Ethekwini - By Asande Kubone

Written By: Asande Kubone

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the vibrant tapestry of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Asande Kubone, writing as EThekwini, presents "Ethekwini," a short story that delves into the complexity of identity and the power of music in the city of Durban. Known for its diverse culture and vibrant social scene, Durban serves as the backdrop for a narrative that intertwines personal and collective identities. Through the lens of gqom music, Kubone explores how identity shapes and is shaped by the social and cultural fabric of this South African city.

About the Work

"Ethekwini" is a poignant exploration of the duality of identity, set against the backdrop of Durban's dynamic urban landscape. Kubone weaves a tale of two siblings navigating the contrasting worlds of city and township life, joined by their shared love for gqom music. The story captures the essence of Durban's cultural melting pot, while emphasizing the role of music as a unifying force. Through rich imagery and authentic dialogue, the narrative addresses themes of belonging, cultural expression, and the struggle to maintain one's roots amidst societal pressures.

EThekwini

Original Submission by Asande Kubone

Ethekwini

The term identity, can be broken down into various definitions that all contribute to the vast interpretation it is associated with. When one speaks about identity, they aren’t always necessarily referring to the notion “who are you” and “what are your values”. Identity has a double sense. The first sense mainly speaks on the psyche. It is the part which speaks about qualities, beliefs and personalities associated with people. These factors all contribute to the making of a person. The second sense which identity can be associated with, is the social categories used to identify a particular group/ characteristics of a social group.

Located on the east coast of South Africa, Durban is more then just another tourist attraction with extensive beaches. There are many characteristics which shape us as Durbanites. Durban is a warm costal city which is considered one of the three major cities in the country. It is a laid back costal city with friendly people. Our city has a buzzing social scene, which can be considered a melting pot with numerous cultures. Growing up, I used to hear people say that “Durban people are so relaxed”. Over the years, I’ve seen what they meant by that statement. When compared to how life is in other cities, I can truly understand the value of such a statement.

Ethekwini refers to the Durban CBD. Life in the city is different from that in the township. When you leave the city and enter the township, you are transported into a different world. Music has carried these two worlds, creating a mutualistic relationship between the two. Music, particularly gqom has become the voice of the city. It is the sound of Durban and is a part of the cities identity.

Every generation has a genre of music they relate to. Heavy, dark, hard hitting sounds are the rhythm our heads and feet move to. Gqomu, is the sound track for the township youth. This genre originally emerged in Durban townships in the early months of 2008. Fast forward to 2019 and gqomu has a larger South African following. Over the years, the sound has grown and is more established. One cannot shy away from the fact that most gqomu producers grew up in the township. They developed their craft using fruity loops, in a backroom.

Trying to co-exist in two worlds isn’t always easy. Having to adapt to your surroundings might require hiding a piece of yourself from time to time. Music connects worlds which might seem miles apart. This short story follows two siblings as they try to navigate between two worlds, while allowing their love for gqomu to speak their truth.

Growing up in the notorious, gang ridden township of Kwamashu, Amahle doesn’t fit the typical stereotype of a township girl. Most of her age mates are street smart, they know which buttons to press to get the ball moving. Bahamba nabahambayo…which basically means they move with the times. Amahle is a different case. She’s what one would consider “ghetto soft”. She’s a combination of two worlds. She’s the love child of the city and township. Her love for gqom music is what connects her to the itheku and isingqawungqawu.

Growing up surrounded by a family which loves music, it was only a matter of time before she found herself fooling around using fruity loops with her brother, in their families back room. Daluthando is Amahles over protective, hit making brother. Before songs were measured by streams, they were measured by air play. Elokishini, having your songs being blasted in taxi’s, in house parties and being shared via Bluetooth was all that really mattered. That’s how the music travelled. Through a network of good time lovers (through the power of word of mouth).

TGIF in the two siblings world meant that (Thank god Its Friday). The party began long before they got home. Bus terminals is where it all started off. Dance crews going head to head, music blasting through phones while plans for a house party are being made. That’s the life. Slowly but surely, what originated in the townships made its way into the city. Not everyone agreed or supported the music.

