DJ Tira Revives Gqom Sound Amid Amapiano Dominance

DJ Tira, the 49-year-old producer and DJ from KwaHlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal, has successfully revived gqom music, bringing it back to mainstream attention after amapiano dominated the South African charts. Known to fans as Malume, DJ Tira achieved this resurgence with his hit song Awungazi, featuring Pcee, CampMasters, and General C’mamane.

Awungazi marked a pivotal moment for gqom, returning the Durban-born genre to the top of the charts. The track won Gagasi FM’s Crossover Song award and also competed in Ukhozi FM’s prestigious Ingoma Ehlukanisa Unyaka. For DJ Tira, this recognition is particularly meaningful after nearly three decades in the music industry. “Having your song voted as a crossover song is a rare moment. Maybe it happens once in someone’s life. So, to be honest with you, this win means so much to me,” he told Daily Sun.

He added that the success of Awungazi represents more than just an award. “Our gqom sound was abandoned, and we worked hard to bring it back. We overhauled it, and now it’s alive again.” Despite the challenges posed by amapiano’s dominance, DJ Tira focused on collaboration and persistence. He explained that a week-long studio camp in Johannesburg allowed him and his team to fully concentrate on restoring gqom’s energy and relevance.

The DJ believes the genre’s resurgence will have a lasting impact on Durban’s music scene. “I want to thank all the fans who voted for the song to where it is right now. I love the Gagasi FM voting system because it only allows one vote per voter. It’s personal to me. It’s not like other systems where artists organise crowd voting,” he said.

Gagasi FM celebrated DJ Tira’s achievement on 2 December at the Platinum Belt Lounge in Umhlanga, north of Durban, presenting him with flowers in a moment of recognition and appreciation.

With Awungazi, DJ Tira has demonstrated that gqom is not only alive but can reclaim its place in South Africa’s vibrant music landscape. His dedication to the Durban sound underscores the enduring influence of gqom and sets a benchmark for future artists looking to balance innovation with cultural roots.