Yemi Alade’s 5 Biggest Moves Since Stardom

Not many female singers in Nigeria have been able to make their voice heard in recent times. Yemi Alade has surprised many by doing it following the release of her smash hit single Johnny. Many thought she’d be a one hit wonder but she has been able to follow it (Johnny) up with several others and was recently crowned as the best female in Africa, a big award especially when you consider the number of talented and hardworking female singers in Motherland. With several decisions made off and on the scene between the singer and her team, we take a look at the biggest 5 that has been key to her growth from 2014 to 2015.

1. Album 
Yemi Alade was definitely not afraid to release her debut album, King of Queens. A bold move giving the fact that the album could have flopped as she doesn’t have many hits in her catalogue at that time. Nigerian female singers also do not release too many album and when they do, not enough push. Even the male ones don’t do it that much. Wande Coal hasn’t released an album in half a decade, Patoranking is due an album, Davido is stalling, Mo’Cheddah isn’t working towards one, Eva Alordiah failed to release her album in January.
Waje, Tiwa Savage, Omawumi all released an album in 2013 though. Since the bold release of King Of Queens, the Abia state born singer has handpicked several hit singles including Pose, Taking Over Me, Kissing. Most importantly, the album has given her a new level in the game. We hear Yemi Alade will release her second album next year.

2. Tour 
Shortly after the release of Johnny, the song immediately captured a large African audience for unknown reasons. The singer bodly capitalized on her buzz and immediately embarked on an African tour. A successful one at that. Not satisfied with the result, she embarked on an European one where she performed in Italy, France, Germany and Switzerland. Nigerian acts are fond of the UK, Yemi Alade had other routes. While on the road, she shot several music videos and gathered new fans.

3. Stellar music videos 
You will need to go further into her videography to see mediocre music video. That is how much she has grown in the music game. Yemi Alade has shot more than 5 music videos off her debut album King Of Queens a move reminiscent of Davido’s O.B.O album and P-Square from early days. Contrary to popular believe, music videos still help to push songs. Look at what a video did to Taking Over Me, Pose and Kissing. Even Johnny didn’t break bread until a dramatic video arrived.

2. Imaging 
When you ask brand managers, it is not an easy task to give something a new image. Yemi Alade’s style is called “African Urban Style”, we hear, but what we do know is the artiste doesn’t look like her colleagues, she doesn’t dress like them, she doesn’t sound like them, neither does her hairstyle reminds of any of them. Yemi Alade used to look like this

1. Breaking into Francophone market
 Not many people wake up one day and decide to target a French speaking audience especially when they can’t even speak it but music is a universal language. The singer targeted French speaking countries after she discovered they loved Johnny. She released Johnny a French version and has since collaborated with French speaking artistes. Several other acts have attempted this but have so far failed. Coupled with her African tour, it’s no surprise that she was selected by MTV Base as the best female in Africa. Her ability to connect with pan-African audience is definitely an edge above others over the year.