Woman of Steel (album): Difference between revisions
Biowikician (talk | contribs) added Category:Nigerian people using HotCat Tag: Reverted |
Versace1608 (talk | contribs) minor tweak |
||
(30 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown) | |||
Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
| alt = |
| alt = |
||
| released = {{Start date|2019|08|30}} |
| released = {{Start date|2019|08|30}} |
||
| recorded = |
| recorded = 2018–2019 |
||
| venue = |
| venue = |
||
| studio = |
| studio = |
||
Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
| length = 52:00 |
| length = 52:00 |
||
| label = {{hlist|Effyzzie|[[Universal Music Group|Universal]]}} |
| label = {{hlist|Effyzzie|[[Universal Music Group|Universal]]}} |
||
| producer = {{hlist |
| producer = {{hlist|[[Krizbeatz]]|[[DJ Coublon]]|Rotimi Keys|Vtek|Yung Willis|Egar Boi}} |
||
| prev_title = [[Black Magic (Yemi Alade album)|Black Magic]] |
| prev_title = [[Black Magic (Yemi Alade album)|Black Magic]] |
||
| prev_year = 2017 |
| prev_year = 2017 |
||
Line 36: | Line 36: | ||
}} |
}} |
||
'''''Woman of Steel''''' is the fourth [[studio album]] by Nigerian singer [[Yemi Alade]]. It was released on August 30, 2019, through Effyzzie Music Group and [[Universal Music Group|Universal Music Africa]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Woman of Steel by Yemi Alade |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/woman-of-steel/1476427551 |website=Apple Music |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=August 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222071102/https://music.apple.com/us/album/woman-of-steel/1476427551 |archive-date=22 February 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Lagos Review">{{cite web |title=Woman of Steel, Yemi Alade goes Universal. |url=https://thelagosreview.ng/woman-of-steel-yemi-alade-goes-universal/ |website=The Lagos Review |accessdate=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320180639/https://thelagosreview.ng/woman-of-steel-yemi-alade-goes-universal/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Described by Alade as a "buffet with different kinds of meals and drinks", |
'''''Woman of Steel''''' is the fourth [[studio album]] by Nigerian singer [[Yemi Alade]]. It was released on August 30, 2019, through Effyzzie Music Group and [[Universal Music Group|Universal Music Africa]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Woman of Steel by Yemi Alade |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/woman-of-steel/1476427551 |website=Apple Music |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=August 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222071102/https://music.apple.com/us/album/woman-of-steel/1476427551 |archive-date=22 February 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Lagos Review">{{cite web |title=Woman of Steel, Yemi Alade goes Universal. |url=https://thelagosreview.ng/woman-of-steel-yemi-alade-goes-universal/ |website=The Lagos Review |accessdate=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320180639/https://thelagosreview.ng/woman-of-steel-yemi-alade-goes-universal/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Described by Alade as a "buffet with different kinds of meals and drinks", ''Woman of Steel'' represents a thematic and personal shift in her sound.<ref name="OkayAfrica 22" /><ref name="Business Daily 1"/> Musically, it is an [[Afrobeats]] album that incorporates elements of [[R&B]] and [[highlife]]. ''Woman of Steel'' features collaborations with [[Rick Ross]], [[Duncan Mighty]], [[Angélique Kidjo]] and [[Funke Akindele]]. It was supported by the singles "Home", "Give Dem", "Vibe", "Shake", "Remind You", and "Shekere".<ref name="Native 1">{{cite web |author1=Debola Abimbolu |title=Yemi Alade Premiers two new singles, "Home" and "Give Dem" off her coming 'Woman of Steel' album |url=https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-premiers-two-new-singles-home-give-dem-off-coming-woman-steel-album/ |website=Native |accessdate=19 March 2020 |date=August 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319213133/https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-premiers-two-new-singles-home-give-dem-off-coming-woman-steel-album/ |archive-date=19 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although critical reception to ''Woman of Steel'' was mixed, the album was considered to be Alade's best album yet. |
||
==Background and promotion== |
==Background and promotion== |
||
''Woman of Steel'' primarily explores topics such as |
''Woman of Steel'' primarily explores topics such as love, socio-politics and poverty.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> Alade spent three years recording the album and said it would be released on August 30, 2019.<ref name="The Star 33">{{cite web |author1=Elizabeth Musyimi |title='Woman of Steel' up for Grammy's — Yemi Alade |url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/word-is/2019-10-18-woman-of-steel-up-for-grammys--yemi-alade/ |website=The Star |accessdate=18 March 2020 |date=18 October 2019 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321040049/https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/word-is/2019-10-18-woman-of-steel-up-for-grammys--yemi-alade/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Musically, ''Woman of Steel'' is an [[Afrobeats]] record that incorporates elements of [[R&B]] and [[highlife]].<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /><ref>{{cite web |author1=Motolani Alake |title=Yemi Alade releases 15-track new album, ‘Woman of Steel’ |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/yemi-alade-releases-15-track-new-album-woman-of-steel/9dv496f |website=Pulse Nigeria |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=30 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914064704/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/yemi-alade-releases-15-track-new-album-woman-of-steel/9dv496f |archive-date=14 September 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Alade describes the album as a "buffet with different kinds of meals and drinks",<ref name="The Star 33" /> and named it ''Woman of Steel'' to reflect her tough veneer to command the same degree of respect as her male counterparts.