Thobeka, ZVRI and ALBI X Unite on ‘Aziwe’, a New Gqom Collaboration Connecting Durban and International Sounds

South African Gqom continues to evolve as a new generation of artists explores fresh sounds, international collaborations and innovative approaches to electronic music production. The genre, which originated in Durban, has become an important part of South Africa’s dance music identity, recognised for its heavy basslines, distinctive percussion and energetic rhythms. Now, Thobeka, ZVRI and ALBI X are bringing different creative perspectives together on ‘Aziwe’, a new Gqom collaboration that connects Durban’s underground music culture with international influences. Developed through an international studio exchange facilitated by Jägermeister Global Pass, the track brings together three artists with distinct musical identities. ZVRI contributes his GqomTech production approach, Thobeka delivers the vocals and ALBI X introduces an Afro-German influence. Released through Paradise Sound System, ‘Aziwe’ demonstrates how collaboration can create new possibilities for South African electronic music without losing its cultural foundations.

At the centre of the collaboration is the meeting of three creative worlds. Thobeka, ZVRI and ALBI X approach music from different artistic perspectives, allowing each contributor to bring something individual to the production. Rather than presenting Gqom as a fixed musical formula, ‘Aziwe’ explores how the genre can accommodate new influences while retaining the characteristics that make it distinctive. The track remains rooted in Durban’s musical identity, drawing on the city’s established relationship with underground dance music. At the same time, the involvement of ALBI X introduces an international dimension that expands the creative conversation beyond South Africa. This combination gives the release a clear identity built around cultural exchange, electronic experimentation and shared musical expression.

ZVRI’s contribution is particularly important to the track’s production identity. His GqomTech approach brings together the rhythmic intensity associated with Gqom and the possibilities of contemporary electronic sound design. Gqom has traditionally relied on distinctive drum patterns, powerful low-end frequencies and unconventional rhythmic structures. These elements give the genre its recognisable dance-floor energy and have helped distinguish it from other forms of electronic house music. GqomTech builds on this foundation by exploring additional electronic textures and production possibilities. Through this creative direction, ZVRI contributes to the continuing development of a sound that remains connected to Durban while engaging with wider electronic music influences.

Thobeka’s vocals provide another essential dimension to ‘Aziwe’. Vocals play an important role in shaping the emotional character and identity of dance music, particularly when they interact with repetitive percussion and electronic rhythms. A strong vocal performance can give a track a recognisable personality while creating moments that listeners can connect with beyond the dance floor. In a production built around GqomTech influences, the relationship between vocals and rhythm becomes especially important. Thobeka’s involvement brings a vocal presence into the collaboration, complementing ZVRI’s electronic production and ALBI X’s international perspective. Together, these elements help establish the track as a meeting point between different forms of musical expression.

ALBI X adds an Afro-German influence to the collaboration, introducing another perspective to the creative process. The connection between African music and Germany’s electronic music culture creates opportunities for artists to exchange ideas, production techniques and musical influences. Germany has a well-established electronic music scene, with a history of experimentation across different forms of club music. South Africa, meanwhile, has developed its own influential electronic music movements through genres such as Gqom, Afro House, Amapiano and Kwaito. Bringing these creative environments together allows artists to explore how their individual backgrounds can contribute to a shared musical direction. On ‘Aziwe’, ALBI X’s involvement represents this international exchange while keeping the track connected to its Durban roots.

The collaboration was developed through Jägermeister Global Pass, an initiative that creates opportunities for artists to connect through international creative exchanges. Studio collaborations can offer musicians a different perspective on their work by introducing them to new approaches and creative environments. Producers and vocalists can experiment with ideas that might not emerge during their usual recording sessions. These exchanges can also help artists develop professional relationships that extend beyond a single release. For independent and emerging musicians, access to international creative networks can provide valuable opportunities to expand their reach and explore new possibilities. The development of ‘Aziwe’ demonstrates how an international studio exchange can bring together artists with different influences to create a collaborative electronic music release.

