It’s when you discover genres like South Africa’s Gqom scene that your faith in music’s potential for originality and innovation is restored. Born out of the populous and generally poorer townships of Durban, the genre is a kind of rebellious, crunchy, and decidedly DIY take on house: one that’s just as likely to include homemade howls or rattles at is synths and kick drums. Like any good underground scene, it’s already gaining a wild following of hedonists who prefer blasting beats from the back of a rented car than heading to clubs where their sound may be compromised – or, worse still, be mixed with polished mainstream house.
Predictably, Boiler Room were quick to get familiar with Gqom and head to South Africa for another installment of their Stay True South Africa party with Ballantine’s. If you were lucky enough to be there, then congratulations: we’re jealous. If not, check out this documentary that we’re premiering exclusively here on Wonderland. It follows some of Gqom’s finest bedroom producers – including Sbucardo, Rudeboyz, Kaybee, and Illuminationboiz – and will have you itching to book some flights over to Durban and get stuck in.
