Gqom is a hypnotic, bass-heavy genre of electronic dance music that emerged from the South African city of Durban in the early 2010s. A gritty blend of tribal African rhythms, house beats, and repetitive, minimalist, percussive loops, it provides a raw soundtrack for energetic dance battles in clubs and streets. The term "gqom" itself connotes the Zulu word for a hitting drum, reflecting its thumping and infectious nature. Gqom tracks are often characterized by their use of offbeat rhythmic elements and the incorporation of vocal chants and shouts that galvanize crowds into motion. It's a sound rooted in the contemporary urban fabric of South Africa, with a distinctive edge that's been shaped and popularized by DJs and producers like DJ Tira, Mampintsha, and others, who have propelled the genre into the international limelight.

Shibilika

DJ Tira

Single - Released October 31, 2025