Origins: SHADU On Rhythm, ‘Contigo’ And The Rise Of Afro House In Global Club Culture
- Undrtone Blog
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
SHADU’s return with ‘Afika’ lands at a moment when Afro House continues to expand across Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.
Out now, the two-track EP reinforces her position within contemporary Afro and Latin House. It also reflects a longer journey built on rhythm, instinct and steady growth rather than overnight noise.
Before the Beatport Afro House Chart success of ‘Contigo’, before releases on Glasgow Underground, Go Deeva and Future House, her focus was already clear.
Rhythm came first. “I have a close friend, my sound producer and musical mentor, Meyer. I’ve always loved rhythm-driven music, and Meyer helps me bring that into reality. Everything I feel, he turns into real sound, making my energy and emotions part of the music.”
That collaboration shaped her direction early. “My connection to Afro and Latin rhythms started through close collaboration with my sound producer and musical mentor, Meyer. Those early influences taught me the importance of groove, movement, and energy. And you can still hear that in my tracks today - in the percussion, in the flow, and in the way rhythm carries emotion.”
You hear it clearly on ‘Afika’. The title track builds through rolling percussion and forward low end, leaning on repetition and tension rather than excess. ‘Teke Teke’ sharpens the groove, pushes the rhythm harder and keeps the vocal elements direct and purposeful.
Both tracks feel designed for physical connection. That instinct was shaped on the dancefloor, not just in the studio. “The dance floor taught me to intuitively feel people, because real music is not only about technique, but also about connection with the audience.”
Her writing process still follows that internal compass. “It’s probably more intuitive because that’s how my team and I feel it. We trust that feeling and follow it. And of course, there’s nothing better than seeing the crowd’s reaction on the dancefloor — when an idea that started in your head comes to life and excites not only you, but everyone else too. That’s the strongest moment.”
The breakthrough with ‘Contigo’ did not arrive out of nowhere. “Before Contigo became a breakthrough moment,I had already managed to build a not-bad audience on social networks that supported me. I did everything gradually, step by step. I did not expect to get a hit; I just did my work. It was daily work: to come and do, to experiment without guarantees of results, to release things that did not always get a response, and to gradually sharpen my style. It was not about loud victories, but about small signals of growth - when there was at least one listener who felt it.”
That steady approach continues to define her. “I’ve never hidden the fact that I work with a team and with my sound producer, who helps bring our shared ideas to life. That balance between raw energy and control really comes from our collaboration and trust in the creative process. I’ve always been honest with my audience, because authenticity is very important to me as an artist. So honestly… this is probably a better question to ask him.”
When asked what has remained constant since the beginning, her answer is simple. “Looking back at myself, day by day, I only confirm that I am doing everything right, because my purpose is to be with people and share my music, because I can’t imagine my life without it.”
Three records define that journey so far...
“The first track that I would choose is “Contigo”, because it brought me recognition and became a real turning point in my career."
"The second is “Kiwake” - it was my first release on a big label, Future House, and it opened many new doors and opportunities for me."
"And the third track is “Need Your Love”, because it brought me my first incoming bookings. I named three of my tracks because these are exactly the three tracks I would choose.”
‘Afika’ sits naturally within that lineage. A focused Afro House release shaped by groove, collaboration and long-term intent.
As global demand for Afro- and Latin-driven club music continues to rise, SHADU’s origins remain visible in every percussive layer and every decision made for the dancefloor.
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