The bass didn’t just drop at Nonnas Riviera in Rosebank last night—it took hold of the room, pulsed through the crowd, and announced, without apology, that Gqom is entering a new chapter.
The occasion was the official launch of Through the Fire, the latest EP from The Incredibles, a KwaZulu-Natal–born DJ and producer duo with ambitions that stretch well beyond the dancefloor. If their goal is to reshape both the current sound and future direction of Gqom, then this debut showcase made one thing clear: they’re not easing into the conversation—they’re kicking the door in.
Nonnas Riviera, typically known for its laid-back dining atmosphere, was almost unrecognizable. By nightfall, the space had transformed into a full-throttle club environment—dim lights, thick anticipation, and a crowd that came ready to move. And move they did. From the moment the decks lit up, The Incredibles took control with the kind of confidence that belies their rising status.
The set was less of a performance and more of a statement. Tracks from Through the Fire were rolled out with precision, each one revealing a duo deeply rooted in Gqom’s gritty, percussive DNA, yet unafraid to stretch its boundaries. There were darker textures, unexpected tempo shifts, and layered rhythms that hinted at a more expansive sonic vision.
What sets The Incredibles apart is not just their technical command, but their intent. In conversations around the launch, they spoke candidly about drawing inspiration from genre heavyweights like DJ Tira and NaakMusic—artists who helped define Gqom’s early identity. But rather than imitate, the duo appears to be building on that foundation, asking what comes next for a genre that has already conquered local charts and global playlists.
“Through the Fire,” as a title, feels deliberate. There’s a sense of endurance and reinvention baked into the project—an acknowledgment of where Gqom has been, and a determination to push it forward. That narrative came through clearly in the live set, where the energy never plateaued, instead building into a relentless, almost hypnotic experience.
By the time the final track faded and the lights came up, the message had landed. The Incredibles aren’t just participating in Gqom’s evolution—they’re actively trying to steer it.
If last night was any indication, Through the Fire won’t just be another EP in the rotation. It’s a bold entry into a genre at a crossroads—and a reminder that Gqom’s future may very well belong to those willing to disrupt it.
