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

Over the past six weeks, Spotify's been in the vibrant city of Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for our annual Mother of Music (MOM) event. We've celebrated the rich creative culture surrounding the Durban-born genre Gqom, along with Amapiano and Kwaito music-uniquely South African genres that have significantly shaped the trajectory of African music at large and captured the attention of fans worldwide.

From Umqhumos (a South African taxi Gqom-blasting experience complete with local dancers) to Durban nightlife photography exhibitions at the MOM Spirit Home at Hue Cafe in Berea, we've hosted a number of events that attracted music fans across Durban. The festivities put some of Durban's foundational music figures in the spotlight, like dancer, Gqom MC, radio host, and media personality TDK Macassette; prominent Afro-house DJ, producer, and radio host DJ LESOUL; hip-hop and soul king Asvnte; and rising Gqom star DJ Cndo, while featuring collaborations with local streetwear brands like Richmanskyf, Refuse, and Elizabeth Dust, celebrating the visual and kinetic energy that defines Durban.

Gqom is more than a genre, said 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 threat: Gqom, Amapiano, and Kwaito Bred in Durban's underground scenes, Gqom found its footing around 2009. The city's minibus taxis became an integral part of Gqom culture, playing host to dance battles and giving commuters a place to share and rate the latest tracks. The vibrant Bhenga dance culture emerged soon thereafter, with expressive moves that feature wavy arms, toe-tapping, wobbly knees, and intricate footwork.

With its raw, hypnotic sound born in the backrooms of KwaMashu, Gqom has seen a truly meteoric rise: Spotify recorded a staggering 5,732% growth in global Gqom streams since 2018. Check out the top 10 global Gqom hits:

Ama Gear by Dlala Thukzin, Funky Qla, MK Productions, and Zee Nxumalo

Ngeke by Big Nuz and Dj Yamza

Omunye by Benny Maverick, Distruction Boyz, and Dladla Mshunqisi

John Cena by Sho Madjozi

Hade Boss by DJ Lag, K.C Driller, and Mr Nation Thingz

Sohlala Sisonke by Dlala Thukzin, MK Productions, and Zeh McGeba

Banomoya by Busiswa, Prince Kaybee, and TNS

Midnight Starring by Busiswa, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tira, Distruction Boyz, Moonchild Sanelly, and Rude Boyz

Ngibambeni by Mxolisi Khumalo, YANII

Eyadini by Dason, Manqonqo, and Saviour Gee

While Amapiano has found worldwide appeal, Durban artists have infused the genre with a unique, gritty, and soulful flavor. It's a sound deeply influenced by the city's Gqom roots, born from township ingenuity and a distinct local vibe. This is the music of artists like Dlala Thukzin, MaWhoo, Distruction Boyz, and Rudeboyz, who are carrying the torch passed down by their house and Kwaito forebears.

Amapiano's rise is nearly incomprehensible, with an explosive 114,377% growth in global streams between 2018 and 2024. The top 10 Amapiano tunes globally and their makers are:

Imithandazo (feat. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush) by DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Mthunzi, Sizwe Alakine, Umthakathi Kush, and Young Stunna

Mnike by Ceeka RSA, DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Tumelo_za, Tyler ICU, and Tyrone Dee

Awukhuzeki by DJ Stokie, Omit ST, Sobzeen, and Zee_nhle

Masithokoze by DJ Stokie, and Eemoh

Imnandi lento by Mellow & Sleazy, SjavasDaDeejay, TitoM, and Tman Xpress

Izenzo by Aymos, Bassie, and T-Man SA

Mina Nawe by Emotionz DJ, Happy Jazzman, Mashudu, and Soa Mattrix

Keneilwe by Dalom Kids, Master KG, Nkosazana Daughter, and Wanitwa Mos

SETE by Blxckie, K.O, and Young Stunna

Sukakude by Babalwa M, Kelvin Momo, and Sfarzo Rtee

Kwaito's 9,820% rise since 2018 is also staggering. The hottest Kwaito songs on the global charts are:

Lento by Professor and Speedy

Khona by Mafikizolo and Uhuru

Nkalakatha by Mandoza

Magasman by Lebo Mathosa and Trompies

Sister Bethina by Mgarimbe

Ngomhla Wosindiso 2014 by Zola

Live My Life by Winnie Khumalo

Sweety Lavo by Copperhead, OSKIDO, and Trompies

Be There by Big Nuz, DJ Ganyani, and MLU

Umdlwembe by Zola

Through Mother of Music, we are reaffirming our commitment to telling local stories that have global resonance. With Gqom, Durban built a genre that shook the world, and the world is still dancing.

Stream our MOM playlist on Spotify.

LINK:	https://newsroom.spotify.com/2025-08-01/spotifys-mother-of-music-campa...
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