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Gqom: The Dark, Hypnotic Sound of South Africa’s Dance SceneSouth Africa has been a melting pot of groundbreaking electronic music for decades, but few genres have hit as hard and as raw as Gqom. Emerging from the townships of Durban in the early 2010s, Gqom (pronounced ‘gom’) is a dark, minimal, and hypnotic style of house music that thrives on heavy bass, broken drum patterns, and a trance-like groove that electrifies dance floors worldwide.What Defines Gqom? Gqom is distinct from the more melodic, percussive Amapiano and Afrohouse. It’s raw, stripped-down, and built for intensity. Unlike traditional house music, which relies on steady four-on-the-floor beats, Gqom thrives on syncopation, rolling basslines, and eerie vocal samples. The music carries an almost cinematic quality—deep, dark, and pulsating with energy.The word ‘Gqom’ itself is derived from a Zulu term meaning ‘hit’ or ‘bang,’ perfectly capturing the genre’s explosive nature. Its DIY roots, pioneered by young bedroom producers in Durban, have given it an authentic underground energy that remains unmatched.Pioneers of Gqom Gqom has been shaped by a wave of innovative producers and DJs who have taken the sound from the backrooms of Durban clubs to global stages. Some of the most influential artists in the genre include:DJ Lag – Known as the ‘King of Gqom,’ DJ Lag has been instrumental in bringing the genre to the global stage, with collaborations spanning from Beyoncé to major electronic festivals worldwide. DJ Tira – A household name in South African dance music, DJ Tira helped push Gqom into the mainstream through his Afrotainment label and collaborations with top artists. Goldmax – As part of the duo Distruction Boyz, Goldmax played a massive role in producing anthems that propelled Gqom into commercial success. DJ Que – One of the early innovators, DJ Que’s tracks have become club anthems, setting the tone for Gqom’s signature hypnotic sound. Babes Wodumo – Often referred to as the Queen of Gqom, Babes Wodumo gained international recognition with hits like “Wololo,” solidifying Gqom’s global appeal. Mampintsha (RIP) – A key figure in the evolution of Gqom, Mampintsha, alongside his group Big Nuz, helped popularize the sound across South Africa and beyond. These artists, among many others, have pushed the boundaries of Gqom, evolving it into a genre that continues to influence global electronic music.The Gqom Experience at Jika Fridays in London Gqom’s infectious energy has found a home in London’s underground scene, and Jika Fridays is the ultimate place to experience it live. Hosted at EGG LDN, Jika Fridays is a monthly African Electronic Music event dedicated to bringing the best sounds of Gqom, Amapiano, 3-Step, and Afrohouse to the heart of London.For those looking to lose themselves in the hypnotic basslines and relentless energy of Gqom, Jika Fridays is where the scene comes alive. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the genre, the night promises an electrifying atmosphere, showcasing some of the best DJs and producers in the game.Gqom’s journey from the streets of Durban to global recognition proves that raw, underground sounds can shape the future of dance music. And with events like Jika Fridays, London is quickly becoming a hotspot for African electronic music lovers to immerse themselves in the bass-heavy, high-energy world of Gqom.Follow <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/jikaparty/" href="https://www.instagram.com/jikaparty/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">@jikaparty</a> for updates on upcoming Jika Fridays events and join the movement!

What is gqom?

