For the first time, Yemi Alade creates an album that only cynics are likely to heavily criticize.
Yemi Alade’s music has always been polarizing. She soars as an act, but her albums could never follow the great vibes her singles generate.
Her artistry as a triple threat is definitely not in question, but cynics sometimes unfairly project their thoughts of her music on her artistry. Across Africa, her popularity and fan base soar almost daily, but her albums have never been immune to criticism from Nigerians.
On “Home”, Yemi promises to follow her love interest to the ends of the world. She sings about unrequited love on “Nobody”, assuring her love interest that no one will love him the way she does. She dives deep into the African-highlife with Nollywood mega-star Funke Akindele on “Poverty”, rejecting the “disease” while also stressing that she is working really hard to be the richest possible version of herself while proclaiming prosperity and good health. In true Yemi Alade fashion, she also includes a Swahili Version of “Poverty”.
Midway through the album, we are serenaded with Yemi’s award-winning pipes on the soothing R&B number titled “Remind You” where she lists out the endearing qualities exhibited by her lover. Yemi Alade says she has so much to tell her fans and does just that on “C.I.A”, as she delves into a reggae vibe while exposing the criminal activities of African Politicians. On the emotive ballad “Lai Lai”, she professes unconditional love for her lover, assuring him that she will always hold him down, a theme which is also prevalent in the album’s opening track, “Night & Day”.
In totality, “Woman of Steel” is Yemi Alade’s best album yet. It is filled with relatable topics as previously risque beat choices become accessible. The album is also Yemi Alade’s greatest case to be understood. If you’re calm and fair enough, you will get her.
Artists are different and there’s no one rule to judge all artists. One thing we can do is be fair with songs and be as logical as possible with even the most scathing of criticism. In equal measure, we should award deserved accolades when deserved.
“Woman of Steel” is Alade’s fourth studio album following “Black Magic”, “Mama Africa”, and “King of Queens”.
By Kehinde Oderinde