“Ekhoneni” is a fiery, high-energy Gqom anthem that reaffirms Babes Wodumo’s enduring influence as the Queen of Durban’s dance scene while showcasing her ability to evolve and collaborate across creative worlds. Joined by Lelowhatsgood, a bold cultural voice and LGBTQ+ creative, and Unkle Ken, the song merges the raw, percussive energy of classic Gqom with sharp lyricism and fresh, experimental sound design. Featuring Madanon, Rifle Deep, and Niseni, Ekhoneni feels like both a street anthem and a statement of empowerment — a song made for the dance floor but rooted in social and cultural expression.
Babes Wodumo recently appeared on Join iparty featuring Mampintsha and Maphara.
The title “Ekhoneni” (which means “in the corner” in isiZulu) carries layered meaning. It refers to a physical corner — the spaces where stories, struggles, and joy often intersect in township life — but also to metaphorical corners, the places where outsiders, rebels, and creatives carve their own identity. Babes Wodumo and her collaborators transform that space into one of liberation and pride, turning the “corner” into a stage for visibility and confidence.
Babes Wodumo leads with her signature grit and electrifying vocal delivery, embodying the bold spirit that made her a household name. Her voice, raw and powerful, rides effortlessly over Rifle Deep’s thunderous Gqom production, filled with industrial kicks, syncopated snares, and haunting basslines. The beat is primal and unrelenting, demanding movement — a perfect reflection of the Durban street sound that continues to inspire global club scenes.
Lelowhatsgood brings sharp lyrical flair and personality, injecting the track with vibrant queer energy and unapologetic self-expression. Their verse adds cultural depth, transforming Ekhoneni into not just a party track but also a statement of visibility, inclusivity, and resistance in a genre often dominated by traditional masculine energy. It’s a celebration of standing proudly “in your corner” — no matter who you are.
Unkle Ken complements this with a smooth yet assertive presence, balancing the intensity of the production with a confident delivery that ties the song’s diverse voices together. Meanwhile, Madanon — a longtime collaborator and fellow Gqom heavyweight — injects his trademark street charisma, reinforcing the song’s energy with clever vernacular phrasing and rhythmic mastery.
Babes Wodumo, Lelowhatsgood & Unkle Ken – Ekhoneni ft. Madanon, Rifle Deep & Niseni
