various: the sound of durban vol 1

The Sound of Durban Vol. 1 represents the first full-length compilation collecting the sound of the suburbs and townships of Durban, South Africa known as "gqom". The album unites many of the local young producers of this fresh genre over 15 tracks on a double LP. Rome-based DJ and musician Nan Kolè and South Africa-based Lerato Phiri set up the Gqom Oh! label to highlight the music and artists of Durban, the often-overlooked cradle of the new South African sound. Taking its name from an onomatopoeic Zulu word signifying a drum, this extraordinary, apocalyptic bass music encompasses many influences. Each polyrhythmic track draws on the darker side of electronic music, hip hop, sound system culture, kwaito, UK funk, and deep African vibrations. With its mix of ethnic tradition and urban tension, South Africa has been a cradle of cultural phenomena. In its own way it is a country of great wealth, particularly rich in contradictions, yet decades after the end of the country's apartheid, little appears to have changed for the millions of black people who live in its notorious townships. It is from this background that innovation is continually being injected into the living body of the local music culture. The heartbeat of Durban is gqom. Features tracks by: Dominowe, Forgotten Souls, Formation Boyz, DJ Mabheko, Emo Kid & DJ Bradolz, Citizen Boy, Cruel Boyz, TLC Fam, Julz Da DeeJay, and Emo Kid. Limited repress with a new pantone cover; Two additional tracks on the download card.