One Friday afternoon while the two siblings are hanging out by the bus stop, they spot a local taxi which they know. While others are dancing to the music blasting through their phones, the two siblings can’t help but pay attention to the song playing in the taxi. Over the past couple of weeks, they’d been working on pushing their new single in town. What started off as another silly beat making session, gave birth to a fire track. Amongst their social circles, the song was making waves. It was through one of their friends, where they got the idea to push the song further, allowing it to break away from their kasi. As the taxi gets closer, those who were blasting music lower it down. In a moment of instant joy, two dance crews start dancing in what seems like a formation. If you didn’t know anything better, you’d assume that the moment was planned. The taxi comes to a complete stop by the bus stop. The few passengers in the taxi, are both irritated and fascinated by what is taking place.

Somyama ( the taxi driver) calls the two siblings, ignoring one or two irritated passengers shouting through the window. With hands in his pockets, leaning on the wall, Somyama analyses the two kids approaching. He is constantly shifting his gaze from the dancers to the two walking towards him. Upon arrival, Somyama and Daluthando fist pump while he slightly squeezes Amahle’s shoulder as a way of greeting her. “Aibo bashana, yasha lenamba”, is the first thing he says. In a very casual manner, he signals for one of the passengers to grab a poster in the taxi. All this time, the two siblings are quite, paying attention to the manner in which Somyama carries himself. They don’t call him Somyama for nothing. He is a tall, skinny, dark gentle brother with swag. If you didn’t know any better, you’d assume he has an endorsement with Dickies. There’s never a day when he’s not wearing the brand head to toe. The way he rolls up his bucket hat, revealing the side scar on his check, indicates that he’s not one to messed with.

He hands the poster to Daluthando, who glances at the poster before passing it to his sister. “Manje sizophuma kanjani endlini?”. Daluthando is now worried about how they’ll make it to the party happening later on at club 4001, all the way on 8 Morrison Street. They’ve never snuck out to go to town, on a Friday night. They always lie about being “eroundini”. By default they are usually still in the neighborhood, even if it’s just a few sections away. Already Daluthando is calculating the logistics of sneaking out along with the re-processions if they get caught. Amahle who has been reading the poster all this while, takes out her coin purse, revealing a R100 note. “Nge’khathi sizohlangana estobini. Sobe singahambi sodwa. Soshaya iround ngakini, kuze uzo cav”. Somyama is taken aback by Amahle’s attitude. I mean she’s never one to speak vernacular while in school uniform. As weird as it might seem, Amahle somewhat becomes another person when she enters town. It’s like she hides her affiliation to the township, to blend in with the city kids. It’s hard trying to stay true to your roots when you are constantly surrounded by people who don’t relate to you. Daluthando and Amahle both attend school in the city, where they are mostly surrounded by kids who live in the CBD. Those who go to school with them, who also live in the township, are also struggling with fitting in. It survival of the fittest and no one wants to be caught slipping.

“Alight, ng’khathi ekathele, ung’shaye ngo please call.” Amahle flashes him a smile, revealing the purple elastic bands between her braces. One passenger taps Somyama on the shoulder. You can tell by the way she’s tapping her feet and chewing her gum, that she’s not impressed. Before she can even utter a word, the driver casually dabs a handkerchief on the lady’s forehead. Caught by surprise, she looks confused. “Ehlisa umoya mama, kuyashisa kunjalo”. He bids his good bye to the kids before making his way back into the taxi and increasing the volume of the speakers. Durban taxi’s are known for having music blasting through their speakers. When in town, you hear multiple songs blasting through each passing taxi while they pick up passengers through the use of hand signals.

The two siblings laugh on their way back to the bus stop, mimicking how Somyama casual dabbed the ladies sweaty forehead. Whilst replaying the scene, they also realize how hot it is in the city. They decide to take their blazers off, the day isn’t getting any cooler.

When they get to the bus stop, they show their friends the poster. Already, the friends are working on a plan. Those who are interested in going to club 4001, are making the things that need to be done, for the pots to bang. Club 4001 is hosting their first ever gqom battle. Dj’s, dancers, crews, artists, all get a chance to battle it out to win an opportunity to record a song, shoot a music video and work with Dj Tira. In Durban, Tira is somewhat considered the mayor of all things hip and happening. Winning this competition or even getting an opportunity to participate would mean a lot to Daluthando. Amahle is going to use this platform to network and to also have a good time.

