara gwara involves moving the arm and elbow in a circular motion while performing a specific leg movement that matches the arm's rhythm. It looks similar to the stanky legg dance but is different. This dance move became popular in South Africa through DJ Bongz and musician Babes Wodumo. DJ Bongz created the move, and it gained widespread attention in the mid-2010s. The dance also became famous worldwide when musicians like Rihanna, Childish Gambino, and BTS included it in their performances. Rihanna performed the move during her song "Wild Thoughts" at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards in 2018. Childish Gambino included it in the music video for his song "This Is America," and BTS used it in the choreography for their song "Idol."