<ref name="OkayAfrica 22">{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Yemi Alade’s Journey to Becoming a ‘Woman of Steel’ |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-journey-to-becoming-a-woman-of-steel-interview-new-album-nigerian-music/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=19 March 2020 |date=August 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203012541/https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-journey-to-becoming-a-woman-of-steel-interview-new-album-nigerian-music/ |archive-date=3 December 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> She derived the title after coming to the realization that she is her own superhero.<ref name="Business Daily 1">{{cite web |title=Yemi Alade Releases New ‘Woman of Steel’ Album |url=https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/lifestyle/music/Yemi-Alade-releases-new--Woman-of-Steel--album/3815720-5324902-ki5tdv/index.html |website=Business Daily |accessdate=19 March 2020 |date=October 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106030909/https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/lifestyle/music/Yemi-Alade-releases-new--Woman-of-Steel--album/3815720-5324902-ki5tdv/index.html |archive-date=6 November 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The album's cover art features Alade wearing a headcap inspired by the [[Nefertiti Bust]] artwork.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Watch Yemi Alade's New Music Video for 'Give Dem' |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-drops-two-new-singles-from-her-forthcoming-album-woman-of-steel-give-dem-music-video/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=August 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320180702/https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-drops-two-new-singles-from-her-forthcoming-album-woman-of-steel-give-dem-music-video/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Artists featured on ''Woman of Steel'' include [[Rick Ross]], [[Duncan Mighty]], [[Angélique Kidjo]] and [[Funke Akindele]]. In an interview with ''[[The Star (Kenya)|The Star]]'' newspaper, Alade said some of the songs that made the album were recorded the previous year while others were recorded in August 2019.<ref name="The Star 33" /> |
||
Alade teamed up with [[Belaire Rosé]] to launch and promote the album in Lagos, Paris, London, New York and Nairobi.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Josephine Amoako |title=Yemi Alade and friends spotted toasting "Woman Of Steel" album release with Belaire bottles that feature her portrait! |url=https://www.glitzafrica.com/yemi-alade-and-friends-spotted-toasting-woman-of-steel-album-release-with-belaire-bottles-that-feature-her-portrait/ |website=Glitz Africa |accessdate=19 March 2020 |date=September 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012092447/https://www.glitzafrica.com/yemi-alade-and-friends-spotted-toasting-woman-of-steel-album-release-with-belaire-bottles-that-feature-her-portrait/ |archive-date=12 October 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Lagos edition of the launch party was held at the [[IMAX]] Theatre in Lagos; celebrities such as [[Denrele Edun]], Dat Warri Girl, [[Illbliss]] and DJ Sose were all present at the event.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Bolaji Alonge |title=Yemi Alade appears on wine label at Lagos album launch |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/yemi-alade-appears-wine-label-lagos-album-launch |website=Music in Africa |accessdate=19 March 2020 |date=6 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209025719/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/yemi-alade-appears-wine-label-lagos-album-launch |archive-date=9 December 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The launch party in Kenya was held at the Blue Door Restaurant and Lounge in [[Westlands, Nairobi]].<ref name="Daily Nation 1">{{cite web |author1=Thomas Rajula |title=Yemi Alade gives a taste of 'Woman of Steel' |url=https://mobile.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/showbiz/yemi-alade-woman-steel/3116136-5313252-format-sitemap-p6gq9dz/index.html |website=Daily Nation |accessdate=18 March 2020 |date=16 October 2019 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321040051/https://mobile.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/showbiz/yemi-alade-woman-steel/3116136-5313252-format-sitemap-p6gq9dz/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Celebrities who attended the event include Chimano, Musyoka, Nadia Mukami, [[Naiboi]], [[Patricia Kihoro]] and [[Victoria Kimani]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Yemi Alade launches 'Woman of Steel' |url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/society/2019-10-17-yemi-alade-launches-woman-of-steel/ |website=The Star |accessdate=18 March 2020 |date=17 October 2019 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321040047/https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/society/2019-10-17-yemi-alade-launches-woman-of-steel/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Daily Nation 1" /> Alade launched the album in Kenya because she considers Nairobi to be her second home.<ref name="Daily Nation 1" /> In October 2019, Alade submitted the album to [[The Recording Academy]] for consideration in the [[Grammy Award for Best World Music Album|Best World Music Album]] category at the [[62nd Annual Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |author1=Ferdinand Ekechukwu |title=Yemi Alade Up for Grammy Awards’ Consideration |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/10/12/yemi-alade-up-for-grammy-awards-consideration/ |website=This Day |accessdate=18 March 2020 |date=October 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318181545/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/10/12/yemi-alade-up-for-grammy-awards-consideration/ |archive-date=18 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
