Durban’s unmistakable gqom sound takes centre stage once again as acclaimed producers Woza Bakzin and Goldmax join forces for their first full collaborative album, GIB – Gqom In Black. The 14-track project arrives alongside its lead single, ‘Kush’ Ibhadu’, featuring gqom heavyweight DJ Tira, marking what the duo believes is an important new chapter for the genre.
Bringing together two of Durban’s most respected producers, GIB celebrates the roots of gqom while pushing the sound into new territory. Having already built successful careers individually, the pair say their creative chemistry made a joint project inevitable.
For Woza Bakzin, the album represents years of hard work finally coming together.
“I’m a gqom producer from Durban. I have been producing for many years and since last year I have seen light being shined upon me with the public celebrating and supporting music I am mostly a part of,” he says. “I’ve been afforded an opportunity to collaborate with many great artists, one of them being Goldmax.”
The collaboration grew naturally from years of mutual admiration and shared studio sessions.
“I have always known Goldmax from my earlier years. He has always said he admired my work and just last year I was blessed to be featured on songs he is also a part of,” Woza Bakzin explains.
He says the pair quickly realised they had a production style that resonated with listeners.
“Sometimes he would send songs to work on that he was the only producer on and amazingly enough the public would celebrate and support those songs. We started to enjoy our production style together. A collaborative project was only a matter of time. However, I had thought it would be an EP. To my surprise he called for an Album,” he explains.
Goldmax says the decision to create a full-length project came after recognising similarities in their musical approach.
“I saw a reflection of myself in Bakzin’s style of producing and I decided to work on more music with him before deciding on a joint album,” Goldmax says.
The result is a 14-track collection that the producers describe as both powerful and inspirational.
The duo describes the project as “powerful and inspirational. Two Gqom greatest producers of this time coming together to create the greatest album.”
Although Woza Bakzin isn’t ready to reveal which songs hold the deepest personal meaning, he admits there are several standout tracks.
“Not precisely, however I can say I do have favourite songs.”
Fans can also expect the partnership to continue well beyond GIB.
“Of course, I am always working and he shares the same sentiments so people should expect many releases from us,” Goldmax confirms.
Leading the album rollout is ‘Kush’ Ibhadu’, featuring DJ Tira, a song the producers immediately recognised as the perfect introduction to the project.
“We worked with the legendary DJ Tira,” says Woza Bakzin.
The collaboration continues an already successful working relationship between the artists.
“No, myself and Goldmax have been blessed to have worked with DJ Tira on many accounts together and separately.”
Choosing the lead single, he says, required little debate.
“It was evident right after we started working on it that it will be the first one to be released.”
Driven by DJ Tira’s unmistakable energy, pounding drums and the signature bounce that has made Durban’s gqom movement a global phenomenon, ‘Kush’ Ibhadu’ sets the tone for an album that proudly embraces its roots while looking firmly towards the future.
With GIB, Gqom In Black, Woza Bakzin and Goldmax hope to reinforce their place among the genre’s leading producers while delivering a project that reflects both the heritage and continued evolution of gqom music. The album’s lead single, ‘Kush’ Ibhadu’ featuring DJ Tira, is now available on all major streaming platforms.
