House, Tech House or Afro House? The One Where We Finally Explain the Difference

Oct 19

3 min read

Kids, let me tell you about the question I get asked most at the booth. Not “can you play my song?” (that’s a close second). It’s this: “what’s actually the difference between House, Tech House and Afro House?”

Fair question. All three sit around the same tempo, all three are built for dancing, and on a good night I’ll move through all of them. But each one does something different to a room. So here’s the quick guide, from someone who lives in all three.

House: the one that started it all

House was born in Chicago clubs in the 1980s, with its roots in disco and soul. Think a steady four on the floor kick, warm basslines, piano chords and big vocals that get strangers singing to each other.

It usually sits somewhere around 120 to 125 BPM, and it’s the most welcoming of the three. Even your mates who “don’t really go clubbing” will find their feet.

Feels like: hands in the air, feel good energy, vocals you know.
Great for: birthdays, rooftop parties, brand launches and the first hour of a wedding dance floor.
Listen: my House mixes, including my sets at Karma Sanctum Soho and Uncommon Fulham.

Tech House: the one that keeps you moving

Tech House takes the groove of House and borrows the stripped back drive of techno. Fewer big piano moments, more rolling basslines, crisp percussion and short vocal hooks that loop until they’re stuck in your head.

It usually runs around 124 to 128 BPM. It’s the sound of a club at 1am when nobody is checking their phone.

Feels like: locked in, head nodding, can’t stop.
Great for: late club sets, after parties, and the peak of a work party once the speeches are done.

Afro House: the one with the drums

Afro House blends House with African rhythms: layered percussion, hypnotic chants and melodies, and a groove that feels deeper and rounder. The scene grew strongly out of South Africa and now turns up everywhere from sunset terraces to London rooftops.

It often sits around 118 to 124 BPM. Born and raised in Nigeria and now based in London, I bring both worlds into my Afro House sets, and it’s the sound that turns a dance floor into a moment.

Feels like: warm, hypnotic, eyes closed, arms out.
Great for: sunset sessions, summer parties, cultural celebrations and weddings that want something different.
Listen: my Afro House mixes, including 1 Bar Liverpool Street and Jewells London.

The quick cheat sheet

Want singalongs and feel good energy? Start with House.
Want the room to lock in and stay there? Go Tech House.
Want drums, warmth and a little magic? Afro House.
Can’t decide? Good news: you don’t have to.

Why I play all three

Here’s my secret: the best nights are rarely one genre. I’m an open format DJ, so I read the room and move between House, Tech House and Afro House, often with my own edits and mashups of songs you already know. A familiar vocal flipped into a House groove, then carried into Afro House drums. That’s the moment everyone grabs their phones.

Think of it like an episode of Friends: three storylines, one living room, and somehow it all comes together by the end.

Find the right sound for your night

Planning a party, launch, wedding or club night in London? Tell me the vibe you’re after and I’ll shape the set around your crowd. Email deejayfrizzie@gmail.com or get in touch here. I reply to every enquiry within 24 hours.

Want a taste first? Press play on my House mixes or my Afro House mixes.

See you on the dance floor. DJ Frizzie x