The album's lead single, "Home", was released on August 21, 2019. Its production incorporates elements of [[fuji music]] and live instrumentation.<ref name="Native 034">{{cite web |author1=Debola Abimbolu |title=Yemi Alade shares 'Woman of Steel' album with African romanticizing music video for "Home" |url=https://thenativemag.com/music/watch-yemi-alade-romanticize-nigerian-roots-home-music-video/ |website=Native |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=September 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320180638/https://thenativemag.com/music/watch-yemi-alade-romanticize-nigerian-roots-home-music-video/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Alade released a music video and a short film to support the song's release.<ref name="OkayAfrica 948">{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Watch Yemi Alade's New Short Film for Her Latest Single 'Home' |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-short-film-music-video-new-single-home-clarance-peters/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=September 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320180638/https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-short-film-music-video-new-single-home-clarance-peters/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The video for "Home", which was directed by Alade's frequent collaborator [[Clarence Peters]], features scenes of her dancing and wearing flashy African attires.<ref name="Native 034" /> Moreover, it features a folky narrative and follows Alade and her love interest's romantic relationship at a beach.<ref name="Native 034" /> The short film that accompanied the song's release was written and directed by Peters.<ref name="OkayAfrica 948" /> The film depicts an emotional love story between Nneka (Alade) and Austine (Frankincense Eche-Ben). In the film, Nneka escapes an abusive grandmother and a mundane life in rural Nigeria in order to reunite with Austine.<ref name="OkayAfrica 948" /> |
|||
==Composition== |
|||
The album's opening track "Home" is reminiscent of [[church music]]; in it, Alade sings about her appreciation for her love interest.<ref name="Native 1" /> The mid-tempo track "Give Dem" contains Latin strings and an Afrobeats-infused percussion; the song takes a showy route.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712">{{cite web |author1=Motolani Alake |title=Yemi Alade: 'Woman of Steel' is best album yet [Album Review] |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/yemi-alade-woman-of-steel-is-best-album-yet-album-review/me1dc4j |website=Pulse Nigeria |accessdate=19 March 2020 |date=September 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319225725/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/yemi-alade-woman-of-steel-is-best-album-yet-album-review/me1dc4j |archive-date=19 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Native 1" /> In "Vibe", Alade portrays herself as a [[Sex-positive feminism|sexually liberated woman]]; this is exemplified by lyrics like "I want a boy wey go love me scatter, wey nor go knock before e enter, wey go love me pass him sister, give me brain make I mental".<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> In "Night and Day", Alade incorporates guitar melodies found in [[Soukous|Soukous music]].<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> |
|||
The [[Krizbeatz]]-produced track "Give Dem" was also released on August 21, 2019, as the album's second single.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Watch Yemi Alade's New Music Video for 'Give Dem' |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-drops-two-new-singles-from-her-forthcoming-album-woman-of-steel-give-dem-music-video/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=August 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320180702/https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-drops-two-new-singles-from-her-forthcoming-album-woman-of-steel-give-dem-music-video/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The accompanying video for "Give Dem" was directed by Clarence Peters and contains energetic dance moves.<ref name="Native 975">{{cite web |author1=Dennis Ade Peter |title=Yemi Alade's video for "Give Dem" colourfully amps up her diva persona |url=https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-video-give-dem/ |website=Native |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=September 25, 2019 |archive-date=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320211511/https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-video-give-dem/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album's third single, "Vibe", was released on October 28, 2019.<ref name="Native Magazine 010">{{cite web |author1=Dennis Ade Peter |title=Watch Yemi Alade in the cherry video for latest single, "Vibe"|url=https://thenativemag.com/music/cheery-music-video-yemi-alade-vibe/ |website=Native |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=October 29, 2019 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321030926/https://thenativemag.com/music/cheery-music-video-yemi-alade-vibe/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the song's music video, Alade demands affection from her love interest and alludes to her lust-driven desires.<ref name="Native Magazine 010"/> ''[[The Native]]''{{'}}s Dennis Peter described the video for "Vibe" as a "collage of bright, sun-soaked shots that capture the singer at her usual, exuberant best".