The Afro House Shortlist: 20 Tracks You Can’t Miss from September 2024

As Afro House continues to captivate dance floors across the globe, the genre’s growth is evident in this September 2024 Beatport Shortlist. Featuring a rich blend of soulful melodies, tribal beats, and emotive storytelling, the Afro House scene is evolving rapidly, fueled by both veteran producers and fresh new talent. With thousands of releases hitting stores weekly, it can be hard to sift through the noise. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up some of the top tracks highly recommended by Beatport’s curators to make your search easier.

From the pulsating rhythms of Da Capo and Dlala Thukzin to the deep, evocative soundscapes of emerging names like Lionayve and Mpho.Wav, these tunes encapsulate the heart and soul of Afro House. Whether you’re looking for something atmospheric, uplifting, or dancefloor-ready, this list has something for everyone. Dive in and discover the best Afro House has to offer this month.

Adam Port, a key figure in the Keinemusik collective, is known for his eclectic taste, blending house, techno, and Afro elements seamlessly. He teams up with Masšh, an emerging producer, and Ninae, a captivating vocalist, to create a smooth, deep groove. Port’s ability to fuse tribal beats with melodic techno has earned him a devoted following worldwide, and "All I Got" showcases his refined, minimalistic approach.

South African producer Da Capo is no stranger to the Afro House scene, having been a pivotal figure in its global spread. His 2021 album Indigo Child received widespread acclaim for its unique blend of deep house and Afrocentric rhythms. "WOKO DANCE" sees Da Capo collaborate with Lyrik Shoxen and Mpho.Wav, both rising talents known for their evocative vocals and forward-thinking production. This track continues Da Capo’s trajectory of blending lush instrumentals with Afro-inspired beats.

Durban-based Dlala Thukzin is a powerhouse in the gqom and Afro House scenes, gaining prominence for his high-energy sets and production style. Teaming up with Goldmax, one-half of the acclaimed South African duo Distruction Boyz, "VAR" is a nod to their collective roots in gqom while experimenting with slower, more atmospheric Afro House tempos. Thukzin’s versatility shines here, bringing a hypnotic vibe to the track.

Lazarusman, a South African poet and lyricist, is famous for his spoken-word style that adds emotional depth to electronic music. He has worked with artists like Stimming and Joris Voorn, bridging the gap between Afro House and deep house. Fiona Kraft, a French DJ and producer, complements Lazarusman’s voice with a rhythmic but reflective production, elevating "Man Oh War" into a poignant and powerful piece.

Hailing from Johannesburg, Atmos Blaq is one of the rising stars of the Afro House movement, known for his atmospheric soundscapes and pulsating beats. In "Got It Bad," he collaborates with Kenza, Miči and together, they craft a tune that balances moody, minimal elements with rich, organic percussion, a sound that has earned Atmos Blaq recognition from the likes of Black Coffee and Shimza.

South Africa’s Caiiro has become a mainstay in the Afro House scene, with his fusion of tribal drums and progressive house melodies. His collaboration with Argento Dust and vocalist Nia Pearl on "Emhlabeni" brings an emotional depth to the dancefloor. Nia Pearl’s soulful vocals, combined with Caiiro’s intricate rhythms, result in a track that’s both uplifting and introspective.

Brazilian DJ and producer Maz (BR) has been making waves in the Afro and melodic house spaces, often blending his South American roots with global electronic music trends. "Emoriö" is a collaboration with Antdot, another Brazilian talent, and features stunning vocals from Jéssica Gaspar. The track blends Afro House with Brazilian influences, creating a high-energy piece that stands out from the rest.

Da Africa Deep is known for his deeply emotive sound that fuses Afro House with cinematic elements. His production style is characterized by rich textures and dynamic builds, making "Were We Belong" a journey through Afro-infused melodic landscapes. His work has been instrumental in evolving the sound of Afro House beyond just dance music, adding layers of emotional storytelling to the genre.

Durban’s Dlala Thukzin appears again on this list with "Ballito," a track that leans into the faster rhythms of Afro House at 118 BPM. Known for his fusion of gqom and Afro House, Thukzin’s ability to merge these styles has made him a key figure in shaping the South African dance scene. "Ballito" is another testament to his talent, featuring his signature bouncy, yet atmospheric sound.

