Hot Picks: KOTA (BR) Shares 10 Afro House And Melodic Club Tracks In Rotation
New York-based producer KOTA (BR) is stepping into the spotlight with his first official solo release, bringing a more emotional dimension to the club-focused sound he has developed over the years. Best known as one half of HIGHLOW, he has spent time refining an individual approach that draws on Afro house, melodic electronic music and deeper grooves, with vocals playing an important role in shaping the atmosphere.
His debut single, ‘Do You Want Me?’, arrived on 30th October through Stereo MC’s connected imprint. Built around a rolling groove, melancholic piano chords and textured synths, the track combines the rhythmic foundations of Afro house with a more introspective musical direction. Warm, wordless vocals gradually give way to emotive phrases, adding another layer to a production that balances dancefloor energy with feeling.
Having previously explored edits that incorporate elements of rap, trap and hip-hop, KOTA brings a broad understanding of rhythm and musical contrast to his solo material. That versatility also comes through in the records he gravitates towards as a DJ.
For this edition of Hot Picks, KOTA (BR) shares ten tracks currently capturing his attention. From soulful opening selections and percussion-heavy Afro house to disco-influenced grooves and atmospheric closing records, his choices reveal an appreciation for music that connects with a crowd while creating a distinct mood.
Misha, Joyia – Something About You
“This track is perfect to start the vibe for a set. The vocals and piano take you on an emotional journey throughout.”
Crusy – Your Body
“Great track to get the crowd grooving. It feels like you’re in the middle of a party.”
Kyle Walker – The Montana Girl
“Inspiring track. The mix of tech house grooves and horns gives it an entertaining and unique vibe.”
THEMBA, Vanco – YELE
“One of the best current Afro-tech tracks out. The drums during the drops make this track so powerful.”
Bonafique – Desperadio
“This track makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a jungle, with the kick and sub-bass mixed to perfection.”
Deco (BE) – Silence
“One of those tracks that makes you feel like you’re in a trance.”
Arodes – Kidz
“The vocals make this song perfect. Super fun to sing along to, especially on the drops.”
Skream & FLETCH – Lost
“The mix of a disco vibe with a modern groovy sound feels like something you would put on while riding through Miami with the top down.”
Liva K, Luch – Act A Fool
“Two of my favourite producers linking up to make this track an absolute weapon for the dancefloor.”
Andrea Oliva, Grigoré, Serve Cold feat. NINAE – Closure
“The title matches the vibe perfectly. It’s one of the best tracks to close out a set.”
KOTA (BR)’s selections demonstrate how he approaches the different stages of a DJ set, moving from soulful, melodic opening records into more driving Afro house and tech house territory before returning to something atmospheric for the closing moments. Throughout the playlist, percussion, basslines and vocals provide the connection between tracks that otherwise explore quite different sounds.
That balance is also central to ‘Do You Want Me?’, where KOTA brings together the rhythmic energy of his club background and the more emotional direction of his solo productions. With his debut now released on connected, the single introduces a sound that draws on his existing experience while establishing a distinct identity of its own.