<ref name="Native Magazine 010"/> The Duncan Mighty-assisted track "Shake" was released on November 20, 2019, as the album's fourth single.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Dennis Ade Peter |title=Yemi Alade reaches for new levels of sexy in New Video for "Shake" featuring Duncan Mighty |url=https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-flaunts-sex-appeal-music-video-duncan-mighty-assisted-shake/ |website=Native |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321035747/https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-flaunts-sex-appeal-music-video-duncan-mighty-assisted-shake/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The music video for the song was filmed by Paul Gambit. In the video, Alade evokes her sensual side, posing on a bed in a powder blue mesh gown and performing several dance sequences.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Watch Yemi Alade's New Music Video for 'Shake' Featuring Duncan Mighty |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/watch-yemi-alades-new-song-music-video-for-shake-featuring-duncan-mighty/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=November 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320180645/https://www.okayafrica.com/watch-yemi-alades-new-song-music-video-for-shake-featuring-duncan-mighty/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
The nostalgic track "Shekere" is a remake of Angélique Kidjo's "Wombo Lombo".<ref name="Daily Nation 1" /> The reggae track "CIA (Criminal in Agbada)" tackles [[political corruption]].<ref name="OkayAfrica 22" /> The romantic ballad "Remind You" contains lyrics recorded entirely in conventional English.<ref name="Business Daily 1" /> In the [[Igbo highlife]] track "Yeba", Alade speaks about rejecting marriage proposals from two broke men.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> The Duncan Mighty-assisted track "Shake" has a dancehall feel and is reminiscent of [[Tekno (musician)|Tekno]]'s "Pana".<ref name="Business Daily 1" /><ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> In the R&B and Afrobeats-infused track "Lai Lai", Alade is acceptant of her love interest despite his humble account balance.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> In the pro-wealth track "Poverty", Alade denounces poverty and endorses wealth.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> She enlisted Kenyan singer Ivlyn Mutua to translate the song into Swahili.<ref name="Daily Nation 1" /> "Nobody" draws comparisons to [[Wizkid]]'s "Sweet Love".<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> |
|||
The album's fifth single, "Remind You", was released on January 22, 2020.<ref name="Native 716"/> The accompanying music video for the song was directed by Ovie Etseyatse; in it, Alade fantasizes about getting dressed in sensual clothes for her love interest [[Djimon Hounsou]].<ref name="Native 716">{{cite web |author1=Tami Makinde |title=Yemi Alade is not afraid to get sexy in the New Video for "Remind You" |url=https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-not-afraid-get-sexy-video-remind/ |website=Native |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=January 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313224655/https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-not-afraid-get-sexy-video-remind/ |archive-date=13 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The album's sixth single "Shekere", which was released on February 5, 2020, features vocals by Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo and interpolates her 1996 classic "Wombo Lombo".<ref name="OkayAfrica 3099" /> Alade spent three years working on the song and was in contact with Kidjo's brother prior to meeting her.<ref name="Daily Nation 1" /> The visuals for "Shekere" were directed by Ovie Etseyatse and highlight various African cultural dances, including the [[Maasai people#Music and dance|Maasai jumping dance]].<ref>{{cite web |author1=Debola Abimbolu |title=Watch Yemi Alade & Angelique Kidjo celebrate in New Video, "Shekere" |url=https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-angelique-kidjo-celebrate-african-music-shekere-video/ |website=Native |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=February 5, 2020 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321022959/https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-angelique-kidjo-celebrate-african-music-shekere-video/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the video, Alade is seen in various beaded looks and [[African wax prints|ankara prints]] while Kidjo wears a Zulu [[headdress]].<ref name="OkayAfrica 3099">{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Angelique Kidjo Joins Yemi Alade In the Vibrant Music Video for 'Shekere' |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/watch-music-video-for-yemi-alade-angelique-kidjo-song-shekere/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=February 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311183028/https://www.okayafrica.com/watch-music-video-for-yemi-alade-angelique-kidjo-song-shekere/ |archive-date=11 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
==Singles== |
|||
