Dressed in a metallic ensemble and stylish black shades, Yemi Alade turned heads as she unveiled her latest album at an exclusive listening party in Soho, New York on July 12.

The event, hosted by the talented Laolu Senbanjo and energized by DJ Tunez and DJ Voyst, marked the first time U.S. fans heard tracks from her highly anticipated release, “Rebel Queen.” Fans were also treated to an intimate Q&A session with Alade, moderated by social media maven, Sofiyat Ibrahim "the Odditty," making it an unforgettable night of music and conversation.

Sofiyat Ibrahim "the Oddity" (L), Yemi Alade (R)

Attendees at Yemi Alade's New York album listening party.

Alade, the acclaimed Nigerian singer-songwriter, has evolved since her debut more than 15 years ago. Her 2013 hit "Johnny," a catchy anthem about a philandering lover, gained over 165 million views on YouTube. Now, her latest work, released on July 26, delves into themes of female empowerment, cultural pride, and social issues, resonating with more audiences across Africa and beyond. With over 37 million followers across social media, the Afropop musician continues to expand her influence.

"To rebel is to go against popular opinions," Alade tells AfroVibes. "Through my fashion, rhythm, and style -- a continuous homage to my continent Africa, I live as my heart leads and not as the public dictates."

Alade, 35, had flown in from Europe for the album listening, but it almost didn’t go according to plan due to airline and luggage issues. Opening the New York event, Alade said: "They tried something today, but God said no.”

The album title "Rebel Queen" reflects her unapologetic and empowered identity. As Alade’s sixth studio album and tenth musical project released through Effyzzie Music, "Rebel Queen," pushes boundaries and showcases her commitment to empowering fans through her work. It blends Afropop, Dancehall, Amapiano, Afrobeats, Reggae, Lingala, and R&B, while highlighting her versatility as she sings in Yoruba, English, Igbo, French, and Swahili.

"This is my own idea of the origin of Afrobeats and what it truly means to me and I wanted to share it with the world,” she said.

The 16-song album opens with "Karibu," a Swahili-infused intro that pays homage to Africa. "Tomorrow," delivers an upbeat message about living in the present moment, while "Happy Day" celebrates joy and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

One of the album's highlights is "African Woman," a powerful anthem featuring Beninese-French legend Angélique Kidjo, which celebrates the strength and grace of African women. Another standout track, "Peace and Love," featuring Jamaican icon Ziggy Marley, calls for compassion and unity, addressing societal issues prevalent in Africa.

Other international collaborations on the album include "Lipeka" with Congolese rapper Innoss'B and the "Baddie" remix featuring dancehall sensation Konshens.

"Music doesn't have to be confined to its geographical origin,” Alade says “All music needs is a listening ear to permeate. I am a vessel and I’m happy to be here during a time where African music is taking over the world.”

Alade has also collaborated with artists such as Beyoncé and Rick Ross and kicked off 2024 by performing at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening ceremony, further cementing her role as a leading voice in today’s music scene. By staying true to her roots and blending traditional and contemporary elements, Alade champions originality and promotes her African heritage.

"Everyone is entitled to opinions and I do not strive to challenge negative perceptions of my continent," Alade says. "But the truth is available for those who want to see it. To know Africa is to visit and connect with her and only then can a well-curated opinion be formed."

In New York, Alade concludes the album listening session by telling attendees, “Once the music is out, it’s out, but tonight -- this is a dare moment for me,” she said. “It’s taken a few years to put this together and I hope that every ingredient of love, joy, pain, tears, and experience I’ve put into this resonates with someone.”

Yemi Alade Upcoming Tour Dates

• August 30, 2024 : Atlanta, Georgia (United States)
• September 7, 2024 : Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
• September 21, 2024 : Paris, France