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The world of electronic music is vast and diverse, with many genres and subgenres emerging from different cultural backgrounds. One such genre is Afro House, a dynamic fusion of traditional African rhythms and the global appeal of house music. As electronic dance music (EDM) continues to dominate the global music scene, it’s natural to wonder whether Afro House falls under the EDM umbrella. Let’s explore this question and break down what makes Afro House unique and how it relates to EDM.
Understanding Afro House Music
Afro House is a subgenre of house music that blends the percussive rhythms of traditional African music with the electronic sound of house music. It is characterized by deep basslines, tribal beats, soulful vocals, and an overall groove that’s both hypnotic and uplifting. Its roots lie in South Africa, where producers began mixing local African sounds with house music in the early 2000s. Over the years, Afro House has gained global popularity, with artists like Black Coffee, Shimza, Culoe De Song, and DJ Maphorisa bringing the genre to international audiences.
While Afro House maintains the fundamental structure of house music, it incorporates African cultural influences, which gives it a distinct identity within the electronic music spectrum.
What is EDM?
EDM, or electronic dance music, refers to a broad category of electronic music that is specifically created for dancefloors and club environments. The genre includes a wide range of styles, such as techno, trance, dubstep, electro house, progressive house, and more. EDM is known for its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and computer-generated sounds, and it is designed to keep people dancing with its upbeat tempo and powerful drops.
At its core, EDM emphasizes the use of electronic production techniques to create music that resonates with a wide audience. The genre is also highly club-oriented and has become a dominant force in mainstream music, with artists like David Guetta, Calvin Harris, and Avicii bringing EDM to global prominence.
Is Afro House Considered EDM?
The answer is yes! Afro House can be classified as a subgenre of EDM. While Afro House has its own unique characteristics, it fits comfortably within the broader category of electronic dance music because it is produced using electronic instruments and techniques. The fusion of house music with African influences does not take it out of the EDM sphere; in fact, it enhances the diversity and richness of the EDM landscape.
What distinguishes Afro House from other forms of EDM is its emphasis on African rhythms, which sets it apart from genres like electro house or techno. However, like other EDM subgenres, Afro House is designed to get people moving on the dancefloor. The soulful vocals, rich percussion, and infectious basslines make it a crowd favorite, similar to how mainstream EDM tracks engage listeners with their high-energy drops and melodies.
Afro House vs. Other EDM Subgenres
While Afro House shares similarities with other forms of EDM, such as its use of electronic production, it brings a distinct flavor due to its African roots. Here’s how Afro House compares to some other EDM subgenres:
- Techno vs. Afro House: Techno is characterized by repetitive beats and synthesizer-driven melodies. Afro House, on the other hand, focuses on African-inspired rhythms and percussion, making it more groove-oriented and soulful.
- Progressive House vs. Afro House: Progressive house is known for its uplifting melodies and gradual build-ups. Afro House, while still upbeat, incorporates more tribal elements and cultural vocal samples, giving it a deeper, more organic feel.
- Electro House vs. Afro House: Electro house is focused on aggressive basslines and electro sounds, often with a glitchy feel. Afro House maintains a smoother, groove-based structure and incorporates live percussion that is deeply tied to African musical traditions.
Why Is Afro House Important in EDM?
Afro House has been crucial in diversifying the EDM genre by introducing fresh, global influences. The genre’s rise highlights the growing demand for music that connects different cultures while still maintaining the universal appeal of house music. By fusing traditional African sounds with modern electronic production, Afro House adds depth and richness to the EDM spectrum, making it more inclusive of global musical traditions.
Additionally, Afro House has paved the way for African artists to gain recognition on the international stage. Artists like Black Coffee have not only influenced the EDM scene but have also helped shine a light on the diverse musical heritage of Africa. This global recognition has led to Afro House being played in major international festivals, clubs, and radio stations, making it a vital part of the modern EDM landscape.
Conclusion
Yes, Afro House is indeed a form of EDM. While it brings a unique cultural influence to the genre with its African roots, Afro House shares the core principles of electronic dance music. It utilizes electronic production techniques and is created with the goal of getting people to dance, just like other EDM subgenres. What sets Afro House apart is its ability to blend African musical traditions with the universal appeal of house music, offering something fresh to the EDM community and the world.
If you’re interested in exploring Afro House further, make sure to check out Play House on Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube for some great Afro House tracks and mixes.