The Rise of African Electronic Music: Amapiano, 3-Step, Afrohouse & Gqom

African Electronic Music is taking the world by storm. From the deep-rooted rhythms of traditional African drumming to the futuristic synths and basslines of modern-day club sounds, the continent has been shaping the global electronic music landscape for years. What started as an underground movement has evolved into a mainstream force, influencing dance floors from Johannesburg to London, Lagos to New York. At the heart of this sonic revolution are four key genres: Amapiano, 3-Step, Afrohouse, and Gqom.

Amapiano: The Sound of South Africa’s Streets
Amapiano, which means "the pianos" in Zulu, is a genre that emerged in South Africa around the early 2010s. This hybrid sound blends deep house, jazz, kwaito, and lounge music with infectious log drum basslines and hypnotic melodies. Characterized by its laid-back grooves and soulful chords, Amapiano has become the defining sound of South African nightlife.

The genre's rise was fueled by a DIY culture, with producers and DJs sharing their tracks on platforms like WhatsApp and SoundCloud. From underground house parties in Pretoria and Soweto to global festivals, Amapiano is now a worldwide sensation, embraced by artists from Nigeria, the UK, and even the U.S.

3-Step: The New Kid on the Block
3-Step is a fresh genre emerging from South Africa's innovative dance music scene, blending elements of Amapiano, house, and Afrobeat rhythms with unique percussive patterns and smooth transitions. Unlike the traditional four-on-the-floor beat structure, 3-Step introduces syncopated drum sequences, giving it a more dynamic and unpredictable feel.

This genre is quickly gaining traction as producers experiment with its potential. It maintains the soul of Amapiano but infuses it with an edgier, groove-driven energy that keeps dance floors moving. As DJs across the globe incorporate 3-Step into their sets, it’s becoming a genre to watch in 2025 and beyond.

Afrohouse: The Global Fusion of Rhythm and Soul
Afrohouse is an electrifying fusion of deep house and African rhythms, incorporating traditional percussion, chanting vocals, and hypnotic melodies. Originating from countries like South Africa, Angola, and Mozambique, Afrohouse is more than just a genre—it’s an experience.

Popularized by artists such as Black Coffee, Culoe De Song, and Djeff, Afrohouse has broken through to international audiences, being played at iconic venues like Ibiza’s biggest clubs and global electronic festivals. With its deep grooves and emotive storytelling, Afrohouse serves as a bridge between Africa’s musical heritage and the global electronic scene.

Gqom: The Dark, Gritty Sound of Durban
If Amapiano is smooth and soulful, Gqom is its rebellious cousin. Emerging from Durban’s townships in the early 2010s, Gqom is a raw and minimalist form of electronic music that relies on heavy bass, broken beats, and haunting chants. Unlike house music’s steady four-count beats, Gqom thrives on unpredictability, creating an intense, almost hypnotic atmosphere on the dance floor.

Gqom gained international recognition through artists like DJ Lag, Babes Wodumo, and Distruction Boyz, and it became the sound of South Africa’s vibrant youth culture. Even global superstars like Beyoncé have incorporated Gqom influences into their music, proving its powerful reach beyond the continent.

Where is African Electronic Music Going?
African Electronic Music is not just a passing trend—it’s the future. As international DJs and producers continue to incorporate African rhythms into their sets, the demand for authentic African sounds keeps growing. The genre’s DIY ethos, combined with increasing global interest, ensures that it will only evolve further, inspiring new subgenres and movements.

With technology making music production more accessible, African artists now have a platform to share their sounds with the world like never before. From Amapiano’s smooth grooves to Gqom’s gritty intensity, African Electronic Music is setting the tone for the next wave of global dance music.

So next time you hit the club or festival, keep an ear out—you just might find yourself dancing to the future of electronic music, straight from the heart of Africa. And if you want to experience it firsthand, come to Jika Fridays, London's monthly African Electronic Music event, where the beats of Amapiano, 3-Step, Afrohouse, and Gqom come alive.