Our Favorite Gqom Songs of 2017

Gqom took South Africa by storm in 2017.

2017 is the year that gqom got to really shine in South Africa.

The house sub-genre that was created in the low income hoods of Durban had been getting love mostly in Europe (and, yes, we are aware of the politics behind that). But this year, the genre got mainstream recognition with the success of Distruction Boyz, and of course Babes Wodumo, among others.

Artists like DJ Tira and DJ Maphorisa are gravitating towards the rhythm-driven sub-genre. Again, we are aware of the politics involved there, but that's a story for another day.

There are a lot of gqom artists who pack serious heat, but aren't under the mainstream spotlight. So a best gqom songs list is never perfect. But these are the gqom songs that fell on our radar this year, and moved us.

The list is in no particular order.

Babes Wodumo ft Duma Ntando & Mampintsha - Jiva Phez'kombhede (Official Music Video)