- A TikToker found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons after posting a video about a Cape Town music event.
- The TikTok post featured information about gqom, a beloved subgenre of house music in South Africa.
- Many viewers were unimpressed when the creator declared he was bringing gqom to the Western Cape for the first time.
A TikTok video about the gqom scene in Cape Town sparked a heated conversation about cultural appropriation. The creator, who was promoting an upcoming music event, didn't anticipate the backlash that followed. What started as a simple promotional post turned into a broader discussion about who gets to claim ownership over cultural expressions like gqom.
The TikTok video quickly went viral, racking up over 6,000 likes and hundreds of comments. People were vocal about their thoughts on the creator's approach to promoting gqom. Many questioned whether his intentions were genuine or if he was simply trying to capitalize on a cultural movement without acknowledging its roots.
Claiming Gqom Territory in Cape Town
TikToker @celsofabbri_ sparked controversy when he boldly stated that he was bringing the "first gqom rave" to Cape Town. In the video, he described the event as a celebration for anyone who loves to have a good time and enjoys "really good sound systems." While his enthusiasm was palpable, his claim didn't sit well with many viewers. After receiving a wave of criticism, he edited the caption to read:
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"A Gqom Afro Rave incoming Cape Town."
Here's the original TikTok video where the creator announced his gqom event:
South Africans Speak Out Against TikToker's Gqom Claims
The backlash was swift and fierce. Many commenters pointed out that the creator wasn't the first person to host a gqom rave in Cape Town. His bold claim, coupled with his racial identity, led many to accuse him of cultural appropriation. Some argued that gqom should remain a protected cultural space, reserved for those who have historically contributed to its growth and popularity.
Gqom, which means "drum" in isiZulu, originated in Durban and became a defining subgenre of house music in the 2010s. Artists like DJ Lag and Babes Wodumo played a pivotal role in bringing gqom into the mainstream. Below are some of the responses from the South African community:
PAL chimed in with this observation:
"Love your work - but it isn’t the first gqom rave in CPT. DJs have been bringing it to the city in many ways for years. May not be in the same way as you, but your framing of this is misleading."
Wally wasn’t shy about calling out the creator:
"Colonising Gqom 101."
blackacre added:
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"First Gqom rave in Cape Town? What happened to Mr Thela, Temple Boys?! I dunno guys… yay but like… the exaggeration."
frida cashflow expressed her frustration:
"Do not erase the hard work of black event organizers and DJs that have been curating gqom events in CPT. It’s really gross."
@bibidybobidyboom wasn’t holding back:
"Stop colonizing our music, gqom isn’t about to be gentrified, 'gqom rave' yamasimba."
aphiweblose710 added:
"Not you Christopher Columbusing gqom music..like that's why gatekeeping is important. The spirit of Jan Van Riebeeck is within you, colonizing Gqom🙄"
Ole. joked:
"Calm down guys he just 'discovered' gqom."
Oh Lesedi wasn’t impressed:
"Just learned how to pronounce gqom and is now introducing it to us…LOL! 🙃"
Amy Zama summed it up perfectly:
"They found gqom. Now they are the 'first' - crazy business."
Lelo delivered a powerful message:
"Gqom raves have existed before you started DJing and they will exist way after you stop. The way you’re engaging with this art is not meaningful. Instead of being belligerent to people."
Four TikTokers in Hot Water
1. Zimbabwean Criticism
South Africans were upset with a TikToker from Zimbabwe who criticized South Africa in a recent post. As Briefly News reported, the video sparked heated debates and left many questioning the intentions behind the creator's words.
2. American TikToker Under Fire
An American woman found herself at the center of controversy after making bold claims about TikTok amid the app's potential ban in the United States. Her comments didn't sit well with viewers, leading to a wave of criticism.
3. Standards for Love
A TikTok video where a woman detailed her preferences in a partner drew mixed reactions. While some appreciated her honesty, others felt triggered by her specific standards, sparking a lively debate about relationships and expectations.
4. Interracial Relationship Drama
South Africans had plenty to say about a woman in an interracial relationship who adopted a 50/50 approach to her partnership. The video ignited discussions about fairness, compromise, and cultural differences in relationships.
