Founded by Zimbabwean DJ and producer Nitefreak and music executive Terrie Ncube, Afroholic Records is an independent label built around a shared passion for house music and a commitment to championing African electronic music on the international stage.
The label was established with a clear ambition: to create opportunities for emerging talent, help artists reach international audiences and support the development of sustainable careers within the music industry. Rather than limiting itself to a narrowly defined sound, Afroholic Records looks beyond the mainstream, embracing Afro House influences while encouraging artists to bring their own musical identities to the platform.
At the heart of the label is its co-founder, Nitefreak, one of Africa’s internationally recognised Afro House artists. Hailing from Zimbabwe, he has developed a distinctive sound built around hypnotic percussion, soulful melodies and atmospheric textures, earning support from major names in electronic music and releasing on labels including Higher Ground, Spinnin’ Deep, Deep Root Records and Universal Music Group.
Alongside him is Terrie Ncube, co-founder and director of Afroholic Records. A British Army veteran who served for 12 years, from 2012 to 2024, Terrie brings experience in leadership, logistics and operations to his work across artist and tour management, publishing and label development.
With its upcoming compilation album, Heritage of Sound, bringing together artists from around the world, Afroholic Records is continuing to build a platform that celebrates different influences while keeping African electronic music at its core.
We caught up with Afroholic Records to discuss the label’s origins, its approach to artists and sound, the challenges of operating independently, and its ambition to help put Africa at the forefront of Afro House globally.
Please introduce your label and share the story behind how it started.
Afroholic Records is an independent label founded by Nitefreak and Terrie to champion African electronic music and create opportunities for emerging talent. The label grew from our shared passion for the music and a desire to help artists reach international audiences and build sustainable careers.
What inspired the name and identity of the label?
The name is simple: we’re addicted to house music. Afroholic reflects that passion, and our identity is rooted in raw, authentic Afro House.
How would you describe the label’s sound? Which genres and subgenres does the label primarily focus on or represent?
We don’t have a fixed sound. We look for music outside the mainstream, with Afro House elements, particularly in the drums and percussion. We want each artist to bring their own identity to the label.
What do you look for when signing or working with artists?
At the moment, we’re focused on collaborating with artists rather than signing them. We look for music that connects with us and artists who bring their own ideas and identity.
Can you mention some of the artists currently on your roster?
Nitefreak, who is also the label’s co-founder.
How has the music industry, particularly with the rise of AI, changed since the label first launched?
For us, not much has changed. We still keep a human touch in our releases. We’re watching AI grow, but it hasn’t changed how we approach music.
What challenges have you faced as an independent label, and how have you overcome them?
Funding is always a challenge as an independent label, alongside finding good music and understanding the business side of the industry. We’re still learning and working through those challenges as we grow.
Are there any upcoming releases, collaborations, or projects that fans should look out for?
Our upcoming compilation album, Heritage of Sound, brings together artists from all corners of the world. We’re excited for listeners to hear the different influences each artist brings to the project.
What’s the long-term vision and goal for the label moving forward?
Our long-term vision is to become a major label and help put Africa at the forefront of Afro House globally. We want to create opportunities for artists and grow a platform that champions the genre from within Africa.
Follow Afroholic Records:
Website – Instagram – Facebook – YouTube – SoundCloud
