Summary

Afro House, a sub-genre of House music, originated primarily in South Africa. It fuses elements of Kwaito, Tribal, Deep, and Soulful House. While in South Africa it's sometimes categorized under Deep House or Soulful House, it possesses a distinctive and unique sound on its own.

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History Afro House is a sub-genre of house music originating primarily in South Africa with a distinctive sound, blending Kwaito, Bubblegum music, Tribal, Deep House, and Soulful House music. Although often classified as a sub genre of Deep or Soulful House, its evolution is associated with cities like Pretoria, Soweto, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town in South Africa. Popularized by the likes of Osunlade, Grammy-award winning Dj Louie Vega, Black Coffee, Oskido, Malaika, and Dj Tira, Afrohouse has been a mainstream genre both locally and internationally. Over the years, Afro House has evolved, influenced by various African cultures, and has become a powerful expression of African identity in the global dance music scene. Most Afro House tracks are made with a tempo ranging between 100 bpm and 120 bpm, making them slightly slower than many other House music styles.
Elements 
Form and Style

Afrohouse blends African rhythms with electronic beats, featuring driving percussion, melodies, and pulsating basslines. Its form involves energetic dance beats, often accompanied by soulful vocals.

Singing Style

Afrohouse singing style incorporates soulful, rhythmic vocals with a focus on danceable melodies. Artists often use expressive vocal delivery, and the lyrics may blend various languages and themes.

Theme

Afrohouse commonly explores themes of celebration, unity, and dance. Lyrics often emphasize joy, love, and the vibrant energy of the dance floor which drives the uplifting and vibrant atmosphere it brings.

Culture

Afrohouse drew inspiration from various South African cultures, incorporating traditional rhythms and instruments. It reflects a fusion of global electronic dance music with South African musical heritage, showcasing its diverse musical traditions.

Timbre

The timbre in Afrohouse is characterized by a fusion of African percussive instruments and electronic beats. The sound is dynamic, featuring rhythmic drums, pulsating bass, and vibrant, soulful vocals.

Arrangement

With a bpm of 110-120, the genre is principally a blend of traditional house, kwaito, mbaqanga, deep house, tribal house, and soulful house. It combines energetic percussion, driving basslines, and soulful vocals. The rhythmic core combines traditional African beats with electronic elements, creating a danceable sound. Varied instrumentation and dynamic layering contribute to the genre's arrangements.