Durban Kwaito

Description

Durban Kwaito is a high-energy regional variant of Kwaito music, originating in Durban in the 1990s and early 2000s. It blends slower house beats with tribal house rhythms, deep bass, electro elements, and local isiZulu idioms—forming a vibrant, dance-floor-driven sound sometimes referred to as 'sgubhu'.

History

Emerging in Durban during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Durban Kwaito evolved from the broader kwaito movement but drew heavily on house music and regional percussion influences. It was shaped by key producers and artists who injected faster tempos and progressive production styles. Through labels like Afrotainment, the genre was popularized nationwide and embedded itself in South Africa's club culture. Over time, Durban Kwaito paved the way for related genres such as Bacardi house and gqom, reflecting its lasting impact on the Durban soundscape.