The importance of this exchange becomes clearer when considering Gqom’s development within South African music. Emerging from Durban, Gqom developed through local dance music communities and underground production networks. Its sound is closely associated with stripped-back arrangements, heavy bass, repetitive percussion and an intense rhythmic approach. Over time, the genre attracted international attention and influenced conversations about the global reach of African electronic music. Its development has also demonstrated the ability of South African producers to create distinctive sounds using electronic production tools and individual creative approaches. Collaborations such as ‘Aziwe’ contribute to this ongoing evolution by introducing new perspectives without abandoning the genre’s cultural origins.

One of the most interesting aspects of modern Gqom is its ability to accommodate experimentation. Although its core rhythmic identity remains recognisable, producers continue to explore different approaches to bass, percussion, tempo and electronic textures. This flexibility creates room for new substyles and collaborations that expand the genre’s musical possibilities. GqomTech represents one direction within this wider creative development, offering an opportunity to combine established Gqom elements with more experimental electronic production. Such approaches can help keep the genre relevant to changing dance music audiences while giving producers greater freedom to develop their own sound. ZVRI’s involvement in ‘Aziwe’ places this experimentation at the centre of the collaboration.

The release also highlights the importance of Durban as a source of musical innovation. The city has played a major role in shaping South Africa’s electronic music landscape, particularly through the development of Gqom and its associated underground culture. Local producers, DJs and vocalists have helped establish a sound that carries a strong regional identity while connecting with audiences across the country and internationally. Durban’s music scene continues to provide opportunities for artists to experiment with electronic production and develop distinctive creative identities. By keeping the track rooted in this environment, Thobeka, ZVRI and ALBI X acknowledge the cultural foundation of the music while exploring connections with other creative communities. This balance between local identity and international collaboration is an important part of the release’s artistic direction.

The involvement of Paradise Sound System adds another dimension to the release. The track’s arrival through the platform places ‘Aziwe’ within the wider landscape of contemporary electronic music releases. Independent music platforms and labels can play an important role in introducing new sounds, supporting artist development and connecting underground music with broader audiences. For a collaboration built around cultural exchange, the release platform also provides a route through which listeners can discover the work of the participating artists. ‘Aziwe’ brings together different musical influences in a way that reflects the increasingly connected nature of modern electronic music. Its release reinforces the value of creating opportunities for artists to work across geographical and cultural boundaries.

International collaborations are becoming an important part of the development of African electronic music. Digital distribution, social media and music industry partnerships have made it easier for artists to connect with collaborators and listeners in different countries. However, successful musical exchanges involve more than simply bringing together artists from different backgrounds. They require creative input that gives each participant a meaningful role in shaping the final sound. The combination of ZVRI’s production, Thobeka’s vocals and ALBI X’s Afro-German influence provides ‘Aziwe’ with a collaborative foundation. Rather than removing its local identity, the international exchange gives the track another perspective through which to explore its musical possibilities.

For listeners interested in South African Gqom, ‘Aziwe’ offers an example of how the genre continues to develop through collaboration and production experimentation. Its connection to Durban provides a clear cultural foundation, while the involvement of international influences introduces a broader creative outlook. The track also reflects the importance of initiatives such as Jägermeister Global Pass in creating opportunities for artists to exchange ideas and work together. As African electronic music continues to attract international interest, projects that preserve local identity while embracing new influences can contribute to the genre’s ongoing development. The collaboration between Thobeka, ZVRI and ALBI X illustrates how different creative backgrounds can come together around a shared musical direction.

With ‘Aziwe’ now available through Paradise Sound System, Thobeka, ZVRI and ALBI X present a collaboration that connects Durban’s Gqom heritage with international electronic music influences. The track brings together GqomTech production, vocal expression and Afro-German creativity through an exchange facilitated by Jägermeister Global Pass. Its central strength lies in the combination of different artistic perspectives while maintaining a connection to the South African sound that inspired the project. As Gqom continues to evolve, collaborations of this nature create opportunities for producers, vocalists and DJs to explore new creative directions. ‘Aziwe’ represents another step in the ongoing conversation between South African electronic music and the wider international dance music community.

Stream Aziwe HERE