Dressed to the nines, the two siblings make their way out the house. Before they are out the door, their mother calls from the other room. Sticking to their story, they are going to tell their mother they are going to their cousins house, who lives in the next street. They can not risk having their mother knowing about their actual whereabouts. If she knew, she’d beat them up. for two reasons. One for sneaking out and two for lying unprovoked.

“Naswenka engathi umhlaka 25, yini?”. All this while, their mother is paying very close attention to what they are wearing. In a shaky, husky voice, Daluthando compliments his mother about how beautiful she is. She laughs, revealing her beautiful dimples. She decides to let this one slide, she quickly makes a mental note that she’ll bring this up some other time. She kisses both her babies on the cheeks and tells them to stay away from trouble. She watches them leave the yard, while she locks up.

When the two kids get to the main road, they are met by their friends, who are also dressed to impress. Everyone is ready with their contribution money as they walk towards Somyama’s yard. When they are close enough, they started creating a clapping beat, loud enough for the driver to know that it’s actually a signal. They all continue to walk as a group towards the taxi stop, where they’ll meet the driver. A few minutes later, the taxi appears. They all stand by the drivers window, gathering their contributions before handing the money over to the driver.

Speakers booming, hands clapping, songs being chanted in the taxi, you can tell it’s a vibe. Before they can go to town, they have to make one final stop. Somyama takes the people’s orders and makes his way to “kwa mama uyang’chaza”. It’s the local bottle store. After what seemed like forever, he comes back with a cooler box, filled with ice and alcohol. Now the party can begin.

As they cruise down the freeway, making their way into town, Daluthando makes a suggestion. He suggests that they stop by the beach as a way of calming down their nerves before they go to the club. He’s been very nervous since they left the house. Some were not interested, but after persuading his friends, they stop at the beach. No one intends on swimming. They all sit by the grass, enjoying the cool night time Durban breeze. What started off as a random song, sung by the friends, attracts by standards lurking in the night. In a surprising twist of events, music is playing in the taxi, those sitting on the grass are fooling around singing random songs, having conversations, eating and drinking, everyone has somewhat forgotten about their original plan. Everyone is caught up in the moment.

“Sho bolova, kwaze kwapholwa la”. The voice catches them off guard. When they turn to see where it’s coming from, they can not believe their eyes. A few feet away from them, stands Dj Tira who is playful dancing to the music being played in the taxi.

When Daluthando checks the time, he realizes it’s way past 10pm, which they had entirely agreed to leave by.

That night, Dj Tira and his crew spent a while listening to the songs Daluthando was going to use for the competition. It’s safe to say that he is well on his way to releasing his first gqom tape, signed under Dj Tira’s label. He still can’t explain how that night changed his life. One could say it was pure luck. Amahle on the other hand later revealed that, another reason why Tira and his crew stopped by was because they had heard about their beach chillers and wanted to swing by. That night also changed Amahle’s life. She is also part of the crew that’s working on Daluthando’s gqom tape. They also got a beating from their mother a week later, when she heard about their whereabouts the previous Friday.

Over the past few years, gqom has grown into a more mainstream genre. More then anything, it has traveled far and wide, creating a hybrid world where those who love and appreciate it can exist. It is not just another music genre, it’s part of the cities identity. Masking the struggles and dreams faced by the youth in its heavy, hard hitting, up tempo sounds.

Identity can be interpreted in a number of ways. The city doesn’t only consist of buildings and moving cars. There is so much more to it. Each individuals identify feeds into the cities associated identity, creating a multitude of identities which the city is associated with.

2403 words.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the art of storytelling in its many forms. As an international platform, it provides writers from around the world the opportunity to share their unique voices and perspectives. The competition welcomes submissions across various categories, encouraging creativity, innovation, and literary excellence. It stands as a testament to the power of words in bridging cultural divides and fostering global connections.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Asande Kubone for sharing "Ethekwini" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Through this evocative short story, Kubone offers readers a glimpse into the vibrant world of Durban, highlighting the profound impact of music and identity. We are grateful for the opportunity to feature this compelling narrative that resonates with authenticity and cultural richness.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.