The album's lead single "Home" was released on August 21, 2019. Its production incorporates elements of [[fuji music]] and live instrumentation.<ref name="Native 034">{{cite web |author1=Debola Abimbolu |title=Yemi Alade shares 'Woman of Steel' album with African romanticizing music video for "Home" |url=https://thenativemag.com/music/watch-yemi-alade-romanticize-nigerian-roots-home-music-video/ |website=Native |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=September 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320180638/https://thenativemag.com/music/watch-yemi-alade-romanticize-nigerian-roots-home-music-video/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Alade released a music video and a short film to support the song's release.<ref name="OkayAfrica 948">{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Watch Yemi Alade's New Short Film for Her Latest Single 'Home' |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-short-film-music-video-new-single-home-clarance-peters/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=September 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320180638/https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-short-film-music-video-new-single-home-clarance-peters/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The music video for "Home" was shot and directed by Alade's frequent collaborator [[Clarence Peters]]; in it, Alade is seen dancing and wearing flashy African attires.<ref name="Native 034" /> The video features a folky narrative and follows Alade and her love interest's romantic relationship at the beach.<ref name="Native 034" /> The short film that accompanied the song's release was written and directed by Clarence Peters.<ref name="OkayAfrica 948" /> The film depicts an emotional love story between Nneka (Alade) and Austine (Frankincense Eche-Ben). In it, Nneka escapes an abusive grandmother and a mundane life in rural Nigeria in order to reunite with Austine.<ref name="OkayAfrica 948" /> |
|||
On April 30, 2019, Alade released the remix of "Oh My Gosh", which features a rap verse by American rapper Rick Ross and is a slight departure from her dance-inducing Afrobeats sound.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oh My Gosh (Remix) - Single by Yemi Alade |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/oh-my-gosh-remix-single/1460664461 |website=Apple Music |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=April 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320121834/https://music.apple.com/us/album/oh-my-gosh-remix-single/1460664461 |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="OkayAfrica 870">{{cite web |title=Yemi Alade Connects With Rick Ross For 'Oh My Gosh' (Remix) |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-rick-ross-oh-my-gosh-remix-download/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=August 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218160612/https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-rick-ross-oh-my-gosh-remix-download/ |archive-date=18 February 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The song's accompanying music video was directed by Ryan Snyder; in it, Alade and Rick Ross are surrounded by colorfully-clad dancers headed by [[Izzy Odigie]].<ref>{{cite web |author1=Damilola Animashaun |title=Watch Yemi Alade & Rick Ross In The Video For Their 'Oh My Gosh' Remix |url=https://www.konbini.com/ng/music/yemi-alade-teams-up-with-rick-ross-remix-oh-my-gosh |website=Konbini |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320120154/https://www.konbini.com/ng/music/yemi-alade-teams-up-with-rick-ross-remix-oh-my-gosh |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-rick-ross-oh-my-gosh-remix-download/|title=Yemi Alade Connects With Rick Ross For 'Oh My Gosh' (Remix)|date=2019-04-29|website=OkayAfrica|language=en|access-date=2020-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218160612/https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-rick-ross-oh-my-gosh-remix-download/|archive-date=2020-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref> |
|||
==Composition== |
|||
The Duncan Mighty-assisted track "Shake" was released on November 20, 2019, as the album's fourth single.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Dennis Ade Peter |title=Yemi Alade reaches for new levels of sexy in New Video for "Shake" featuring Duncan Mighty|url=https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-flaunts-sex-appeal-music-video-duncan-mighty-assisted-shake/ |website=Native |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=November 21, 2019}}</ref> The visuals for the song was shot and directed by Paul Gambit. In the video, Alade evokes her sensual side, posing on a bed in a powder blue mesh gown and performing several dance sequences.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Watch Yemi Alade's New Music Video for 'Shake' Featuring Duncan Mighty |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/watch-yemi-alades-new-song-music-video-for-shake-featuring-duncan-mighty/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=November 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320180645/https://www.okayafrica.com/watch-yemi-alades-new-song-music-video-for-shake-featuring-duncan-mighty/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
On the album's opening track "Home", which is reminiscent of [[church music]], Alade sings about her appreciation for her love interest.<ref name="Native 1" /> The mid-tempo track "Give Dem" contains Latin strings and an Afrobeats-infused percussion; the song takes a showy route.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712">{{cite web |author1=Motolani Alake |title=Yemi Alade: 'Woman of Steel' is best album yet [Album Review] |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/yemi-alade-woman-of-steel-is-best-album-yet-album-review/me1dc4j |website=Pulse Nigeria |accessdate=19 March 2020 |date=September 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319225725/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/yemi-alade-woman-of-steel-is-best-album-yet-album-review/me1dc4j |archive-date=19 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Native 1" /> In "Vibe", Alade portrays herself as a [[Sex-positive feminism|sexually liberated woman]]; this is exemplified by lyrics like "I want a boy wey go love me scatter, wey nor go knock before e enter, wey go love me pass him sister, give me brain make I mental".<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> In "Night and Day", she incorporates guitar melodies found in [[Soukous|Soukous music]].<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> |
