Hey, music fam! Remember that euphoric rush of Black Box's "Ride on Time" blasting through the clubs back in the '90s? That iconic house anthem had everyone moving like the dance floor was on fire. Fast-forward to 2025, and Liberian-born DJ/producer Val Fleury is flipping that nostalgia into something fresh and fierce with her new single, "Ride On Time." Dropping this Friday, October 18th, it's a straight-up Afrowarehouse banger that's blending those classic house grooves with tribal Afro House rhythms and a dash of tech house edge. If you're into the global explosion of Afrobeats and Afro-fusion right now—think upbeat, soulful tracks dominating Spotify playlists like the "Afro House 2025 (Top 100)" with heavy hitters like Adam Port and Black Coffee—this one's gonna be your next obsession. It's got that infectious energy that's perfect for late-night sets or your pre-game playlist, and honestly, it's the kind of track that makes you wanna book a one-way ticket to a sun-soaked festival.
Val Fleury isn't just dropping heat; she's building a whole vibe around it. As a US-based creative powerhouse, Val's been turning heads since she started weaving her West African heritage into pulsating house and techno sets. Picture this: Liberian roots meeting the thump of underground warehouse parties. Her sound—affectionately dubbed Afrowarehouse—is all about that intersection, layering deep basslines, hypnotic percussion, and soul-stirring melodies that pull from Afro-pop and tribal elements. In "Ride On Time," you can feel the '90s inspiration right away: those soaring vocals and driving beats get a modern twist with Afro-fusion flair, like tribal drums sneaking in to amp up the tension before exploding into a full-on dance frenzy. The production is crisp and immersive, with lyrics that whisper empowerment and escape—"ride on time" becomes this mantra for owning the moment, whether you're spinning records or chasing dreams across continents.
This isn't Val's first rodeo in 2025, either—it's her fourth single of a breakout year that's already seen her catalog rack up over 700,000 streams on Spotify. Kicking things off with "Statues" back in February (previewed live at the Electric Winter Wonderland Festival), she followed up with bops like "Believe" (premiered by METAL Magazine with killer remixes from Juliet Mendoza), "Mami Wata," "Paradise," and "Intuition." Each one's a testament to her ear for the global underground, spotlighting underrepresented voices and international flavors. And the acclaim? It's pouring in from AfroPunk to NYLON, praising her for those electric DJ sets that make you forget where the crowd ends and the music begins. Val's not just playing the hits; she's curating experiences, championing artists from far-flung corners of the world.
Speaking of globe-trotting, Val's 2025 has been non-stop fire. She lit up two stages at Coachella last year, but this year's North American tour has her owning the scene even harder—think sweaty raves in Berlin, fashion-forward gigs in Shanghai, and even a party cruise in Antarctica (yes, really). She's shared lineups with legends like Diplo, Green Velvet, LP Giobbi, Purple Disco Machine, and Flume, proving her spot in the big leagues. And to celebrate "Ride On Time," she's hitting Soho House in Mexico City for a live performance, plus taking over UNIIQU3’s “Club Chronicles” on XM Radio. With five singles planned for the year, Val's on a mission to keep the momentum rolling, tapping into the massive Afrobeats surge that's racked up over 14 billion global streams last year alone and fueling Africa's booming $2 billion music economy. Trends-wise, Afro House is everywhere in 2025, fusing with Amapiano for those irresistible Naija grooves and tech house drops that have TikTok in a chokehold—think headbanging tribal beats evolving into full-on club anthems. Val's riding that wave perfectly, making her sound feel both timeless and urgently now.
What I love most about Val is her commitment to inclusivity—it's not just talk; it's in every track and set. She's spun in 10 countries across seven continents, from Sydney nightclubs to New Delhi radio waves, always amplifying the voices that need it most. In a genre exploding with fusions like Afroplug and upbeat soulful vibes, Val's Afrowarehouse stands out as a bridge between heritage and hype. "Ride On Time" captures that essence: it's danceable escapism with depth, urging you to move through life's chaos with unapologetic joy.
If you're spinning your own tracks or just vibing to the next big thing in Afrobeats, Afro House, or tech house, Val Fleury's "Ride On Time" is a must-add. It's the soundtrack to reclaiming your rhythm in a world that's always rushing. What do you think—does this 90s-inspired flip hit different for you, or what's your go-to Afro-fusion jam right now? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I read 'em all and love geeking out over new sounds!
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