Hip-hop artist, 5tens recently dropped a new single titled: “iMali Yami” from his EP. He takes us through some of his favourite songs in the EP, which he describes as “private school Gqom.”
5tens reflects on the diverse musical influences that have shaped his sound. “Kwaito, rap, gqom, hip-hop, and afro-pop – these are the genres we all grew up listening to, and some hits still remind us of our childhood days,” he says.
“Bustling streets on a Friday afternoon, mellow mornings on a Sunday as we prepare for church… it always comes in different forms, and with each form, there are artists hailing from all corners of the country.”
5tens’ new electric sound in his single is smooth, and his vocals on his five-track Gqom Wave EP, are well worth listening to. The lead song, “iMali Yam,” featuring Slayer, who produced the entire EP, carries the pun of the idiom “money changes you.”
“I’m honest enough to admit that money will change people,” 5tens admits. “The sound of this song is what we can coin ‘private school Gqom.’ Even though you might end up playing the song several times, this EP is best played from the first to the last track.”
The EP starts with “iParty,” a smooth dance song that introduces listeners to the EP. According to 5tens, “This is a powerful message for latecomers in the music industry who could be seen as having ‘missed the party.’ Now
that I’m here, the real party can start.”
“Kusasa” is a continuation of “iParty,” marking the beginning of the heavy Gqom sound. “iStoko” follows up with some impressive rhymes, clearly demonstrating that hip-hop is still an integral part of 5tens’ DNA, much like renowned artists Okmalumkoolkat or Tony Dayimane on a Gqom beat.
“The next song, ‘Abelungu,’ is one that will be played the most in Durban, Eastern Cape, and Cape Town,” 5tens predicts. “It’s deep Gqom that makes you get up and dance.”
Gqom Wave is now available on all major music platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Have a listen and jam to some of the songs. Who knows, it might just be the next big EP!