|||
The nostalgic track "Shekere" is a remake of Angélique Kidjo's "Wombo Lombo".<ref name="Daily Nation 1" /> The reggae track "CIA (Criminal in Agbada)" tackles [[political corruption]].<ref name="OkayAfrica 22" /> The romantic ballad "Remind You" contains lyrics recorded entirely in conventional English.<ref name="Business Daily 1" /> In the [[Igbo highlife]] track "Yeba", Alade speaks about rejecting marriage proposals from two broke men.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> The Duncan Mighty-assisted track "Shake" has a dancehall feel and is reminiscent of [[Tekno (musician)|Tekno]]'s "Pana".<ref name="Business Daily 1" /><ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> In the R&B and Afrobeats-infused track "Lai Lai", Alade is acceptant of her love interest despite his humble account balance.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> In the pro-wealth track "Poverty", Alade denounces poverty and endorses wealth.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> She enlisted Kenyan singer Ivlyn Mutua to translate the song into Swahili.<ref name="Daily Nation 1" /> "Nobody" draws comparisons to [[Wizkid]]'s "Sweet Love".<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> |
|||
The album's sixth single "Shekere" was released on February 5, 2020.<ref name="OkayAfrica 3099" /> The song features vocals by Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo and interpolates her 1996 classic "Wombo Lombo".<ref name="OkayAfrica 3099" /> Alade spent three years working on the song and was in contact with Kidjo's brother prior to meeting her.<ref name="Daily Nation 1" /> The visuals for "Shekere" was directed by Ovie Etseyatse and highlights various African cultural dances, including the [[Maasai people#Music and dance|Maasai jumping dance]].<ref>{{cite web |author1=Debola Abimbolu |title=Watch Yemi Alade & Angelique Kidjo celebrate in New Video, "Shekere"|url=https://thenativemag.com/music/yemi-alade-angelique-kidjo-celebrate-african-music-shekere-video/ |website=Native |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=February 5, 2020}}</ref> In the video, Alade is seen in various beaded looks and [[African wax prints|ankara prints]] while Kidjo wears a Zulu [[headdress]].<ref name="OkayAfrica 3099">{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Angelique Kidjo Joins Yemi Alade In the Vibrant Music Video for 'Shekere' |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/watch-music-video-for-yemi-alade-angelique-kidjo-song-shekere/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=February 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311183028/https://www.okayafrica.com/watch-music-video-for-yemi-alade-angelique-kidjo-song-shekere/ |archive-date=11 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
==Other releases== |
|||
The remix of "Oh My Gosh" was released on April 30, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oh My Gosh (Remix) - Single by Yemi Alade |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/oh-my-gosh-remix-single/1460664461 |website=Apple Music |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=April 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320121834/https://music.apple.com/us/album/oh-my-gosh-remix-single/1460664461 |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="OkayAfrica 870">{{cite web |title=Yemi Alade Connects With Rick Ross For 'Oh My Gosh' (Remix) |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-rick-ross-oh-my-gosh-remix-download/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=August 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218160612/https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-rick-ross-oh-my-gosh-remix-download/ |archive-date=18 February 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> The song features American rapper Rick Ross and is a slight departure from Alade's dance-inducing Afrobeats sound.<ref name="OkayAfrica 870" /> The accompanying music video for "Oh My Gosh" (Remix) was directed by Ryan Snyder; in it, Alade and Rick Ross are surrounded by colorfully-clad dancers headed by [[Izzy Odigie]].<ref>{{cite web |author1=Damilola Animashaun |title=Watch Yemi Alade & Rick Ross In The Video For Their 'Oh My Gosh' Remix |url=https://www.konbini.com/ng/music/yemi-alade-teams-up-with-rick-ross-remix-oh-my-gosh |website=Konbini |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320120154/https://www.konbini.com/ng/music/yemi-alade-teams-up-with-rick-ross-remix-oh-my-gosh |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-rick-ross-oh-my-gosh-remix-download/|title=Yemi Alade Connects With Rick Ross For 'Oh My Gosh' (Remix)|date=2019-04-29|website=OkayAfrica|language=en|access-date=2020-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218160612/https://www.okayafrica.com/yemi-alade-rick-ross-oh-my-gosh-remix-download/|archive-date=2020-02-18|url-status=live}}</ref> |
|||
==Critical reception== |
==Critical reception== |
||
Line 66: | Line 61: | ||
| rev1 = [[TooXclusive]] |
| rev1 = [[TooXclusive]] |
||
| rev1Score = 8/10<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> |
| rev1Score = 8/10<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> |
||
| rev2 = Pulse Nigeria |
| rev2 = ''Pulse Nigeria'' |
||
| rev2Score = 6.9/10<ref name="Tooxlusive 123"/> |
| rev2Score = 6.9/10<ref name="Tooxlusive 123"/> |
||
}} |
}} |
||
''Woman of Steel'' received mixed reviews from [[music critics]]. Pulse Nigeria's Motolani Alake awarded the album 6.9 |
