Hey, Afro house fans! Ready to vibe with a track that’s got the perfect blend of tribal rhythms and deep house soul? Swedish producer Naarly teamed up with French producer Papfay and South African producer Thabza De Soul to drop “By My Side” on March 25, 2025, via Engeloop, and this tribal Afro house and deep house banger is pure fire. With its catchy vocal hook and sun-soaked energy, it’s a standout in the Afro/tribal scene—let’s dive into why this one’s about to be your new favorite!
The Sound and the Vibe
“By My Side” is Naarly, Papfay, and Thabza De Soul crafting a track that’s as infectious as it is soulful, perfectly capturing the popular Afro/tribal sound that’s resonating with listeners in 2025. The song opens with a deep house groove—think a steady beat around 120 BPM, typical of the genre’s tempo range, as noted in historical context about Afro house’s roots in South Africa, where it blends traditional house with African rhythms. Lush piano keys set a warm, expansive tone, intertwined with groovy tribal rhythms and punchy African drums that give it that unmistakable Afro house energy, similar to the vibrant percussion in VENMAK x TIIRII, TSUNI’s “Motion.” What makes this track stand out is its vocal—a killer hook with a tech house edge that adds a soulful, emotional layer, infusing the song with a yearning to be with someone special, a relatable message that hits deep.
The production is a sun-soaked fusion of the trio’s talents, with Naarly’s Swedish deep house finesse, Papfay’s French melodic touch, and Thabza De Soul’s South African tribal flair coming together to create a feel-good atmosphere that radiates carefree summer vibes. The warm, expansive synths and infectious rhythms make it a perfect fit for a beach party or a late-night club set, echoing the genre’s ability to cross borders, as seen in Afro house’s global rise with artists like Da Capo and Caiiro, who’ve been blending tribal beats with soulful melodies, as highlighted in Beatportal’s 2024 Afro House Shortlist. The vocal’s tech house influence adds a modern twist, making “By My Side” a standout in the Afro/tribal scene, much like how DJ Ferno x Nyoki x Nomvula SA’s “Andinalo” uses soulful vocals to elevate its tribal sound. It’s a track that could easily slide into playlists like Traxsource’s Afro House Top 100 or Spotify’s Afro House Essentials, where similar releases have been gaining traction.
Naarly, a Swedish artist known for his work in Afro, deep, and organic house, has been making waves with his collaborative efforts, as seen in earlier 2025 releases like “What I Need” with Sickluv and Thabza De Soul, and “Wena” with Thabza De Soul and All One, both on Engeloop. Papfay, a French producer, brings a melodic sensibility, while Thabza De Soul, a South African talent, adds authentic tribal elements, with a discography that includes the 2023 Phatudi EP on Pink Couch Records. Together, they’ve created a track that’s both globally appealing and deeply rooted in African influences, reflecting Afro house’s evolution from its 1990s South African origins, where it fused kwaito, mbaqanga, and soulful house, as noted in historical context. The genre’s growth in 2025, fueled by both veteran and emerging producers, makes “By My Side” a timely addition to the scene, perfect for fans craving that Afro/tribal sound with a modern edge. Check it out below—the artwork’s got this vibrant, sunlit aesthetic that totally matches the song’s energy.
Stay By My Side and Share Your Sound
“By My Side” by Naarly x Papfay x Thabza De Soul is a catchy Afro house banger that blends tribal rhythms with deep house soul—a track that’s all about summer vibes and emotional connection with a standout vocal hook. If this one’s got you hyped to drop your own beats, DistroKid’s the way to go. Get your music out there, and with this link—https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328—you’ll snag 7% off your membership. It’s a dope deal to join the Afro house wave. So, what’s “By My Side” doing for you? Drop a comment—I’m stoked to hear if it’s got you vibing as much as it’s got me!
