Juli Bee Finds Different Shades Of House On ‘Velvet’ EP

Juliet Ilaya, the talent behind the moniker JULI BEE, is making her mark on the dance floor with Velvet, a four-track EP that blurs the lines between house, Amapiano, and jazz with impressive fluidity.

In an era where house music continues its global takeover, JULI BEE isn’t just jumping on the bandwagon—she’s steering it in her own direction. Velvet showcases an artist comfortable navigating multiple sonic territories while maintaining one consistent mission: keeping bodies in motion.

The EP’s opener, “House,” does exactly what the title promises. It’s a lesson in understanding what makes house music work—prioritize the rhythm, and everything else falls into place. The production locks together percussion, bass, piano, and drums with precision, creating something that refuses to let you stay still. It’s the kind of track that grabs your head first, then works its way down to your feet.

“Juliet” takes a slightly different approach, pulling back the intensity without sacrificing the groove. The bass keys and guitar work give it a more laid-back personality, proving that house doesn’t always need to be urgent to be effective. Meanwhile, “Southy” becomes the EP’s most compelling moment, seamlessly weaving Amapiano’s signature log drum patterns into the house framework. The trumpet arrangements here are so expressive that vocals might have actually cluttered the vibe—sometimes, the instruments tell the complete story on their own.

Closing track “Vibey” leans into jazz territory, bringing warmth and improvisation to the project while keeping that essential house heartbeat pumping underneath. JULI BEE’s sequencing shines here, ending the journey on a note that feels both satisfying and freeing. Across these four tracks, she proves that house music isn’t a monolith—it’s a playground with room for multiple influences and moods. Velvet knows exactly what it wants from you: movement, energy, and your full attention on the dance floor.

Stay connected with Afrobeat San Diego for the latest in global Afrobeats.