A voice of a Generation: An exclusive chat with Afropop sensation Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade, one of Africa's brightest music stars, has been a force in the industry for over a decade.
Her powerful voice, catchy beats, and electrifying performances have won her fans worldwide.
She first captured the spotlight with her breakout hit "Johnny," an Afropop anthem that solidified her place at the top.
Blending Afrobeat, highlife, and pop, Alade's unique sound has earned her a Grammy and countless other awards.
Beyond music, Yemi is a proud advocate for African culture, using her platform to uplift the continent's rich heritage.
She has in recent months dropped her most beloved body of work, Rebel Queen, an album that features reggae legend Ziggy Marley, the iconic Angélique Kidjo, and dancehall star Konshens.
The album showcases her incredible range and emotional depth as she sings about issues that often go against popular culture.
In an exclusive with GQ’s Luthando Vikilahle, Yemi Alade discusses her passion for music, her latest album, and more.
GQ: What does the album title "Rebel Queen" signify about your career and music?
Yemi Alade: REBEL Queen is a victory title for every time I made choices that truly served me and my calling, and not necessarily going with popular choices.
My choices and way of life continue to rebel against "popular culture" and sticking to my REBEL CULTURE.
GQ: Which musical genres are blended in "Rebel Queen"?
Yemi Alade: The REBEL QUEEN Album is a mix of genres I grew up loving and a sprinkle of everything nice; from Highlife, coupe decale, afrobeat and afropop, ragga, amapiano and dancehall, with a sprinkle of R&B.
GQ: How has your multilingualism featured in your new album?
Yemi Alade: hahahah My love for languages is a forever thing! From French to Swahili and also my native languages (Yoruba, Igbo and broken English).
GQ: Can you name some of the themes addressed on "Rebel Queen"?
Yemi Alade: There are so many, but I'll give you 3 top themes; Self-love, Peace and love, Rebellion against popular stereotypes.
GQ: Which artists did you feature on the album, and how did these collaborations enhance it's diversity and appeal??
Yemi Alade: A few of my favourites made it to the album; Angelique Kidjo, Ziggy Marley, Innoss B, Kidi, Konshens, Femi One.
These collaborations are from around the world and their stories and melodies are unique and different from the other.... it’s a proper Mashup!
GQ: What inspired this album and how is it different from your other body of works?
Yemi Alade: I'm the inspiration behind Rebel Queen. I'm my muse on this project. It's my 10th body of Work! It's my BEST SO FAR! It's an outstanding compilation.
GQ: Describe the mix of old and new African music in your album?
Yemi Alade: HAHAHA when music hits you, you feel no pain. A joke that has to be explained has lost its wits...when you listen to the music and feel the mix thereof hahaha.
GQ: Briefly take us through your music journey and approach in the industry?
Yemi Alade: My approach in the music Industry is to be a vessel of Hope, a giver of joy through my music. My journey continues to be one of grace and divine ordination from God.
Even when I encounter obstacles, I have my eyes on the prize because I will always come out on TOP. IT MIGHT TAKE TIME BUT I'M HERE FOR IT. I ALWAYS WIN IN LIFE.
GQ: What notable achievements and recognitions are you most proud of in your career?
Yemi Alade: My career has opened doors to places and people I never thought I would meet in my lifetime but being recognised by strangers turned fan-mily as they pour out their testimonies of how my music gives them strength and energy they need to go through grief, or hard times is honestly my biggest recognition.
My notable achievement, on a personal level, is being able to take care of my family and the people around me, it's everything I prayed for.
GQ: How would you describe your contribution to the spreading of African music and culture globally?
Yemi Alade: My music is the weapon of love and my voice is the piercing bullets. My culture is my spear and my God Is my shield. To know me is to know Africa, to love me is to love The motherland.
GQ: What personal themes do you explore in songs like "Ije Love" and "I'm Sorry"?
Yemi Alade: ‘Ije Love’ is my take on love between two partners and their continuous attempt to keep your partner in love with you as I believe love requires daily sacrifice and assurance. Its my take on modern wedding day music with nostalgic melodies of old.
‘I’m Sorry’ on the other hand is my take on popular stereotypes between sexes and how society wants to always control the narrative but I'm saying NO! IT'S MY LIFE and I make my own choices AND I'M SORRY THAT I'M NOT SORRY.
GQ: What should your fans expect on "Rebel Queen" and your upcoming tour?
Yemi Alade: More venues and More Music hahahahaha.
GQ: How do you aim to continue evolving your music and impact in the industry?
Yemi Alade: By being the truest version of me and lending my voice to causes that impact the world around me for the better.