One of South Africa’s most recognisable genres, Gqom, has a new anthem set for release this Friday.
Durban based vocalist and dancer Ornica Bellz is set to release her new single “Inkomishi” (a cup) this Friday, 11 September, a collaboration with Gqom producer Goldmax and award-winning vocalist Zee Nxumalo.
The single grew out of a studio session with longtime collaborator Goldmax.
After Bellz recorded her hook and verse, Goldmax pushed for a feature to round out the song, calling her two days later with the idea of bringing Nxumalo on board.
“I was so shocked and didn’t know what to say. I was like ‘Okay let's go,’” she recalled.
“At that point I had no money to book flights for the Johannesburg trip from Durban but I made a plan and we managed to get the flight tickets which cost me like R6500,” she added.
The studio session cemented a relationship that already existed off the mic. Bellz, who also works as a makeup artist, has reportedly done Nxumalo’s makeup on previous occasions, and the pair’s rapport carried into the studio.
“Zee Nxumalo was so nice to me, she was really hands-on at the recording session. I loved working with her.”
The two artists have previously been on a song together, “Cosh’uPin”, which features on Woza Bakzin and Goldmax’s album “Gqom In Black”, released in August.
Goldmax, one half of Durban duo Distruction Boyz and producer of their breakout album “Gqom Is The Future”, remains a close collaborator on this next chapter.
“Working with Goldmax is the best because he’s always hands-on during sessions, helps with writing, and knows what resonates with listeners.
He also gives me space to be creative in my own way. Plus, he’s very funny, so every session comes with its own special memories,” she shared.
Ornica Dasi, who performs as Ornica Bellz, was born in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape and relocated to Durban after school. Her path into music ran through dance as she joined a church choir before moving into a dance agency, and in October 2017 became a member of the Amadada dance crew under DJ Tira’s Afrotainment label.
Over the following years she toured extensively with DJ Tira, performing at festivals, club shows and on television as Gqom’s popularity grew nationally.
“I started as a dancer now I am a full grown artist and I am happy working with Afrotainment. DJ Tira has really shown me a lot of support and love and always advises me about the industry,” she said.
She shared that moving from dancer to vocalist had always been the plan, admitting that while she previously felt unprepared, she is now ready to “take in everything that is coming.”
“Inkomishi” leads into a busier stretch for Bellz, including a planned 6-track EP before the end of the year, a feature on Dladla Mshunqisi’s upcoming album, and a single currently in the works with the Qwabe Twins.
nomathamsanqa.sithathu@nationalmg.co.za