Today, Global AfroPop star Yemi Alade has released her new studio album Rebel Queen, the latest addition to what has become an illustrious discography. The album title is a testament to Yemi’s reign as Africa’s Queen of AfroPop and her boundless unapologetic love for her African heritage and continent: the reason why she is also known as Mama Africa. Along with the album release, Yemi has shared her single, “Peace and Love,” the long-awaited collaboration with reggae legend Ziggy Marley. The track is a poignant call to choose compassion over violence, corruption and other societal ills.
Listen to Rebel Queen here: https://idol-io.ffm.to/rebelqueen
In addition to “Peace and Love,” Rebel Queen features collaborations with Konshens and Femi One (“Baddie Remix”), Angelique Kidjo (“African Woman”), and Innoss'B (the previously shared “Lipeka”). Yemi says, “I am a true rebel in words and in action. I have always charted my own course and walked the path less traveled. A lot of albums tend to have monotony in genre and style and it bores me easily most times. This album has something new, old and borrowed. Every song is unique and a capsule of my thoughts, melodies and truck load of nostalgia.” She adds, “All the collaborations excite me! I couldn’t wait to share, especially because I am a fan of these artists.”
Yemi has previously shared the single “Tomorrow” from the album along with the official music video. Rebel Queen has already received early coverage from OkayAfrica, Grammy.com, Afropo Worldwide, and Today.com, who says the album “promises to lean even further into her desire to create music that crosses borders.”
From AfroPop, Dancehall, Amapiano, Lingala, Afrobeats to Reggae and R&B, Rebel Queen is a cocktail of different genres with multiple flavors that will appeal to every single music lover from any corner in the world. Yemi Alade says, “I created this album with the sole purpose of creating music I grew up loving and the variety I have grown to love now. I was inspired by the core African music of Highlife and different genres that got us excited as Africans.”
Yemi’s multilingualism shines in the album as she sings in Yoruba, English, Igbo, French and Swahili–an ode to her signature cross-cultural approach to her music. She shares the inspiration behind the 16-track album, “I channeled older African music that could be played at parties, weddings, clubs and all sorts of occasions, where we really started enjoying African music and spreading our culture and heritage across the continent.”
Whichever song you choose to bop to will be accompanied by meaning and a special message. “Karibu” is a Swahili-infused intro paying homage to Africa. “Tomorrow” is up-beat and preaches the wisdom of living in the present moment and cherishing each day as a gift. “Happy Day” is a triumphant song on happiness and joy all day despite life’s ups and downs. “African Woman” is Yemi Alade and Angelique Kidjo’s third collaboration. The song represents their usual power combination, this time celebrating African women and their might and grace. “Peace and Love” featuring Ziggy Marley is a call for peace and love in Africa and an appeal to choose compassion over violence, corruption and other societal ills.
Says Yemi: “Growing up, African pop music was a mixture of music that carried messages and helped us through different situations in life. This album is a blend of what my playlist consists of right now e.g. the new and old pop music that cuts across generations and boundaries. There are a lot of sounds and discussions about what is African music? What should Afrobeats or AfroPop sound like? So I wanted to strip everything down and go back to the core and essence of African feel-good music that has heavily influenced Africans globally and is a reflection of our different sounds across the continent including genres such as Reggae, R&B and Rock and Roll.”
Rebel Queen also speaks of Yemi Alade’s originality, bold spirit and global domination. She is revered for her electrifying live music performances not only on big stages and stadiums across the world but also for exclusive audiences such as the United Nations, Global Citizen and the British Royal Family to name a few. It does take a rebel and strong woman to reach such heights in a male-dominated industry and world.
The rebel theme of the album cuts across all other tracks, in paradoxical ways. For instance, “Ije Love” is an irresistible serenade to a lover, while “I’m Sorry” and “Chairman” are anthems for living life to the fullest unapologetically; prioritizing your own happiness and fulfillment while still standing on your values and chasing your dreams. “Bop” is a Dancehall number about surviving and taking on all of life’s circumstances and having no space for negativity and hate from people. In “Big Connection,” Yemi asserts that she’s a “big money spender,” embracing her much-deserved lavish lifestyle and superstar status. “Big Vibe” brings out sensuality that makes one yearn for their lover’s strong emotional and physical connection. “Looking Nice” is all about luxury life, making more money and chopping money, without worries. Life is too short.
Yemi Alade started 2024 off on a big note, performing at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening ceremony. 2023's ‘African Baddie’ world tour saw her play 22 countries throughout Africa, America and Europe alongside her African Train Band. More touring to come in support of Rebel Queen.
Track list:
Karibu
Tomorrow
Ki Lo Wa Wa
Chairman
Ije Love
I’m Sorry
Happy Day
Bop
Big Connection
African Woman (ft. Angelique Kidjo)
Peace & Love (ft. Ziggy Marley)
Nkeoma
Big Vibe
Looking Nice
Lipeka (ft. Innoss'B)
Baddie Remix (ft. Konshens & Femi One)
About:
Yemi Alade is a Nigerian singer/songwriter with many talents that include being an actress and an all-round entertainer. In 2023, she scooped The Best Music Video award for “Baddie” at the inaugural Trace Awards. Yemi Alade also won MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) for Best Female 2015 and 2016.
Her discography includes Mamapiano EP (2023), African Baddie (2022), Queendoncom (2021), Empress (2020), Woman of Steel (2019), Black Magic & Deluxe Version (2017), Mama Afrique EP (2017), Mama Africa - The Diary of an African Woman (2016) and King of Queens (2014). Yemi was also featured in Beyoncé’s compilation album The Lion King: The Gift on “Don’t Jealous Me.”
Yemi Alade is the first African female AfroPop star to hit over 100 million views on YouTube and VEVO with her smash hit single “Johnny”, which is also one of the most viewed music videos from Africa. In 2020, she became a UNDP Goodwill ambassador adding to her long list of responsibilities which include her own charity named James and Helen PathWay Foundation.
