Exploding out of Durban, South Africa's township scene, Omagoqa—a lethal trio featuring Andile Mazibuko (Ma_A), Franco Makhathini (KB), and Njabulo Sibiya (Chase)—has quickly risen to global acclaim, driven by a commitment to indigenous authenticity as game-changers in gqom. Gqom, the street-born sound known for its stripped-down beats, Zulu drums, and chest-thumping basslines, defines Omagoqa's DNA, as it delivers a raw energy reflective of kasi life. On March 15, the South African trio's robust European tour stops by Bucharest as Control Club welcomes Omagoqa.
From early 2012, the three grinded as individuals until they clicked together in 2014 as Unticipated Soundz. They cooked up their sonic signature using only a laptop and FL Studio, initially inspired by South African house legends Da Capo and Dukesoul. But the no-nonsense, gritty minimalism of countryman DJ Lag would push them into the embrace of pure gqom.
Omagoqa’s real innovation, however, is their unique subgenres—'uThayela' and 'Is'qinsi'. 'uThayela,' literally meaning "corrugated iron," captures the raw vibe of township streets, reflecting everyday life where corrugated iron roofs dominate homemaking materials. It delivers aggressive beats and heavy bass drops explicitly tailored for clubs and the underground. Meanwhile, 'Is'qinsi' mixes this street rawness with internationally recognized electronic elements. Creating a fresh style that bridges local intensity with global vibes, 'Is'qinsi' amplifies gqom’s influence worldwide.
Their discography includes the EPs Feel the Bass, a dance-floor-driven release, and London Drop 1 + 2 (2024), a project that fuses gqom roots with London’s electronic legacy. The acclaimed LPs Back to Ebombeni (2022) vividly captures Durban’s vibrant taxi culture, while Umqhumo Wethu (2024) explores nightlife energy with tracks featuring DBN Gogo, Khanyisa, Zvri, The Ascensions, and Demima. Additionally, Gqomopoly Vol.1 (2024) is a collection of unreleased tracks central to Omagoqa's style.
Authenticity and indigenous expression are Omagoqa’s key codes—no hype. Despite their growing popularity, their vibe is community-centric, as seen in their countless collaborations with heavy hitters like DBN Gogo, DJ Lag, Que DJ, Madanon, Newlandz, Zvri, Jimbo Soundz, Cultivated Soulz, Scelo Gowane, and Dee Traits. As crucial members of The Fraternity Collective, they champion collective creativity by pushing gqom to new local and global heights.
Omagoqa smashed through international borders with their tour of Europe and the UK in 2023. Their performance at Ballantine’s Boiler Room from Johannesburg proved their unique power to ignite dancefloors far beyond their hometown and was a standout of the broadcast year. Community Radio has also been staple destinations for Omagoqa, having appeared on NTS Radio, Kiosk Radio, Refuge Radio, and Rinse UK.
Looking ahead, Omagoqa remains committed to bridging the past and future of gqom while keeping Durban’s underground heartbeat strong worldwide. They’re sparking a movement, ensuring that the pulse of gqom is louder and prouder than ever.
