Afro House
Immersed in the Depths: Tripolism’s Swim/Surrounded – A Sonic Plunge into Melodic Mystery
Riding the Wave: Who Are Tripolism?
Emerging from the misty fjords of Copenhagen like a sonic siren call, Tripolism isn’t just a band—they’re a vibe incarnate. Formed in 2021 by the dynamic Danish trio of Rasmus, Brynjar, and Frederik, these childhood friends-turned-studio-alchemists bonded over a shared obsession with electronic rhythms that pulse with life. What started as casual jam sessions in dimly lit basements evolved into a genre-bending powerhouse, fusing the infectious grooves of house, the glittery nostalgia of disco, and the shadowy edges of techno. Their breakthrough came with 2023’s viral hit “Dope Dance,” crowned Pete Tong’s Essential New Tune on BBC Radio 1, catapulting them onto global stages from Coachella’s sun-baked deserts to Tomorrowland’s euphoric fields. By 2024, their debut album, Absolute Dope, solidified their reputation as innovators, earning praise from heavy-hitters like Black Coffee and Adam Port. Now, with Swim/Surrounded, released on October 3, 2025, via Ultra Records, Tripolism dives deeper, proving they’re not just riding the wave—they’re shaping the ocean.
The EP’s Undercurrent: A Submerged Sonic Adventure
Clocking in at a sleek 18 minutes and 38 seconds, Swim/Surrounded isn’t your typical EDM banger barrage; it’s a compact EP that’s more like a meditative submersion. This three-track gem feels like floating in a midnight sea—intimate, introspective, and irresistibly immersive. Drawing from Afro-house’s tribal pulses and melodic techno’s crystalline builds, Tripolism crafts a soundscape that’s equal parts shadowy allure and buoyant release. It’s the perfect follow-up to their debut’s high-energy highs, trading fireworks for a slow-burn glow that lingers long after the last note fades. In a scene saturated with formulaic drops, this EP stands out as a creative rebellion, inviting listeners to lose themselves in the flow rather than chase the peak.
Track-by-Track Dive: From Depths to Crests
Swim (4:09) – The Hypnotic Pull
Picture this: You’re adrift in an endless ocean, the water cool and enigmatic, pulling you under with a gentle yet insistent force. That’s “Swim,” the EP’s opener—a dark, melancholic odyssey that hooks you with rippling synths and a slithering bassline. Infused with Afro-house percussion that echoes like distant thunder, it builds tension without resolution, layering ethereal vocal snippets that float like ghosts on the tide. Hard-pumping yet restrained, it’s the ultimate tease: a track that whispers promises of euphoria while keeping you suspended in suspense. Ideal for those hazy pre-dawn sets where the crowd craves depth over dazzle.
Surrounded (7:31) – The Enveloping Abyss
If “Swim” dips your toes in, “Surrounded” engulfs you whole. This sprawling centerpiece is a mysterious beast, driven by in-your-face bass stabs that hit like underwater shocks—sharp, visceral, and utterly addictive. Brooding pads swirl like fog over choppy waves, while staccato hi-hats patter like rain on the surface. Progressive house influences shine in the gradual escalation, but Tripolism’s Danish finesse adds pristine drops that feel both primal and polished. It’s connective chaos: a sense of being encircled not by isolation, but by a throbbing communal energy. Imagine a packed club where the music wraps around you like a warm current—vulnerable, vibrant, and victorious.
Swim (Extended Mix) (6:58) – The Endless Horizon
Why surface so soon? The extended mix of “Swim” stretches the original into a full-fledged expedition, amplifying the submerged drama with elongated builds and lush textural layers. Reverb echoes like sonar in the deep, and a mid-track breakdown plunges into near-silence before the bass resurges with feral intensity. This version is DJ gold—seamless for marathon sets yet rewarding for solo listens, bridging the gap between festival frenzy and personal reflection. It’s Tripolism, honoring the ritual of rhythm, extending the invitation to linger in the limbo.
Surfacing with Style: Why This EP Hits the Sweet Spot
In Swim/Surrounded, Tripolism doesn’t just play music; they conjure worlds—ones where melancholy meets momentum, and immersion becomes liberation. This EP is a testament to their growth: authentic, audacious, and unapologetically artistic. For house aficionados craving soulful innovation or newcomers seeking an entry into melodic depths, it’s a must-dive. Let the currents carry you; you might just emerge transformed. Stream it on Spotify and feel the pull.
Follow Tripolism for more updates:
Instagram: @tripolism_
Spotify: Tripolism
Soundcloud: Tripolism
YouTube: @thisistripolism
In the beating heart of Mexico City, something special is unfolding after dark. Casa de Afro is not your average dance music series. It is a warm, living connection between the ancient rhythms of Africa and the electric energy of modern club life. Founded by Dr. ADO and Bud Lee, this project brings people together through Afro House in a way that feels genuine, respectful, and full of soul.
The Visionaries Behind the Sound
Dr. ADO grew up in London with Ghanaian roots running deep in his veins. Yet it was his years spent fully immersed in South Africa’s vibrant scene that shaped him as an artist. He stood side by side with legends like Vanco, Culoe De Song, Major League DJz, Thakzin, and Cuebur, learning the true essence of Afro-Tech straight from the source. That real-world experience shines through in every track he touches. His song “Get Away” has already passed 1.6 million streams on Spotify, and his recent Anjunadeep Explorations releases with BokkieUlt, “Hold My Hand” and “Starlight,” have earned him serious respect in the global underground.
