In an interview with Vanguard Newspaper, Yemi Alade, the Nigerian singer-songwriter, has described herself as an “African rebel queen” who has consistently defied industry norms to remain relevant in the music scene. With a decade-long career and a new album on the way, Alade reflected on her journey, inspirations, and evolution as an artist.
Alade’s forthcoming album, set for release in 2024, is a 16-track project that showcases her unique blend of African pop music, featuring a mix of old and new sounds, tempos, and rhythms. The album explores themes of femininity, style, dance, motivation, liberation, and consciousness, with personal life experiences influencing 90% of her songwriting.
When asked about her driving force, Alade credited her passion for music, which she described as therapy and a life purpose. She also shared her approach to songwriting, often creating voice notes on the road and later producing the tracks.
As she prepares to mark a decade in the industry, Alade reflected on her growth, stating, “I honestly have just continued to make music with the constant element being Yemi Alade.” Despite the challenges of the industry, she remains committed to her craft, inspired by her African heritage and a desire to leave a lasting impact on the music world.