SHADU returns with ‘Afika’, a new two-track EP which captures her distinct approach to Afro House, blending gritty grooves, deep percussion, and primal melodic motifs with head-turning vocals designed for full-scale dancefloor impact.
Focused, physical, and emotionally charged, ‘Afika’ reinforces SHADU’s growing reputation as an artist writing with the crowd firmly in mind. We sat with SHADU to discuss the next chapter in her Afro House ascension.
1. You’ve built serious momentum over the past year, especially with ‘Contigo’ hitting #1 on Beatport. Looking back, what do you feel really shifted for you after that moment?
Since that moment, so much has changed! Every artist needs that one track that really defines them, and for me, “Contigo” was exactly that. After its release, I toured so many countries, performed on amazing stages, and it all happened thanks to the people who loved my track! Now I want even more – I know I’m in the right place and doing everything exactly the way I should.
2. ‘Afika’ feels very focused and intentional—only two tracks, but both hit hard. What made you decide this EP should be concise rather than expanded?
Actually, the two tracks have completely different vibes. I would describe “Teke Teke” as more energetic and rhythm-driven, while “Afika” is a restrained, stylish, atmospheric Afro house track. Actually, I am currently working on an album to release a more extended EP.
3. Your sound often prioritises groove, repetition, and physical movement over big drops or trends. How do you approach writing music with the dancefloor so firmly in mind?
I have never concealed that I have a sound producer, and, to be honest, I do not have the skills to work in Cubase or Logic. My sound producer handles both the technical and creative aspects of the track. Thankfully, we are on the same wavelength, and when we combine our ideas, I feel that we create musical masterpieces. I’m not one of those artists, especially female artists, who pretend that they do everything themselves, as if they sit down and create music entirely in the moment, using technically complex programs. I’m telling the truth! Many big artists openly show that they have a team that creates their music, and I really respect that honesty because I am an honest person towards my audience.
4. The title track ‘Afika’ builds tension through rhythm rather than excess. Can you talk about your relationship with repetition and restraint in your production?
My goal is to create tension within a track without overloading it with unnecessary vocal elements or percussion that doesn’t need to dominate. Because when a track builds tension the right way, it creates emotion – and that’s when it works. Afika is a more atmospheric track, where space is important.
5. ‘Teke Teke’ brings a more urgent, primal energy while staying controlled. How do you balance rawness and precision when shaping your tracks?
We always try to create EPs where two tracks show different sides of the same mood. That’s why one track can be more rhythm-driven, with a strong and memorable groove, while the other is more atmospheric and lighter. This contrast helps keep the release cohesive while still showing variety. That’s exactly why you’ll never hear two identical tracks in my EPs.
6. You work across Afro House and Latin House, but your sound feels very clearly your own. How did that sonic identity develop, and how conscious are you of protecting it as your audience grows?
My sound is a team effort, and first and foremost, my musical identity is shaped together with my sound producer Meyer, with whom we create what I consider to be brilliant ideas. Meyer really values quality—it’s important to him that a track sounds equally good in the car, on headphones, and in a club. When all of this comes together, a successful track is born. Perhaps people already have a personal perception that this is my sound because we try very hard to ensure that every detail is of the highest quality, that the vocals fit naturally into the music, and that every sample is processed correctly or cut cleanly. Because quality can always be polished, but a strong idea is the most difficult and most valuable thing.
7. Your audience is now genuinely global, spanning Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Do different regions respond differently to your music, and does that influence how you produce or DJ?
For any artist, the most important thing is to feel the response and the love from people. That’s what I live and work for, because music is my life. Afro House gives so much freedom and so many creative possibilities. Of course, I want my music to be heard all over the world. That’s why I intentionally work with different languages and cultures – today it can be Afro House, tomorrow Latin House. Afro House allows you to blend Eastern influences, Latin vibes, hip-hop elements, different rhythms. For me, this genre is all about freedom in music. With my music, I try to connect people who speak different languages but share the same feeling and love the same sound.
8. Vocals play a strong but subtle role in Afika. What draws you to using vocal elements as texture and emotion rather than traditional hooks?
Afika is a powerful, modern, atmospheric Afro House track with a memorable vocal. When I heard this vocal combined with the music, I realized it was the one.
9. You’ve released on labels like Glasgow Underground, Go Deeva, and Future House, earning consistent DJ support. What do you value most in label relationships at this stage of your career?
I’m incredibly grateful to Glasgow Underground, Go Deeva, and Future House for supporting and helping young artists like me.
10. Looking beyond Afika, where do you see your sound heading next—and what does “long-term vision” mean to you as an artist right now?
My long-term vision is to become an artist with a global presence – someone whose music resonates across cultures and on many levels, while remaining honest and relevant. My goal is to build a strong international career with a recognizable sound, so that when I release a new track, people instantly know: this is a Shadu track, even without looking at the name. In the long run, I dream of bringing 50,000 people together at my own show. I want to become a big artist whose music is heard around the world, because for me, the greatest reward is people. I’m not planning to give up or walk away from music – difficulties don’t scare me or break me. I’m moving toward my goal because this is all I need. Music is everything I need. And when people write to me saying they had their first kiss or met someone special while listening to my music – that’s the greatest reward for me.
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