Amid the headlines of coups and crises from Africa, there are positive stories that often get overlooked. Today, we focus on the vibrant music scene from Africa, specifically Gabon. While Nigerian Afrobeat and South Africa’s Amapiano dominate global charts and triumph at the Grammys, other African subgenres are yet to transcend borders. One such genre, born in the prisons of Gabon, is called Shum. This music is rapidly gaining popularity in the Central African nation. Here’s a closer look.
From topping global charts to breaking records, African music is sweeping the world. The Grammys even created a separate category for the genre this year. While the world dances to Africa’s tunes, it’s not just about the famous Afrobeats or pop songs. African music is diverse, and many subgenres are waiting to be discovered. One such genre is Gabon’s Shum, a music style born in the prisons of Gabon.
Shum, a slang term meaning “brawl,” expresses themes of violence prevalent in working-class neighborhoods, including robberies and assaults. The genre started with dance, and music followed, drawing inspiration from rap, Afrobeats, and traditional Central African music. Today, Shum is immensely popular among Gabon’s youth, with artists racking up millions of views.
The journey of Shum from prison cells to the streets is fascinating. The term “shum” signifies fighting, which is why dancers often have their fists clenched. This represents their fight to regain freedom. Despite being inspired by other genres, Shum has unique instruments, such as zithers, flutes, and brass. Artists use slang in their lyrics, reflecting the language of Gabon’s ghettos. Those who have spent time in prison aim to counter the prejudice they face through their music.
One artist explained, “We touch on what we see in our daily life. Even though people have bad impressions of it, we talk about what we see.” In just months, some Shum songs are gaining hundreds of thousands of views, giving these artists the confidence to take their art global.
“I’d love to see Shum music reach outside Gabon because our music is well-listened to at home, which is good, but it needs to be discovered in new countries, new horizons. That truly is my goal—to take the music to different parts of the world,” shared an aspiring Shum artist.
Social media has played a significant role in the boom of African music, from viral trends on TikTok to comic reels on Instagram and streams on platforms like Spotify. These platforms have amplified the careers of several African musicians, and Shum artists are tapping into this potential. With every song they release, they aim to create another viral, rhythmic trend.
Gabon’s Shum music, rooted in the harsh realities of life but blossoming with artistic expression, represents the resilience and creativity of its artists. As they strive to take their music beyond borders, they contribute to the rich tapestry of African music that continues to captivate the world.
