Quick Answer
To make Afro House, you need a DAW (Ableton Live or FL Studio recommended), African percussion samples (available on Splice), and synth plugins for basslines and melodies. Start with a 122 BPM template, build polyrhythmic drum patterns, add a deep rolling bassline, then layer in melodic elements like kalimba or vocal chops.
Quick Start: 6 Steps to Your First Track
Set Your Tempo
Start with 122-124 BPM. This is the sweet spot for most Afro House.
Build the Rhythm
Layer a four-on-the-floor kick with African percussion: congas, djembe, shakers. Create polyrhythmic patterns.
Add the Bassline
Use warm, rolling bass sounds. Keep it deep and driving, not overly complex.
Melodic Elements
Add kalimba, marimba, or piano chords. Use vocal chops for call-and-response patterns.
Build Atmosphere
Layer pads, risers, and ambient sounds. Create tension and release throughout the track.
Mix & Master
Balance levels, EQ to clarity, and add subtle compression. Reference against professional tracks.
Sample Libraries & Sounds
Get the sounds that define Afro House
Splice Sounds
The industry-standard sample subscription. Access millions of royalty-free samples including dedicated Afro House packs from top producers.
Unison Audio
High-quality MIDI packs, sample collections, and production tools. Known for Afro House MIDI chord packs and percussion loops.
Plugin Boutique
Your one-stop shop for VST plugins, virtual instruments, and effects. Regular sales on top production software.
Loopmasters
Premium sample packs from world-renowned producers. Extensive Afro House and African percussion collections.
Why Splice for Afro House?
- Named Afro House "Sound of the Year" for 2026
- Thousands of African percussion and melody samples
- 100% royalty-free for commercial use
- Rent-to-own plugins including Serum
Digital Audio Workstations
The software where you'll build your tracks
Ableton Live Suite
The go-to DAW for electronic music production. Session View is perfect for building Afro House grooves.
FL Studio All Plugins
Popular DAW with lifetime free updates. Great for beat-making and has a huge user community.
Logic Pro
Apple's professional DAW. Excellent value with built-in instruments and effects.
Essential Plugins
Instruments and effects to shape your sound
Native Instruments Komplete
Comprehensive collection including Maschine, Kontakt instruments, and effects. Essential for any producer.
Arturia V Collection
Iconic synths and keyboards recreated as plugins. Classic sounds for modern productions.
Serum by Xfer Records
The most popular wavetable synth. Crystal clear sound design for leads, basses, and pads.
FabFilter Pro-Q 3
Industry-standard EQ plugin. Essential for mixing and mastering your Afro House tracks.
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Explore AI Music ToolsFrequently Asked Questions
How do I start making Afro House music?
Start with a DAW (Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Logic Pro), get quality African percussion samples from Splice or Loopmasters, and study the structure of tracks from artists like Black Coffee and Da Capo. Focus on building polyrhythmic drum patterns first, then add deep basslines and melodic elements.
What samples do I need for Afro House?
Essential samples include: djembe and conga loops, shaker patterns, talking drum hits, kalimba and marimba melodies, tribal vocal chops, and deep house kick drums. Splice has extensive Afro House collections, and Loopmasters offers premium packs from established producers.
What BPM should Afro House be?
Afro House typically ranges from 120-128 BPM, with most tracks sitting around 122-125 BPM. Afro Tech tends to be slightly faster (125-130 BPM), while deeper Afro House can go as low as 118 BPM.
What's the difference between Splice and Loopmasters?
Splice uses a credit-based subscription model where you pay monthly and download individual samples. Loopmasters sells complete sample packs as one-time purchases. Splice is better for variety and trying different sounds; Loopmasters is great when you want cohesive, producer-designed packs.
Do I need expensive plugins to make Afro House?
No! Many DAWs come with capable stock plugins. Start with your DAW's built-in instruments and effects, then invest in quality samples from Splice. As you advance, consider Serum for synths and FabFilter for mixing. The most important investment is good samples and learning your craft.