Music Q&A:
Yemi Alade

The Nigerian artist, twice nominated for a MOBO, has developed a sound she calls afropolitan

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How would you describe your sound?
My sound is a blend of afrobeat, highlife, pop and R&B. I prefer to call it afropolitan music.

What informs your music and songwriting?
My experiences, moods and life in general influence my songwriting, but I have always loved storytelling so I am into a lot of fiction writing too.

How have you evolved as an artist over the years?
The evolution of an artist is unending and I am enjoying every bit of it, from the early stages when I was solely an R&B-pop artist. But now my music is afropolitan – my infectious African fashion that is emulated all over the world, selling out arenas and leading to massive collaborations. It is all joy!

What are you up to at the moment artistically?
Well I just dropped my third studio album, BlackMagic and I am still grinding in the studio as I prepare for my first headline concert in London – 20 April – and my European tour, etc.

What’s on your rider?
Hahahahaha. Nothing out of the ordinary. A few things on my hospitality rider would be my special throat tea, detox water, a lot of fruits, to mention a few.

Tell us your most embarrassing or surreal experience.
A fan once told me he recognises me from my teeth. It was a mixed feeling of embarrassment and surprise.

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