Bud Lee adds the perfect balance. Hailing from Philadelphia, this African-American artist carries more than ten years of music experience. He has poured his heart into Afro House lately, bringing a soulful, distinctly American warmth that completes the picture. When these two step into the booth together, the chemistry is effortless because it comes from shared love for the diaspora and the music that connects it all.
Taking the Sound Across the World
Mexico City is still the heart of Casa de Afro, but the duo is making sure the vibe reaches far beyond. Their recent event at Maison Close in London’s Mayfair showed just how naturally the sound travels. In one of the planet’s toughest music cities, they created an intimate, magnetic night that felt right at home for fans on both continents.
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Two Nights You Need to Catch This Spring
The founders have never forgotten the local crowd that helped them grow. This spring they are giving back with two very special appearances in Mexico City.
On April 17, head to Symphonie for a true late-night journey. The session runs from 10 PM straight through until 5 AM. Expect deep, hypnotic Afro House grooves that wrap around you in one of the city’s most atmospheric clubs. Get your tickets through here.
Then on May 9, Casa de Afro joins forces with the global brand ¿PorquéNo? for their official Mexico City launch at the beautiful Faunna Rooftop. This is a proud milestone for the series, recognizing them as true pioneers of the sound in the region. Get your tickets through here.
Why It All Matters
Dr. ADO says it best: “We’ve worked hard to cultivate a community here that genuinely loves this music. To be able to bring that community along as we support global launches like ¿PorquéNo?, and to see the sound resonate in places like London, is a real honor for us. We’re just focused on keeping the quality high and staying true to the African roots, both by blood and by experience, that make this music what it is.”
That honest approach is what makes every Casa de Afro night feel like more than just a party. It feels like belonging.
Stay updated and follow their socials:
Instagram: @WilliamAdoasi, @ViewsWithBud, & @casadeafro_ofc
YouTube: @dr.adomusic & @budleemusic1
Spotify: Dr. ADO
After opening his label’s doors to fresh releases from UK producers James Hurr and Loz Seka, FLAMENCA Records boss STBAN returns to the imprint with his brand new single ‘Habibi’, out April 10th worldwide.
A scorching slice of percussive Afro-Latin House, ‘Habibi’ sees STBAN collaborate with two stars of the Spanish music scene – DJ and percussionist Javi Torres, and singer and DJ Alba Dreid. The result is a dance floor weapon that combines the heat and flavour of Arabesque vocals and instrumentation with thundering basslines and relentless rhythms.
Javi Torres is known across southern Europe and Latin America for his explosive Afrohouse and Latin Tech sets, performances enhanced by live percussion inside the mix. The Seville-based artist counts support from some of electronica’s biggest names, including Martin Garrix, Alok, Jamie Jones, Hugel, Aaron Sevilla, Roger Sanchez, Mëstiza, MichaelBM, Tom & Collins, Novak, Nicky Romero, Paco Osuna, Salvarote Ganacci and Sammy Porter. Known throughout Spain after winning the RTVE programme ‘La Bien Cantá’, Alba Dreid’s focus is set firmly on bringing Spanish folklore to a global audience, making her a perfect fit for STBAN’s ongoing mission to fuse traditional flamenco with electronic music through FLAMENCA Records’ growing discography.
Javi Torres, Alba Dreid, STBAN ‘Habibi’ is released April 10th on FLAMENCA Records via Toolroom Records.
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SHAB turned heads with the release of the fantastic ‘It’s On You’ in February 2026 with Preston Harris. She’s now adding more excitement to the track with the unveiling of its official music video.
This visual venture came with familiar names behind it as SHAB collaborated with a lot of crew members who have been behind her past videos. The video takes on the well-established style that’s been displayed in many of SHAB’s other music videos with incredible scenery and beautifully strung together sequences. SHAB and Preston Harris star in the video with them leaning into the flirty nature of the vocals in how they interact. They fully embody the lyrics as they embrace the feelings of attraction, accountability, and tension conveyed in the track. Through stunning scenery, well-choreographed dancing, and palpable tension between the stars, the music video really builds upon the emotions set out ‘It’s On You.’
Since the release of SHAB and Preston Harris’ epic collaboration they’ve already pulled in just shy of 250,000 streams on Spotify. This success comes as no surprise with both artists being in top form. Over the past year SHAB has made several entries into the U.S. Pop Radio Top 40 and the Billboard Dance charts which is an astonishing achievement. Meanwhile 2025 saw Preston Harris reach a career high with the release of ‘Loosen Up’ alongside HUGEL which became a global Dance Radio No. 1. ‘It’s On You’ stands as another strong addition to both artists ventures into dance music as they continue to explore the reaches of their talent. Its stripped back sound allows SHAB to show off her remarkable vocals along with continuing the emotional directness found amidst the rest of her music.
SHAB has managed to take the concept of ‘It’s On You’ and expand upon it through this sun-soaked music video. She has carved out a distinctive style both audibly and visually which is one of the hallmarks of a great artist and is a great sign of things to come.
You can follow SHAB on her socials below:
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