{"id":147363,"date":"2025-08-03T22:40:29","date_gmt":"2025-08-03T22:40:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/showbizztoday.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/03\/spotifys-mother-of-music-campaign-celebrates-the-citys-unmistakable-sound-and-culture-spotify\/"},"modified":"2025-08-03T22:40:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-03T22:40:29","slug":"spotifys-mother-of-music-campaign-celebrates-the-citys-unmistakable-sound-and-culture-spotify","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/showbizztoday.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/03\/spotifys-mother-of-music-campaign-celebrates-the-citys-unmistakable-sound-and-culture-spotify\/","title":{"rendered":"Spotify\u2019s Mother of Music Campaign Celebrates the City\u2019s Unmistakable Sound and Culture \u2014 Spotify"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Over the previous six weeks, Spotify\u2019s been within the vibrant metropolis of Durban within the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for our annual <\/span>Mother of Music (MOM)<\/span><\/a> occasion. We\u2019ve celebrated the wealthy artistic tradition surrounding the Durban-born style Gqom, together with <\/span>Amapiano<\/span><\/a> and Kwaito music\u2014uniquely South African genres which have considerably formed the trajectory of African music at massive and captured the eye of followers worldwide.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019ve hosted plenty of occasions that attracted music followers throughout Durban. The festivities put a few of Durban\u2019s foundational music figures within the highlight, like dancer, Gqom MC, radio host, and media persona <\/span>TDK Macassette<\/b><\/a>; distinguished Afro-house DJ, producer, and radio host <\/span>DJ LESOUL<\/b><\/a>; hip-hop and soul king <\/span>Asvnte<\/b><\/a>; and rising Gqom star <\/span>DJ Cndo<\/b><\/a>, whereas that includes collaborations with native streetwear manufacturers like Richmanskyf, Refuse, and Elizabeth Dust, celebrating the visible and kinetic power that defines Durban.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGqom is more than a genre,\u201d mentioned <\/span>Phiona Okumu<\/b>, Spotify\u2019s Head of Music in sub-Saharan Africa. \u201cIt\u2019s a movement. And it started here. MOM gives us a chance to honor Gqom\u2019s roots, spotlight the artists, and fuel its next chapter.\u201d<\/span>
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The triple risk: Gqom, Amapiano, and Kwaito<\/b><\/h2>\n

Bred in Durban\u2019s underground scenes, Gqom discovered its footing round 2009. The metropolis\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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    1. \u201c<\/span>Ama Gear<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Dlala Thukzin<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Funky Qla<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>MK Productions<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>Zee Nxumalo<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
    2. \u201c<\/span>Ngeke<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Big Nuz<\/b><\/a> and <\/span>Dj Yamza<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
    3. \u201c<\/span>Omunye<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Benny Maverick<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Distruction Boyz<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>Dladla Mshunqisi<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
    4. \u201c<\/span>John Cena<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Sho Madjozi<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
    5. \u201c<\/span>Hade Boss<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>DJ Lag<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Ok.C Driller<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>Mr Nation Thingz<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
    6. \u201c<\/span>Sohlala Sisonke<\/span><\/a>\u201d by\u00a0 <\/span>Dlala Thukzin<\/b><\/a>, MK Productions, and <\/span>Zeh McGeba<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
    7. \u201c<\/span>Banomoya<\/span><\/a>\u201d by Busiswa, <\/span>Prince Kaybee<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>TNS<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
    8. \u201c<\/span>Midnight Starring<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Busiswa<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>DJ Maphorisa<\/b>, <\/span>DJ Tira<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Distruction Boyz<\/b>, <\/span>Moonchild Sanelly<\/b>, and <\/span>Rude Boyz<\/b><\/li>\n
    9. \u201c<\/span>Ngibambeni<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Mxolisi Khumalo<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>YANII<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
    10. \u201c<\/span>Eyadini<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Dason<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Manqonqo<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>Saviour Gee<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      While Amapiano has discovered worldwide enchantment, Durban artists have infused the style with a novel, gritty, and soulful taste. It\u2019s a sound deeply influenced by town\u2019s Gqom roots, born from township ingenuity and a definite native vibe. This is the music of artists like Dlala Thukzin, <\/span>MaWhoo<\/b><\/a>, Distruction Boyz, and <\/span>Rudeboyz<\/b><\/a>, who’re carrying the torch handed down by their home and Kwaito forebears.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Amapiano\u2019s rise is sort of incomprehensible, with an explosive <\/span>114,377%<\/b> progress in international streams between 2018 and 2024. The high 10 Amapiano tunes globally and their makers are:<\/span>
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        1. \u201c<\/span>Imithandazo<\/span><\/a> (feat. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush)\u201d by <\/span>DJ Maphorisa<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Kabza De Small<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Mthunzi<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Sizwe Alakine<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Umthakathi Kush<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>Young Stunna<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
        2. \u201c<\/span>Mnike<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Ceeka RSA<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>DJ Maphorisa<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Nandipha808<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Tumelo_za<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Tyler ICU<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>Tyrone Dee<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
        3. \u201c<\/span>Awukhuzeki<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>DJ Stokie<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Omit ST<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Sobzeen<\/b><\/a>, and<\/span> Zee_nhle<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
        4. \u201c<\/span>Masithokoze<\/span><\/a>\u201d by DJ Stokie, and <\/span>Eemoh<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
        5. \u201c<\/span>Imnandi lento<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Mellow & Sleazy<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>SjavasDaDeejay<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>TitoM<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>Tman Xpress<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
        6. \u201c<\/span>Izenzo<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Aymos<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Bassie<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>T-Man SA<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
        7. \u201c<\/span>Mina Nawe<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Emotionz DJ<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Happy Jazzman<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Mashudu<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>Soa Mattrix<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
        8. \u201c<\/span>Keneilwe<\/span><\/a>\u201d<\/span> by<\/span> Dalom Kids<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Master KG<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Nkosazana Daughter<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>Wanitwa Mos<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
        9. \u201c<\/span>SETE<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Blxckie<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Ok.O<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>Young Stunna<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
        10. \u201c<\/span>Sukakude<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Babalwa M<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>Kelvin Momo<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>Sfarzo Rtee<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Kwaito\u2019s <\/span>9,820%<\/b> rise since 2018 can be staggering. The hottest Kwaito songs on the worldwide charts are:<\/span><\/p>\n

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            1. \u201c<\/span>Lento<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Professor<\/b><\/a> and <\/span>Speedy<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
            2. \u201c<\/span>Khona<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Mafikizolo<\/b><\/a> and <\/span>Uhuru<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
            3. \u201c<\/span>Nkalakatha<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Mandoza<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
            4. \u201c<\/span>Magasman<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Lebo Mathosa<\/b><\/a> and <\/span>Trompies<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
            5. \u201c<\/span>Sister Bethina<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Mgarimbe<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
            6. \u201c<\/span>Ngomhla Wosindiso \u2013 2014<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Zola<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
            7. \u201c<\/span>Live My Life<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Winnie Khumalo<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
            8. \u201c<\/span>Sweety Lavo<\/span><\/a>\u201d by <\/span>Copperhead<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>OSKIDO<\/b><\/a>, and Trompies<\/span><\/li>\n
            9. \u201c<\/span>Be There<\/span><\/a>\u201d by Big Nuz, <\/span>DJ Ganyani<\/b><\/a>, and <\/span>MLU<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n
            10. \u201c<\/span>Umdlwembe<\/span><\/a>\u201d by Zola<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              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.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Stream our <\/span><\/i>MOM playlist<\/span><\/i><\/a> on Spotify.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n