Kekelingo, a South African musician best known for his work with The Muffinz, collaborates with Mpho.Wav to bring "Waves of Mombasa," a deep Afro House track with rich cultural influences. Kekelingo’s background in Afro-jazz lends a unique touch to the song, merging organic and electronic elements in a way that feels fresh yet timeless.

Digital Sangoma is an exciting producer who’s been exploring the intersection of tribal sounds and electronic music. "Memories" features his collaboration with Sickluv and the vocalist JoÉHUMAN, offering a slower, more introspective vibe within the Afro House realm. It’s a track that builds slowly, emphasizing emotional depth and melody.

Rampa, a member of the Keinemusik collective, is known for his sophisticated production that often blends house with African rhythms. His remix of "Tanzania" brings a new life to the original track by South African DJ sensation Uncle Waffles and Tony Duardo, highlighting the Afro House movement’s ability to cross borders and musical boundaries.

Professor and Heavy-K are both icons of the South African house scene. Professor, known for his smooth vocal delivery, teams up with Heavy-K, whose productions are renowned for their thumping basslines. Together with Sir Trill, Mark Khoza, and Skhokho, they create "Washa Wena," a slower, soulful Afro House tune that’s rich in melody and emotion.

A rising star in the Afro House world, Mpho.Wav is known for his deep, moody productions that combine minimalism with Afrocentric rhythms. "UNDERGROUND" is a great example of his ability to craft immersive soundscapes while keeping the dancefloor in mind. Released by Platoon, the track shows Mpho’s growing influence in the scene.

Francis Mercier is a highly respected DJ and producer who brings Afro House to mainstream audiences through his unique remixes. His take on The Avener and Phoebe Killdeer’s "Fade Out Lines" blends classic house elements with Afro beats, making it a track that appeals to diverse audiences and solidifies Mercier’s place in the Afro House and global electronic music scenes.

Dlala Thukzin’s third entry on this list sees him collaborate with Zeh McGeba. "Sohlala Sisonke" is an energetic Afro House track at 118 BPM, with infectious percussion and groovy basslines. Thukzin’s consistent presence on the charts underscores his ability to innovate while staying true to the roots of Afro House.

This collaboration features the rising star Frigid Armadillo and vocalist Natasha MD. Released under the Africa To The World label, "Themba Wena" is an emotive Afro House piece that blends Natasha’s smooth vocals with Skillz’s intricate rhythms. This track showcases the growing influence of Afro House on the global music scene.

South African producer Max Hurrell made waves during the pandemic with his viral track “ZOL.” "META," however, takes a different direction, showing his versatility as a producer. With a driving 121 BPM tempo, Hurrell brings his signature playful sound design to the Afro House genre, making this track a must-listen.

KEENE is a duo hailing from Panama, known for blending electronic music with Latin and Afro influences. They are quickly becoming recognized for their deep, soulful grooves that strike a balance between tradition and innovation. Partnering with Italian DJ and producer Gledd, known for his smooth, deep house sound, "Ma Elle" is a standout Afro House track that combines tribal rhythms with deep, melodic progressions, creating a spiritual vibe that transports the listener.

Closing out the top 20 is Lionayve with "Steps." Lionayve is a rising talent in the Afro House scene, known for crafting immersive soundscapes that merge organic and electronic elements. "Steps" features lush, layered percussion with hypnotic rhythms, encapsulating the essence of Afro House while adding a modern touch. His ability to blend these elements makes Lionayve one to watch as Afro House continues to evolve.

With this chart, we witness a blend of established Afro House legends and emerging talents, each contributing to the genre’s dynamic growth. From South Africa to Brazil, and beyond, the artists behind these tracks showcase the global appeal and cultural richness of Afro House, solidifying its place in the world of electronic music.

Whether you're looking for soulful, emotional melodies or energetic, percussive beats, this chart has something for everyone. Be sure to dive in, as these tracks represent some of the best that the genre had to offer last month.