Toya Delazy on South African Gqom
I interviewed Toya Delazy to learn more about the dark, dirty and minimal sounds of Gqom: it’s history, how it evolved, and what it’s like to go to a Gqom party in South Africa.
Toya is originally from South Africa and now settled in East London, a city she describes as a ‘cradle of diversity and multiculturalism’. A talented pianist, producer, rapper and singer, her latest track Gqoma is a homage to the Gqom sound, combined with a mix of bassline garage and what she calls Zulu grime.
Hey Toya, what the fuq is Gqom?!
Gqom music is African electro. It mainly started in the Durban Township, produced from Fruity Loops or Reason, I’d say. It’s got a raw, broken drum pattern with a whole lot of African percussion on it. It’s all about the drums - it’s a vibe!
Could you compare it with any other sound or is it completely unique?
There’s a bit of a house/techno element to it, but it’s unique because of the broken rhythms. It’s very African, something that most Africans will resonate with. But over the last couple of years it’s grown across the continent. Across the world, actually.
Can you tell me more about how the scene started out?
“Producers in the Townships don’t have expensive equipment. So they started making these simple beats and sending them on their phones over WhatsApp”.
They’d try the sounds out on the local taxis that were all playing this sound and that’s how it started spreading out through the city.
Through Whatsapp, that’s so modern!
Yeah, that’s the only way they could share, so if it takes off then you'll hear it in the club.
In South Africa, how big is the Gqom scene relative to the country as a whole?
We've got large demographics in South Africa, like Afrikaans, and they’ve got their sokkie, or whatever vibes they’re going for, and there’s still hip hop and house. And then there’s Gqom.
I’d say the scene’s been going for about ten years, and in the last two it’s really taken off. It depends where you’re at, but at the moment it’s such a vibe that most places you go to you’ll hear them playing Gqom. A lot of the songs that are popular in South Africa right now are Gqom.
How has the scene evolved, has it become more commercial?
Well it’s changed. From when it was Township kids from Umlazi, it was usually underground. But over the past two years it’s become really international, actually.
"NOW you’ll find Diplo and Beyonce dropping Gqom. It’s not a local sound for tripcats having fun anymore. It’s an international thing, a diaspora”.
What’s the crowd like at Gqom parties?
The crowd, yo. Ahaha. They’re ravers, they want to stay out late. I’m telling you if the music’s good they’ll stay at your house til the next day til the booze runs out. It can go on and on and on.
If you were a newcomer at a Gqom party and visibly wanted to join in, how would the crowd react?
Gqom is very inclusive. If you can move, they love you! If you’re feeling the vibe people naturally tend to move with you. It's all about dance. It’s really entrenched in movement so they don’t care who you are, they don’t judge you. The scene is really huge into that.
“Gqom has got its arms out. It’s like ey. If you feel the vibe you feel the vibe. Dance, bust a move. They’ll pull you in. It’s generally a cool bunch. A rachet cool bunch, ahaha”.
Has it attracted an international audience?
It definitely attracts international audiences yeah. At Boiler Room London I heard a Chinese lady playing Gqom. I didn’t expect it, but she had it in her set. It’s developed a great appeal overseas, especially in London.
I mean, I mix Gqom with stuff as well. My single ‘Gqoma’ is clicky but it’s still got a mix of bassline garage and what I call Zulu grime.
Who are your favourite artists?
Dj Lag definitely, he’s the one who started the scene, he’s from Durban and plays in London quite often actually.
I can’t wait to check out my first Gqom party in London. Any final words?!
Have a safe sesh and enjoy the music! Ahaha.