''Woman of Steel'' received mixed reviews from [[music critics]]. ''Pulse Nigeria''{{'}}s [[Motolani Alake]] awarded the album a rating of 6.9 out of 10, praising Alade's songwriting skills and commending her for "addressing a myriad of topics" on the project.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> Alake also opined that the album is Alade's best album yet.<ref name="Pulse Nigeria 712" /> A writer for Filter Free Nigeria, who goes by the moniker the Waistbead Whisperer, praised Alade for sticking to her musical formula but ended up criticizing the album's depth, content and lyrics.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yemi Alade: "Woman of Steel" is the Singer's Best Album Yet |url=https://filterfree.ng/music/yemi-alade-woman-of-steel-review/ |website=Filter Free Nigeria |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=September 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320012655/https://filterfree.ng/music/yemi-alade-woman-of-steel-review/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mide Michael of [[TooXclusive]] did a track-by-track review of the album and granted it 8 out of 10; Michael also considers the album to be Alade's best album yet.<ref name="Tooxlusive 123">{{cite web |author1=Mide Michael |title=[Album Review] Yemi Alade – Woman of Steel |url=https://tooxclusive.com/album-review-yemi-alade-woman-of-steel/ |website=TooXclusive |accessdate=20 March 2020 |date=September 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320112018/https://tooxclusive.com/album-review-yemi-alade-woman-of-steel/ |archive-date=20 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
In a less enthusiastic review, music critic Michael Kolawole said the album is underwhelming despite "offering an abundance of upbeat songs".<ref>{{cite web |author1=Kolawole Michael |title=Yemi Alade sparks little light on Woman of Steel |url=https://medium.com/@kolawole_m/yemi-alade-sparks-little-light-on-woman-of-steel-8cd57c5148bc |website=Medium |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=September 24, 2019 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321103928/https://medium.com/@kolawole_m/yemi-alade-sparks-little-light-on-woman-of-steel-8cd57c5148bc |url-status=live }}</ref> |
|||
==Track listing== |
==Track listing== |
||
Credits adapted from [[AllMusic]] and other publications.<ref>{{cite web |title=Woman of Steel by Yemi Alade |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/woman-of-steel-mw0003316828 |website=AllMusic |accessdate=21 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Adewojumi Aderemi |title=Yemi Alade Releases Short Film For Her Love Song, 'Home' |url=https://www.konbini.com/ng/music/yemi-alade-releases-short-film-love-song-home |website=Konbini Channels |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=October 9, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Listen to Yemi Alade's Infectious New Ballad 'Oh My Gosh' |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/listen-to-yemi-alades-infectious-new-ballad-oh-my-gosh/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=August 8, 2019}}</ref> |
Credits adapted from [[AllMusic]] and other publications.<ref>{{cite web |title=Woman of Steel by Yemi Alade |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/woman-of-steel-mw0003316828 |website=AllMusic |accessdate=21 March 2020 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321151610/https://www.allmusic.com/album/woman-of-steel-mw0003316828 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Adewojumi Aderemi |title=Yemi Alade Releases Short Film For Her Love Song, 'Home' |url=https://www.konbini.com/ng/music/yemi-alade-releases-short-film-love-song-home |website=Konbini Channels |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=October 9, 2019 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321141027/https://www.konbini.com/ng/music/yemi-alade-releases-short-film-love-song-home |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Damola Durosomo |title=Listen to Yemi Alade's Infectious New Ballad 'Oh My Gosh' |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/listen-to-yemi-alades-infectious-new-ballad-oh-my-gosh/ |website=OkayAfrica |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=August 8, 2019 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321152139/https://www.okayafrica.com/listen-to-yemi-alades-infectious-new-ballad-oh-my-gosh/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
{{Track listing |
{{Track listing |
||
| headline = ''Woman of Steel'' {{nobold|– Standard edition}} |
| headline = ''Woman of Steel'' {{nobold|– Standard edition}} |
||
| extra_column = Producer(s) |
| extra_column = Producer(s) |
||
| title1 = Night and Day |
|||
| title1 = Night and Day |
|||
| note1 = |
|||
| writer1 = {{hlist|Yemi Eberechi Alade|Segun Ajayi}} |
| note1 = |
||
| writer1 = {{hlist|Yemi Eberechi Alade|Segun Ajayi}} |
|||
| extra1 = |
| extra1 = |
||
| length1 = 3:21 |
| length1 = 3:21 |
||
| title2 = Home |
|||
| |
| title2 = Home |
||
| note2 = |
|||
| writer2 = {{hlist|Alade|Victor Kpoudosu}} |
|||
| writer2 = {{hlist|Alade|Victor Kpoudosu}} |
|||
| extra2 = Vtek |
|||
| |
| extra2 = Vtek |
||
| length2 = 3:44 |
|||
| title3 = Shake |
|||
| note3 = featuring [[Duncan Mighty]] |
|||
| title3 = Shake |
|||
| writer3 = {{hlist|Alade|Duncan Okechukwu|Ernest Itiveh}} |
|||
| note3 = featuring [[Duncan Mighty]] |
|||
| extra3 = Egar Boi |
|||
| writer3 = {{hlist|Alade|Duncan Okechukwu|Ernest Itiveh}} |
|||
| length3 = 3:14 |
|||
| |
| extra3 = Egar Boi |
||
| |
| length3 = 3:14 |
||
| writer4 = {{hlist|Alade|Chris Sunday}} |
|||
| title4 = Give Dem |
|||
| extra4 = [[Krizbeatz]] |
|||
| |
| note4 = |
||
| writer4 = {{hlist|Alade|Chris Sunday}} |
|||
| title5 = Vibe |
|||
| extra4 = [[Krizbeatz]] |
|||
| note5 = |
|||
| length4 = 3:32 |
|||
| writer5 = {{hlist|Alade|Itiveh}} |
|||
| extra5 = Egar Boi |
|||
| |
| title5 = Vibe |
||
| |
| note5 = |
||
| writer5 = {{hlist|Alade|Itiveh}} |
|||
| note6 = |
|||
| extra5 = Egar Boi |
|||
| writer6 = {{hlist|Alade|Daniel Shekwoyemi}} |
|||
| length5 = 3:11 |
|||
| extra6 = Yung Willis |
|||
| length6 = 3:24 |
|||
| title6 = Yeba |
|||
| title7 = Remind You |
|||
| |
| note6 = |
||
| |
