French-Congolese producer and DJ KARABA continues her powerful ascent in the Afro house scene with “Surfacing”, the third single from her upcoming Tides EP, out now via ONErpm. Following the emotive depths of “Siren” and “Dark Waters,” this latest track marks a moment of clarity, rebirth, and sonic transcendence as the EP’s climactic chapter takes shape.
Infused with oceanic textures, hypnotic drum patterns, and ethereal vocal chants, “Surfacing” encapsulates a serene emergence—both metaphorically and sonically. Drawing from her Afro house roots and a deep sense of emotional storytelling, KARABA crafts a track that evokes the feeling of rising from turbulence into stillness, channeling calm after the storm. “It feels like a moment of rebirth and arrival,” she explains. “Floating above the water, chanting, and embracing the calm… finally reaching the destination.”
Set for release on June 13, Tides is KARABA’s most intimate and evolved body of work yet. A five-part exploration of identity, transformation, and fluidity, the EP represents her artistic reinvention and bold statement of purpose within the global dance landscape.
Born in France and raised in Québec, KARABA brings a movement-first mentality to her productions. A former professional dancer who toured with icons like Drake, Camila Cabello, Selena Gomez, and Chris Brown, she transitioned to DJing and production with an instinctive understanding of rhythm and crowd energy. That kinetic energy now pulses through her Afro house sound, merging percussive roots with the global influences she’s picked up along her journey.
Her breakout track “Mad Mess” earned her a Juno Award nomination in 2024 for Underground Dance Single of the Year, and her cover on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Canada for “Dark Waters” signaled a new chapter for the emerging star. Now, with “Surfacing”, she continues carving out her space as one of Afro house’s most compelling and spiritual voices.
Ahead of the full EP release, KARABA will take the stage at Lightning in a Bottle in California and AFRODOM festival in France, expanding her reach as a rising global talent.
Stream “Surfacing” now on all platforms and pre-save the Tides EP, arriving June 13.