When we talk about the pioneers of Gqom music, we have the likes of Rude Boyz, Distruction Boyz, Babes Wodumo, Mampintsha and DJ Lag to thank. Merging house and kwaito, they revealed to us what dance music could look like at its most essential, in its purest of forms. Raw, rhythm, repetition – these are the quintessential qualities of a Gqom track.
But there’s a new wave of artists and producers who are reinvigorating the genre with playful touches of Afro tech and electronica, and Omaqoga are, without a shadow of a doubt, leading the pack.
Originally from Durban, Chase (Njabulo Sibiya), Ma A (Andile Mazibuko) and KB (Franco Makhathini) have been making music together for over ten years. Their odyssey began after a mutual friend got his hands on a cracked download of FL Studio, introducing the trio to music production.

Originally influenced by South Africa’s hailing house music stalwarts, such as Da Capo and Duke Soul, their sound quickly matured, textured by simple, percussive bass elements. Growing up in Durban (the unequivocal home of Gqom), Chase, Ma A and KB were always fond of the genre, and perhaps gravitated subconsciously towards it.
Today, their sound could be termed ‘New Wave Gqom’, drawing on Gqom sub-genres such as uThayela and Is’qinsi, as well as techno and adventurous EDM. “uthayela” directly translates to “corrugated iron”, denoting a rougher sound with harder bass lines. Simply put, music made for clubs.
“The first time we met DJ Lag, he told us that we were going to be be big,” says Chase. “That we’d play all around the world one day. He was always one of our biggest inspirations, and to hear him say that, it gave us so much hope.”
From idol to collaborator, DJ Lag is just one of many contemporaries who has witnessed the meteoric rise of Omagoqa. Working and playing alongside the likes of DBN Gogo, QUE DJ, Scelo Gowane, Madanon, Newlandz and Dee Traits, the trio toured Europe and the UK in 2023, performing at iconic events and venues, including Boiler Room.

Their sophomore album, Umqhumo Wethu, released in 2024, is straight up filthy! Packed heavy with unrelenting breaks and hard sonic textures, it’s an expert display of their production talent.
Opener “2am in Berlin” is a striking introduction to the visceral sound of Omagoqa. Melodic synths are reimagined with the rhythmic undertones of Afro-house and trance music – an evolving soundscape that is stark and all-consuming.
Celestial vocal cuts on “uZosala” (featuring ZVRI, The Ascension and DemiMa) stray into anthemic territory, slowing things down only slightly. It’s easy to imagine this track on a festival stage, being played to a sea of people, and I’ve no doubt that Omagoqa will soon reach those heights.

The formidable DBN Gogo features on “iNumber Number” while Una Rams and QUE DJ appear on the hip-hop tinged “Bafuna iMali”. Experimentation, versatility… these qualities define Omagoqa’s daring approach.
But “Qoh Qoh” featuring Dee Traits is perhaps the best display of Omagoqa’s artistry. It’s a powerful dance-floor heater, made better by blunt electronics and an immersive three-step bass line.
“We are all self-taught,” says KB. “Now, we want to take our music to bigger stages, we want to collaborate with international artists, but most importantly, we want to inspire young South Africans. Particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, like us. We want our music to empower them.”
I’m so excited to see what the new years hold for Omagoqa. They deserve only the highest praise, not simply for redefining a staple dance genre, but for doing so with a fiercely collaborative, fiercely independent spirit.

All images courtesy of Lil Dior Chain.