When it comes to gqom music, the genre is mostly dominated by Durban-based producers and artists. However, Cape Town now has its shining star.
From Khayelitsha, Ed Harris burst on to the scene this year with his hit single "iDimoni". And with the release of his album "7784 Is Not A Jungle" on November 23, Harris is set to become one of the top gqom producers in the country.
The 13-track album features well-known artists such as Busiswa and DJ Maphorisa, as well as many club bangers such as Dubula, featuring Mwezi and Franklin, and the title track "7784 Is Not A Jungle".
One of the big talking points was the controversy surrounding Nuz Queen’s track "Laze Lavuka Idimoni Lam," which was released after Harris’s single "iDimoni".
The two tracks share the same lyrics and melody. In "Gagashe II," one of the tracks on Harris’s album, Busiswa drags Nuz Queen in her verse.
Showing the versatility of Harris’s music, his album includes a mix of tracks with and without vocals.
At the listening session, featured artists even showcased some impromptu live vocals on some of the songs.
Harris explained that when a track had a more soulful underlining beat, he felt it was necessary to add vocals to elevate the song.
Filled with banger after banger, with him putting his spin and the traditional gqom sound, the album is sure to be a hit.
This summer season is set to be a gqom-filled extravaganza with Distruction Boyz and Busiswa having released their album to high acclaim. And while South Africa is still undecided on the official summer song, it might just come out of Harris’s latest offering.
7784 Is Not A Jungle is available for pre-order now on Apple Music and is set to be released on all streaming service on November 23.