GQOM star GoldMax believes the genre won't die.
He said it's survived tough times, even when some music fans thought it was over and done with.
"Gqom will always be there, even when other genres come in. It's strong and is not shaken by anything. That's why its artists flourish," said GoldMax.
The rising star said the genre, whose origins are from Durban around 2010, has stood firm through difficult times.
In 2019, amapiano became a threat to many genres, including gqom, when it dominated dance floors and the airwaves.
"And now those who know music can agree with me when I say gqom is back in its dominant position. Whether it is in clubs, on radio or in taxis, it is always played at high volume," he said.
Born Zipho Mthembu (30), from KwaMashu, north of Durban, GoldMax is one of the nominees in the Best Gqom Album category at the 32nd South African Music Awards.
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He's up against against DJ Tira for his album Izinsimbi zaMakoya, Funky Qla for Dark or Durban 3, Dladla Mshunqisi and Beast RSA for Puku Puku, and DJ Lag for Southside Mixtape.
GoldMax is nominated for New Wave, an album he created in collaboration with Blacks Jnr and Dankie Boi.
He said he was happy for the nomination. However, being in the same category as his "big brothers" made him nervous.
"All these artists I'm nominated with are big. I've worked with all of them and know what they're capable of. They're my big brothers. Whoever takes it, at least, he'll be taking it home our home because we're family," said GoldMax.
He was previously known as a member of the gqom duo Distruction Boyz, with former partner Thobani "Que" Mgobhozi.
The duo released the hit song Omunye.
GoldMax later went solo and released songs, including FOMO, featuring Zee Nxumalo and Beast RSA.
