Album: Gqom In Black by Woza Bakzin & GoldMax

Gqom In Black is the landmark collaborative album from acclaimed South African producers Woza Bakzin and Goldmax, marking an important new chapter for Durban's signature gqom sound. Released in 2026 through Afrotainment, this 14-track project celebrates the raw, high-energy spirit of the genre while pushing it into fresh territory.

The album brings together two of Durban's most respected producers, who found a natural creative chemistry that made a joint project inevitable. As Woza Bakzin explains: "I have been producing for many years and since last year I have seen light being shined upon me... I've been afforded an opportunity to collaborate with many great artists, one of them being Goldmax". Goldmax adds that he "saw a reflection of myself in Bakzin's style of producing"—a recognition that sparked the decision to create a full-length project rather than just an EP.

The album features an impressive lineup of guest artists, including DJ Tira, Captain, Massive DJ, LeeMcKrazy, Funky Qla, Zee Nxumalo, Ornica, Still That Combo, Moh&DaLee, and others. Leading the rollout is the single "Kush'Ibhadu" featuring gqom heavyweight DJ Tira—a track the producers immediately recognized as the perfect introduction to the project. Woza Bakzin notes: "It was evident right after we started working on it that it will be the first one to be released".

The duo describes the project as "powerful and inspirational"—two of the genre's greatest producers coming together to create their greatest album. With its pounding percussion, hypnotic grooves, and dancefloor-dominating energy, Gqom In Black reinforces the heritage and continued evolution of gqom music while delivering what fans can expect to be a defining release of the year. And the partnership won't stop here—as Goldmax confirms, "people should expect many releases from us".