Global Afro-pop superstar Yemi Alade has released her highly anticipated self-titled studio album, ‘IT’S YEMI ALADE’ – a celebration of her identity, heritage and the ever-evolving sound of Africa.
The 16-track project from one of Africa’s most celebrated musical exports brings together Yemi Alade’s signature Afropop sound with elements of Highlife, Afrobeats, R&B, Lingala, Dancehall and Afro House. True to its title, it’s her most personal body of work yet – an authentic reflection of her artistic evolution, experiences and influences, while transcending genre boundaries. At once reflective and fearless, the album honours her musical roots while embracing new sonic possibilities, creating a nostalgic yet forward-facing experience that showcases an artist continually evolving without losing sight of the sounds and stories that shaped her.
At a pivotal point in her career, IT’S YEMI ALADE offers fans an intimate window into her personal journey and artistic evolution, reflecting the experiences, growth and influences that have shaped her sound.
Speaking about the album and the inspiration behind it, Yemi Alade says IT’S YEMI ALADE is a love letter to my core fans. It is an ode to my Highlife roots, a celebration of where I come from, and an exploration of where I am going. The album is a mixture of new, old, and borrowed sounds. I wanted to experiment, to explore different textures and bring together genres and influences that feel both familiar and unexpected. This mixology of sounds is not simply about redefining Highlife. It is about elevating it, introducing it to new spaces while still honouring the spirit and foundation that made me fall in love with it in the first place.”
Featuring an acclaimed roster of pan-African music superstars including Kenya’s Bien, Njerae and Sofiya Nzau; French artist Singuila, Nigeria’s Spyro, Don Jazzy and Jeriq; and DRC Congo’s Ferre Gola, ‘IT’S YEMI ALADE’ brings together distinctive voices and sounds from across the continent, underscoring Yemi Alade’s commitment to musical diversity and cross-continental unity. Each track on ‘IT’S YEMI ALADE’ serves as a chapter in an intimate musical diary, taking listeners through a rich spectrum of genres, emotions, moods and experiences. From infectious songs like “Owa” made to light up dancefloors, bangers like “Minister of Enjoyment,” and some made for reflective moments like “Earth Song”, “Titanium” and “Paradise”, the album explores love, celebration, resilience, identity, spirituality, culture, everyday enjoyment and the experience of being an African.
The album has already made an impact with a series of singles, including “Ala Bekee” featuring Nigerian Afrobeats heavyweight and respected music executive Don Jazzy and “Don’t Be Shy” featuring Bien, which has emerged as one of Kenya and East Africa’s biggest charting songs of the moment. Other early offerings that gave a glimpse into the album’s diverse sonic world include “Yemi Mi Lova” featuring Spyro, “Don’t Worry” featuring Fave, and “Shawa Shawa (Ashawo).”
‘IT’S YEMI ALADE’ ALBUM TRACKLIST:
Alhaja
General Market
Coco Na Yam ft. Ferre Gola
Little Kiss (E Good)
Yemi Mi Lova ft. Spyro
Ala Bekee ft. Don Jazzy
Owa
Minister of Enjoyment
Don’t Be Shy ft. Bien
Titanium
Earth Song ft. Sofiya Nzau & Njerae
Paradise ft. Singuila
Away ft. Teni
Overtake ft. Jeriq
BONUS TRACKS:
Worry ft. Fave
Ashawo (Sawa Sawa)
With ‘IT’S YEMI ALADE’, Yemi Alade builds on a career defined by global success, cultural pride and an unwavering commitment to African music. The album captures an artist embracing evolution while remaining firmly rooted in the sounds, stories, heritage and communities that have shaped her journey. Her distinctive artistry and deep respect for African culture continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, reinforcing her standing as one of Africa’s most influential music icons and cultural ambassadors.
YEMI ALADE ALBUM STATEMENT:
For the first time, I decided to ask my fans for help. I put the question out online and asked them what they thought my next album should be called. The response was overwhelming. I received so many suggestions, but one title kept coming up again and again: ‘It’s Yemi Alade.’ So, in many ways, this is a fan-picked album title, even though it is also self-named. I love that distinction. It feels refreshing to do something different, to give the people I make music for a voice in something as personal and important as naming the album. This time, I allowed my community to make that decision with me.
At its heart, this album is a reminder to the people who have been listening since day one of the journey and a warm introduction to the new members of my community. It is a celebration of evolution without losing identity, a body of work that says, after all these years, this is still me. This is still my sound. This is still Yemi Alade. And this time, my fans helped give it a name.
‘IT’S YEMI ALADE’ is out worldwide via Effyzzie Music.