African Electronic Music is taking the world by storm. From the deep-rooted rhythms of traditional African drumming to the futuristic synths and basslines of modern-day club sounds, the continent has been shaping the global electronic music landscape for years. What started as an underground movement has evolved into a mainstream force, influencing dance floors from Johannesburg to London, Lagos to New York. At the heart of this sonic revolution are four key genres: Amapiano, 3-Step, Afrohouse, and Gqom.Amapiano: The Sound of South Africa’s Streets Amapiano, which means "the pianos" in Zulu, is a genre that emerged in South Africa around the early 2010s. This hybrid sound blends deep house, jazz, kwaito, and lounge music with infectious log drum basslines and hypnotic melodies. Characterized by its laid-back grooves and soulful chords, Amapiano has become the defining sound of South African nightlife.The genre's rise was fueled by a DIY culture, with producers and DJs sharing their tracks on platforms like WhatsApp and SoundCloud. From underground house parties in Pretoria and Soweto to global festivals, Amapiano is now a worldwide sensation, embraced by artists from Nigeria, the UK, and even the U.S.3-Step: The New Kid on the Block 3-Step is a fresh genre emerging from South Africa's innovative dance music scene, blending elements of Amapiano, house, and Afrobeat rhythms with unique percussive patterns and smooth transitions. Unlike the traditional four-on-the-floor beat structure, 3-Step introduces syncopated drum sequences, giving it a more dynamic and unpredictable feel.This genre is quickly gaining traction as producers experiment with its potential. It maintains the soul of Amapiano but infuses it with an edgier, groove-driven energy that keeps dance floors moving. As DJs across the globe incorporate 3-Step into their sets, it’s becoming a genre to watch in 2025 and beyond.Afrohouse: The Global Fusion of Rhythm and Soul Afrohouse is an electrifying fusion of deep house and African rhythms, incorporating traditional percussion, chanting vocals, and hypnotic melodies. Originating from countries like South Africa, Angola, and Mozambique, Afrohouse is more than just a genre—it’s an experience.Popularized by artists such as Black Coffee, Culoe De Song, and Djeff, Afrohouse has broken through to international audiences, being played at iconic venues like Ibiza’s biggest clubs and global electronic festivals. With its deep grooves and emotive storytelling, Afrohouse serves as a bridge between Africa’s musical heritage and the global electronic scene.Gqom: The Dark, Gritty Sound of Durban If Amapiano is smooth and soulful, Gqom is its rebellious cousin. Emerging from Durban’s townships in the early 2010s, Gqom is a raw and minimalist form of electronic music that relies on heavy bass, broken beats, and haunting chants. Unlike house music’s steady four-count beats, Gqom thrives on unpredictability, creating an intense, almost hypnotic atmosphere on the dance floor.Gqom gained international recognition through artists like DJ Lag, Babes Wodumo, and Distruction Boyz, and it became the sound of South Africa’s vibrant youth culture. Even global superstars like Beyoncé have incorporated Gqom influences into their music, proving its powerful reach beyond the continent.Where is African Electronic Music Going? African Electronic Music is not just a passing trend—it’s the future. As international DJs and producers continue to incorporate African rhythms into their sets, the demand for authentic African sounds keeps growing. The genre’s DIY ethos, combined with increasing global interest, ensures that it will only evolve further, inspiring new subgenres and movements.With technology making music production more accessible, African artists now have a platform to share their sounds with the world like never before. From Amapiano’s smooth grooves to Gqom’s gritty intensity, African Electronic Music is setting the tone for the next wave of global dance music.So next time you hit the club or festival, keep an ear out—you just might find yourself dancing to the future of electronic music, straight from the heart of Africa. And if you want to experience it firsthand, come to Jika Fridays, London's monthly African Electronic Music event, where the beats of Amapiano, 3-Step, Afrohouse, and Gqom come alive.

The Rise of African Electronic Music: Amapiano, 3-Step, Afrohouse & Gqom

Jika Fridays

Jika Fridays is London’s premier monthly party of Electronic Music, igniting the city with the dynamic rhythms of Gqom, 3-Step, Amapiano, and Afrohouse. Each event thrives on soulful grooves, electrifying beats, and an infectious energy that unites London’s vibrant community under one roof. As the pulsating heartbeat of cultural connection, Jika Fridays transforms nights into unforgettable experiences, bridging the electrifying spirit of South Africa’s music scene with the heart of London. Join us monthly to immerse yourself in a movement where rhythm, unity, and passion collide.

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What is gqom?

The Rise of African Electronic Music: Amapiano, 3-Step, A...