Friday, July 8, 2022

YEMI ALADE: Underrated But the Face of Nigerian Female Musicians in the World

 



Yemi Eberechi Alade popularly known as Yemi Alade is undoubtedly one of the female Nigerian artists exceptionally representing the Nigerian music industry in the world. Although underrated by many in Nigeria, her music is vaunted in other African countries. Her unique style of singing in different languages such as English, Yoruba, Igbo, French Swahili, Portuguese among others makes her more of an African than a Nigerian musician.

Why is Yemi Alade's music more appreciated in other African countries than Nigeria? Should we call it a case of Jesus Christ who wasn't accepted in his home town? Johnny was Yemi's first hit after her win at the Peak Talent Show in 2009. The single Johnny which was in her Album: King of Queens was an international smash hit in many countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda and United Kingdom. Johnny alongside Kissing and Tangerine, were well accepted in Nigeria and won several awards. I guess the switch against her music by Nigerians began when she started singing more in other languages not understood by Nigerians.

Yemi Alade is popularly called "Mama Africa" because of her love for cultural diversity and language. She currently has her music being translated in French, Swahili and Portuguese. More than a head for music, Yemi Alade is creating music in the way we know it, as a sound that break barriers, a harmony for the soul to be understood by all. She calls her music Afropolitan which is a merge of Afrobeat, highlife, Pop and R&B, interesting right?. Below are some of her amazing songs worth having on your playlist.

Dumebi by Mzvee ft Yemi Alade

Mzvee is a female Ghanaian musician, she featured Yemi Alade in this single and they made an astounding hit together. Dumebi is a nice jam about love and how to express it. So if you're in love this music is definitely for you.

Nakupenda by Yemi Alade ft Nyashinski

Nakupenda was released in 2017 in her album titled Mama Africa. This song was sang in Swahili featuring Nyashinski, a kenya musician. You should listen to the song even if you don't understand Swahili, the beat is spectacular and you will definitely shake your body to it. There is also a Portuguese version of this song.

Johnny (French version)

If you enjoyed the pidgin version of Johnny then you shouldn't sleep on it's French version. This was released in 2014, nevertheless it's still a jam. Yemi Alade is the first Nigerian artiste to release a song entirely performed in French.



My man

Yemi is known for giving her fans love songs and "My man" is one.  My Man features a sole vocal from the Jamaican Dance hall singer, Kranium who did justice to it. This song was released this year 2022 which has started making a trend in Nigeria and across the Africa as well. Both singers did awesomely well and the song is truly worth enjoying.

Dignity

Beninese-American singer, songwriter, activist, Grammy award winner and actress, Angelique Kidjo featured "Mama Africa", Yemi Alade in this interesting song christened ''Dignity''. This single is a hit jam to enjoy and vibe to.

These songs are all on Epoh music be sure to check them out, add them to your playlist and share with your friends and family. Lets do well to appreciate Mama Africa. Cheers!

No comments:

Post a Comment