Not many people know that the singer born Yemi Eberechi Alade is a master of genres. Not only does she entertain her audience with incredible panache, she also deftly switches up her style whenever she wants to.
Afrobeats is home to irresistibly fascinating female talents whose impacts have been felt locally and internationally. But there’s one notable songbird and diva with a captivating aura and presence. Her name: Yemi Alade.
With multiple chart-topping singles and highly-coveted awards to her name, Yemi Alade’s decade-long successful musical career has seen her sing soulful ballads, dancehall club bangers, and scintillating R&B records all while maintaining her title as Mama Africa.
Pulse, for Women’s History Month, presents to you ten songs from Yemi Alade’s impressive catalogue. Across these records, the songstress expresses different sides of her persona and entertains in an unforgettable way.
10) Bamboo
‘Bamboo‘ is a classic. The Fliptyce-produced mid-tempo ballad reels listeners in through Yemi’s impeccable vocals as she relays her unshakeable feelings for an unnamed love interest. Listening to this song again, you’d want to fall in love all over or remember the good old days.
9) Temperature
Off her debut album, ‘King of Queens‘, the Dil-assisted track has Yemi duetting her heart out on this Afro-R&B number. At this point, she was on top of her game. The compelling visuals also tell a good story of how the singer can be such a lover girl.
Pairing up with her hit machine at the time, Selebobo, she served up this jam to express her gratitude for the wins she had recorded so far. It was perfect as the lead single off her sophomore album, ‘Mama Africa‘. She was already entering francophone-speaking markets and winning over their hearts during this phase of her career.
7) Africa
What’s a Mama Africa without a song about Africa? On this song, Yemi confirms her love for Africa on a BeatsByEmzo production. Recruiting Sauti Sol for a verse crowned it all.
6) Want You
Maleek Berry’s eclectic production blends with Yemi’s audacious vocals in this EDM and Afro-Caribbean music fusion track. Talk about range.
5) Bum Bum
This dancehall track introduced Yemi’s racy side to fans. Records like ‘Bubble It‘ and ‘Baddie‘ were birthed because ‘Bum Bum‘ was teased and the audience liked it.
Who does highlife with Duncan Mighty and kills it? Yemi Alade. Off her critically-acclaimed album ‘Woman of Steel‘, ‘Shake‘ sees Yemi collaborate with Nigeria’s highlife maestro himself, Port-Harcourt’s first son, Wene Mighty to deliver an exotic record.
3) Vibe
She wants a boy who will love her scatter. Another EDM beauty served up by the Queen herself. ‘Vibe‘ is a delicious blend of dancehall and reggae.
2) Remind You
Yes. This song is to remind you that R&B is Yemi’s bread and butter. Her vocals glide effortlessly and smoothly as she reminds a love interest of the times they used to share.
1) Criminal in Agbada
Consistency is the name of the game. Give it to Yemi Alade.
