The heartbeat of Durban has a new statement piece. Acclaimed gqom producers Woza Bakzin and Goldmax today announce their first full collaborative album, GIB – Gqom In Black – a 14-track project, and release its lead single ‘Kush’ Ibhadu’ featuring DJ Tira’.
With years of individual impact behind them and a shared chemistry already proven in the streets and on the charts, GIB is positioned as both a celebration of gqom’s roots and a bold step forward for its future.
For Woza Bakzin, the journey to GIB has been years in the making.
“I’m a gqom producer from Durban. I have been producing for many years and since last year I have seen light being shined upon me with the public celebrating and supporting music I am mostly a part of,” he says. “I’ve been afforded an opportunity to collaborate with many great artists, one of them being Goldmax.”
“I have always known Goldmax from my earlier years. He has always said he admired my work and just last year I was blessed to be featured on songs he is also a part of,” Woza Bakzin explains.
“Sometimes he would send songs to work on that he was the only producer on and amazingly enough the public would celebrate and support those songs. We started to enjoy our production style together. A collaborative project was only a matter of time. However, I had thought it would be an EP. To my surprise he called for an Album.” He explains further.
“I saw a reflection of myself in Bakzin’s style of producing and I decided to work on more music with him before deciding on a joint album,” Goldmax says.GIB delivers 14 songs built from the ground up by two producers at the top of their craft.
The duo describes the project as “powerful and inspirational. Two Gqom greatest producers of this time coming together to create the greatest album.”
While Woza Bakzin doesn’t single out one track as most personal, he hints at deep cuts to come: “Not precisely, however I can say I do have favourite songs.”
When asked if there will be more collaborative projects between them, Goldmax adds…
“Of course, I am always working and he shares the same sentiments so people should expect many releases from us,” Goldmax confirms.
‘Kush’ Ibhadu’ feat. DJ Tira
Leading the rollout is ‘Kush’ Ibhadu’ featuring DJ Tira – a track that immediately felt like the statement single.
“We worked with the legendary DJ Tira,” says Woza Bakzin. It also marks another chapter in an ongoing relationship: “No, myself and Goldmax have been blessed to have worked with DJ Tira on many accounts together and separately.”
On choosing it as the first single: “It was evident right after we started working on it that it will be the first one to be released.”
With DJ Tira’s commanding presence, heavyweight drums, and signature gqom bounce, ‘Kush’ Ibhadu’ sets the tone for GIB: unapologetic, club-ready, and proudly Durban.
About Woza Bakzin
Hailing from Durban, Woza Bakzin has spent years crafting the sound that defines modern gqom. The past year has been a breakthrough, with wider public recognition and collaborations that have put his production in the spotlight.
About Goldmax
Goldmax is widely recognized as one of gqom’s most astonishing and influential producers. Known for his distinct sound and ear for hits, he has consistently championed new talent while pushing the genre globally.
Together on GIB, they represent both the heritage and the evolution of gqom – two producers, one vision, and a sound that belongs to the people.
‘Kush’ Ibhadu’ featuring DJ Tira is available now on all major streaming platform
