3-Step: The Next Sound in Afro House

What is 3-Step Afro Music?

If you haven’t heard about 3-Step Afro Music yet, keep reading—this fresh subgenre is emerging from South Africa’s dance music scene, and it’s one you'll want to know about. Born from the creative energy of artists experimenting with Afro house, amapiano, and broken beat, 3-Step is quickly becoming a favorite for fans who love music that’s both rhythmically powerful and melodically rich.

At its core, 3-Step is defined by its three-kick-drum rhythm, which gives the tracks their unique groove. But there’s more to it than just the drums. The music pulls together influences from amapiano’s deep basslines and iconic log drums, Afro tech’s punchy and driving percussion, and broken beat’s playful syncopation. Add in jazzy horns, intricate handclaps, and layers of percussion, and you’ve got a sound that feels fresh but still carries the soul of Afro house and amapiano.

It’s a genre that finds balance—steady and grounding rhythms paired with melodic flourishes that give each track depth and character. Whether you’re a fan of amapiano’s signature bounce or the atmospheric grooves of Afro tech, 3-Step offers something that’s bound to draw you in.

Five Examples of 3-Step Tracks:

Who Pioneered 3-Step?

3-Step was created by Thakzin, a producer from Ivory Park in Johannesburg. During the quiet of the 2020 lockdowns, Thakzin began rethinking his approach to music, breaking down his production style and building it back with simplicity and groove in mind. He wanted to create something that felt fresh but still connected to the roots of South African house music.

Thakzin’s track “The Magnificent Dance” introduced this new sound to the world. Released in 2022, it became a summer anthem in South Africa and gained attention internationally.

Artists like Black Coffee, Shimza, and Themba embraced the sound, helping it reach a wider audience. Thakzin’s ability to merge different styles into something cohesive has made him the face of the 3-Step movement.

Why Is 3-Step Gaining Attention?

3-Step is rising fast because it feels like a natural evolution of South African electronic music. It combines elements of popular genres while introducing a fresh perspective. The rhythm-heavy structure appeals to dance music fans, but its melodic layers make it versatile enough to cross into different scenes. As South Africa continues to be a global hub for music, 3-Step has the potential to become a defining sound.

Thakzin isn’t the only artist exploring the possibilities of 3-Step. Producers like MÖRDA, SGVO, and Darque are also experimenting with the sound, each adding their own flavor to the genre and contributing to its growth. In a music scene that’s always evolving, 3-Step offers a refreshing balance of familiarity and innovation, making it a standout style with room to grow.

Background and Future

3-Step’s roots lie in South Africa’s long tradition of blending cultural influences into something entirely fresh. It follows the trajectory of amapiano and Afro house but moves in a different direction, simplifying production to focus on rhythm and emotional shifts. For Thakzin, this is a way to revive the authenticity of Afro house, which he feels has lost its connection to its roots in recent years.

As more artists experiment with this sound, 3-Step is proving to be more than just a passing trend. It’s establishing itself as a significant part of South Africa’s music scene, with the potential to resonate globally.