Spotify’s Mother of Music Campaign Celebrates the City’s Unmistakable Sound and Culture — Spotify

Over the previous six weeks, Spotify’s been within the vibrant metropolis of Durban within the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for our annual Mother of Music (MOM) occasion. We’ve celebrated the wealthy artistic tradition surrounding the Durban-born style Gqom, together with Amapiano and Kwaito music—uniquely South African genres which have considerably formed the trajectory of African music at massive and captured the eye of followers worldwide.

From Umqhumos (a South African taxi Gqom-blasting expertise full with native dancers) to Durban nightlife images exhibitions on the MOM Spirit Home at Hue Cafe in Berea, we’ve hosted plenty of occasions that attracted music followers throughout Durban. The festivities put a few of Durban’s foundational music figures within the highlight, like dancer, Gqom MC, radio host, and media persona TDK Macassette; distinguished Afro-house DJ, producer, and radio host DJ LESOUL; hip-hop and soul king Asvnte; and rising Gqom star DJ Cndo, whereas that includes collaborations with native streetwear manufacturers like Richmanskyf, Refuse, and Elizabeth Dust, celebrating the visible and kinetic power that defines Durban.

“Gqom is more than a genre,” mentioned Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in sub-Saharan Africa. “It’s a movement. And it started here. MOM gives us a chance to honor Gqom’s roots, spotlight the artists, and fuel its next chapter.”

The triple risk: Gqom, Amapiano, and Kwaito

Bred in Durban’s underground scenes, Gqom discovered its footing round 2009. The metropolis’s minibus taxis turned an integral a part of Gqom tradition, taking part in host to bop battles and giving commuters a spot to share and price the newest tracks. The vibrant Bhenga dance tradition emerged quickly thereafter, with expressive strikes that characteristic wavy arms, toe-tapping, wobbly knees, and complicated footwork. 

With its uncooked, hypnotic sound born within the backrooms of KwaMashu, Gqom has seen a very meteoric rise: Spotify recorded a staggering 5,732% progress in international Gqom streams since 2018. Check out the highest 10 international Gqom hits:

1. 1. “Ama Gear” by Dlala Thukzin, Funky Qla, MK Productions, and Zee Nxumalo
   2. “Ngeke” by Big Nuz and Dj Yamza
   3. “Omunye” by Benny Maverick, Distruction Boyz, and Dladla Mshunqisi
   4. “John Cena” by Sho Madjozi
   5. “Hade Boss” by DJ Lag, Ok.C Driller, and Mr Nation Thingz
   6. “Sohlala Sisonke” by  Dlala Thukzin, MK Productions, and Zeh McGeba
   7. “Banomoya” by Busiswa, Prince Kaybee, and TNS
   8. “Midnight Starring” by Busiswa, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tira, Distruction Boyz, Moonchild Sanelly, and Rude Boyz
   9. “Ngibambeni” by Mxolisi Khumalo, YANII
   10. “Eyadini” by Dason, Manqonqo, and Saviour Gee

While Amapiano has discovered worldwide enchantment, Durban artists have infused the style with a novel, gritty, and soulful taste. It’s a sound deeply influenced by town’s Gqom roots, born from township ingenuity and a definite native vibe. This is the music of artists like Dlala Thukzin, MaWhoo, Distruction Boyz, and Rudeboyz, who’re carrying the torch handed down by their home and Kwaito forebears.

Amapiano’s rise is sort of incomprehensible, with an explosive 114,377% progress in international streams between 2018 and 2024. The high 10 Amapiano tunes globally and their makers are:

1. 1. “Imithandazo (feat. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush)” by DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Mthunzi, Sizwe Alakine, Umthakathi Kush, and Young Stunna
   2. “Mnike” by Ceeka RSA, DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Tumelo_za, Tyler ICU, and Tyrone Dee
   3. “Awukhuzeki” by DJ Stokie, Omit ST, Sobzeen, and Zee_nhle
   4. “Masithokoze” by DJ Stokie, and Eemoh
   5. “Imnandi lento” by Mellow & Sleazy, SjavasDaDeejay, TitoM, and Tman Xpress
   6. “Izenzo” by Aymos, Bassie, and T-Man SA
   7. “Mina Nawe” by Emotionz DJ, Happy Jazzman, Mashudu, and Soa Mattrix
   8. “Keneilwe” by Dalom Kids, Master KG, Nkosazana Daughter, and Wanitwa Mos
   9. “SETE” by Blxckie, Ok.O, and Young Stunna
   10. “Sukakude” by Babalwa M, Kelvin Momo, and Sfarzo Rtee

Kwaito’s 9,820% rise since 2018 can be staggering. The hottest Kwaito songs on the worldwide charts are:

1. 1. “Lento” by Professor and Speedy
   2. “Khona” by Mafikizolo and Uhuru
   3. “Nkalakatha” by Mandoza
   4. “Magasman” by Lebo Mathosa and Trompies
   5. “Sister Bethina” by Mgarimbe
   6. “Ngomhla Wosindiso – 2014” by Zola
   7. “Live My Life” by Winnie Khumalo
   8. “Sweety Lavo” by Copperhead, OSKIDO, and Trompies
   9. “Be There” by Big Nuz, DJ Ganyani, and MLU
   10. “Umdlwembe” by Zola

Through Mother of Music, we’re reaffirming our dedication to telling native tales which have international resonance. With Gqom, Durban constructed a style that shook the world, and the world continues to be dancing.

Stream our MOM playlist on Spotify.