Entertainment

African gospel music is a dynamic force, a genre that bridges faith, culture, and artistry. Rooted in centuries-old traditions yet constantly evolving, it has transformed from local church choirs and open-air crusades into a globally recognized sound. In the streaming era, African gospel has transcended geographical boundaries, entering playlists, YouTube channels, and digital radio stations around the world. The shift has brought both opportunities and challenges for artists, worship leaders, and the industry at large.

Afro-Cuban jazz is one of the most remarkable and enduring musical hybrids of the 20th century, representing a seamless fusion of African rhythmic traditions, Cuban folk heritage, and American jazz improvisation. Known for its vibrant polyrhythms, infectious danceability, and sophisticated harmonic structures, Afro-Cuban jazz has not only shaped Latin music but also influenced the global jazz scene. To understand the genre’s cultural richness, one must trace its story back to the triangular flow of people, rhythms, and ideas across Africa, the Caribbean, and North America.

Gqom erupted from Durban’s townships with a visceral pulse—dark, minimal, percussive, and hypnotic. Emerging in the early 2010s, it leaned less on song structure and more on rhythm as architecture: broken-beat kicks, rattling snares, haunted vocal chops, and sudden drops that feel like a car cresting a hill. The music’s DNA is unapologetically local: parties, taxis blasting tracks, informal studios, and a culture of file sharing that turned neighborhood bangers into national talking points before traditional gatekeepers knew what hit them.