Giving gqom a proper platform

Even with the popularity of the genre, there is still a need to create platforms for gqom musicians, who are mostly bedroom producers

Universal Music, Boston College, COPA, Damelin, CIPC, MICT CETA to share information with the attendees.

How have you structured the conference so that it attracts the gqom creators to attend?

The structure of the conference is structured with most of gqom music giants as speakers, advisers and motivators. Since our target market is gqom musicians, producers,vocalists, etc, we saw a need to bring relevant and well known artists, who have walked the path before the genre came to the levels where it is now.

Why is it important for those interested in the gqom genre to attend the conference?

Knowledge has always been known as a source of power, the people attending the conference, won’t be the same when they walk out. They will be exposed to so many experiences shared, e.g., the use of social media, and digital music distribution, they will get to touch and feel new equipment, they will interact with industry greats that teach music, a chance to network and be exposed to other business opportunities within the music industry.

Do you think the industry jumping onto gqom the way it has done, will make the genre have longevity or will it become another music trend?

The genre will last, it’s actually a culture, a Durban culture that we started years ago. The same was asked for Durban Kwaito 12 years ago, and it still exists today. So gqom is here to stay.

Durban is once again leading in a music genre.

What is it about artists from Durban that they are able to find something new to give the industry?

KZN and Durban is full of talent and new innovations in music. The artists are able to create music that is easy to collaborate with other African languages, to make it sound even more beautiful, which extends the market. Durban musicians never rest, they seek perfection and entertainment every day.

The Gqom Music Conference will be taking place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium's Mixed Zone on Wednesday and Thursday. Entrance is free. There will also be a gqom festival on Saturday, April 21, at the Pavilion Shopping Centre. Artists on the line-up include Busiswa, Dladla Mshunqisi, Tipcee, Black Motion, Kwesta and Okmalumkoolkat.