“When gqom came it was made for clubs. Made for nightlife. Dance is the best thing in Durban, so when gqom came, everybody went crazy as it was the perfect combination. That’s why it took over”

Gqom can now be heard across South Africa’s TV and radio, with superstars like Okmalumkoolkat, Cassper Nyovest, Big Nuz and Babes Wodumo — the latter’s ‘Wololo’ racked up almost 10 millions hits on YouTube — adopting the sound into their music. Gwali has recently been in the studio with M.I.A., with the pair currently working on music together, as well as starring on Kelela’s Warp released remix album, ‘Take Me Apart’. That’s all ahead of his debut at Sónar this summer and an upcoming collaboration with Hyperdub.

Far from the crowds of Ibiza’s resorts and the kaleidoscopic whirl of its clubs, on a tranquil outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a man surveys the view. The shimmering blue water stretching to the horizon suggests limitless possibilities, and for the man — DJ, producer, label owner, entrepreneur and philanthropist Black Coffee, real name Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, Nathi for short — those possibilities have a good chance of being realised.

JAZZ THING

When we meet, Maphumulo has just flown in from Paris, where he’s attended some high-profile fashion shows. In his relaxed and thoughtful way, he opens up about his gradual, but unstoppable ascension. Into music as a child, Black Coffee liked dancing to local disco and pop, plus international hits from Soul II Soul and Technotronic. He was inducted into DJing while he was still a kid, as part of his cousin’s mobile disco crew.

Cape Town born, Johannesburg-based Jazzuelle AKA Thando Tshoma has been one of the most prevalent artists in the South African dance music scene for some time now. Rising through both city’s ranks thanks to years of hard graft has turned him into an producer that takes nothing for granted and one for whom there can be no half measures. Last year, Tshoma released his debut LP ‘Circles’ on Get Physical Music, a powerful introduction that blended cinematic intent with a club ready verve.

How has the year been so far? What have been some highlights?

“The year’s been amazing. You know the goal is always progress and that’s what I always focus on and I carry that mindset with everything I do. Whatever I do, I have to keep moving forward. There needs to be an element of growth, you know, so the year has been steady and good to me.”

How do you see the house music scene in South Africa evolving? Do you feel it is changing? If so, has more global recognition and respect for the scene and style coming out of SA been a positive thing overall?