| writer6 = {{hlist|Alade|Daniel Shekwoyemi}} |
||
| extra6 = Yung Willis |
|||
| extra7 = Vtek |
|||
| |
| length6 = 3:24 |
||
| title8 = Nobody |
|||
| title7 = Remind You |
|||
| note8 = |
|||
| note7 = |
|||
| writer8 = {{hlist|Alade|Sunday}} |
|||
| writer7 = {{hlist|Alade|Kpoudosu}} |
|||
| extra8 = Krizbeatz |
|||
| |
| extra7 = Vtek |
||
| length7 = 3:00 |
|||
| title9 = [[Shekere (song)|Shekere]] |
|||
| note9 = featuring [[Angélique Kidjo]] |
|||
| title8 = Nobody |
|||
| writer9 = {{hlist|Alade|Angélique Kidjo|Charles Ugo}} |
|||
| note8 = |
|||
| extra9 = [[DJ Coublon]] |
|||
| writer8 = {{hlist|Alade|Sunday}} |
|||
| length9 = 3:06 |
|||
| extra8 = Krizbeatz |
|||
| title10 = Poverty |
|||
| length8 = 3:26 |
|||
| note10 = featuring [[Funke Akindele]] |
|||
| writer10 = {{hlist|Alade|Funke Akindele|Kpoudosu}} |
|||
| title9 = Shekere |
|||
| extra10 = Vtek |
|||
| note9 = featuring [[Angélique Kidjo]] |
|||
| length10 = 4:03 |
|||
| writer9 = {{hlist|Alade|Angélique Kidjo|Charles Ugo}} |
|||
| title11 = Lai Lai |
|||
| extra9 = [[DJ Coublon]] |
|||
| note11 = |
|||
| length9 = 3:06 |
|||
| writer11 = {{hlist|Alade|Rotimi Akinfenwa}} |
|||
| extra11 = Rotimi Keys |
|||
| title10 = Poverty |
|||
| length11 = 3:30 |
|||
| note10 = featuring [[Funke Akindele]] |
|||
| title12 = Somto |
|||
| writer10 = {{hlist|Alade|Funke Akindele|Kpoudosu}} |
|||
| note12 = |
|||
| extra10 = Vtek |
|||
| writer12 = {{hlist|Alade|Shekwoyemi}} |
|||
| length10 = 4:03 |
|||
| extra12 = Yung Willis |
|||
| length12 = 3:32 |
|||
| title11 = Lai Lai |
|||
| title13 = CIA (Criminal in Agbada) |
|||
| |
| note11 = |
||
| |
| writer11 = {{hlist|Alade|Rotimi Akinfenwa}} |
||
| extra11 = Rotimi Keys |
|||
| extra13 = Vtek |
|||
| |
| length11 = 3:30 |
||
| all_writing = |
|||
| title12 = Somto |
|||
| total_length = |
|||
| note12 = |
|||
| writer12 = {{hlist|Alade|Shekwoyemi}} |
|||
| extra12 = Yung Willis |
|||
| length12 = 3:32 |
|||
| title13 = CIA (Criminal in Agbada) |
|||
| note13 = |
|||
| writer13 = {{hlist|Alade|Kpoudosu}} |
|||
| extra13 = Vtek |
|||
| length13 = 4:04 |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
Line 168: | Line 177: | ||
==Personnel== |
==Personnel== |
||
Credits adapted from the album's back cover and AllMusic.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Violet Johnson |title=Yemi Alade Unveils Official Artwork And Tracklist For "Woman Of Steel" |url=https://guardian.ng/life/yemi-alade-unveils-official-artwork-and-tracklist-for-woman-of-steel/ |website=Guardian Life |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=21 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Woman of Steel by Yemi Alade - Credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/woman-of-steel-mw0003316828/credits |website=AllMusic |accessdate=21 March 2020}}</ref> |
Credits adapted from the album's back cover and AllMusic.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Violet Johnson |title=Yemi Alade Unveils Official Artwork And Tracklist For "Woman Of Steel" |url=https://guardian.ng/life/yemi-alade-unveils-official-artwork-and-tracklist-for-woman-of-steel/ |website=Guardian Life |accessdate=21 March 2020 |date=21 August 2019 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321155131/https://guardian.ng/life/yemi-alade-unveils-official-artwork-and-tracklist-for-woman-of-steel/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Woman of Steel by Yemi Alade - Credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/woman-of-steel-mw0003316828/credits |website=AllMusic |accessdate=21 March 2020 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321151625/https://www.allmusic.com/album/woman-of-steel-mw0003316828/credits |url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
{{div col|colwidth=27em}} |
{{div col|colwidth=27em}} |
||
*Yemi Alade – primary artist, composer, executive producer |
*Yemi Alade – primary artist, composer, executive producer |
||
Line 217: | Line 226: | ||
[[Category:Albums produced by DJ Coublon]] |
[[Category:Albums produced by DJ Coublon]] |
||
[[Category:Albums produced by Krizbeatz]] |
[[Category:Albums produced by Krizbeatz]] |
||
[[Category: |
[[Category:Albums produced by Yung Willis]] |
Latest revision as of 01:19, 30 December 2024
Woman of Steel | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio album by | ||||
Released | August 30, 2019 | |||
Recorded | 2018–2019 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 52:00 | |||
Label |
| |||
Producer |
| |||
Yemi Alade chronology | ||||
| ||||
Singles from Woman of Steel | ||||
|
Woman of Steel is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Yemi Alade. It was released on August 30, 2019, through Effyzzie Music Group and Universal Music Africa.[1][2] Described by Alade as a "buffet with different kinds of meals and drinks", Woman of Steel represents a thematic and personal shift in her sound.[3][4] Musically, it is an Afrobeats album that incorporates elements of R&B and highlife. Woman of Steel features collaborations with Rick Ross, Duncan Mighty, Angélique Kidjo and Funke Akindele. It was supported by the singles "Home", "Give Dem", "Vibe", "Shake", "Remind You", and "Shekere".[5] Although critical reception to Woman of Steel was mixed, the album was considered to be Alade's best album yet.
Background and promotion
[edit]Woman of Steel primarily explores topics such as love, socio-politics and poverty.[6] Alade spent three years recording the album and said it would be released on August 30, 2019.[7] Musically, Woman of Steel is an Afrobeats record that incorporates elements of R&B and highlife.[6][8] Alade describes the album as a "buffet with different kinds of meals and drinks",[7] and named it Woman of Steel to reflect her tough veneer to command the same degree of respect as her male counterparts.[3] She derived the title after coming to the realization that she is her own superhero.[4] The album's cover art features Alade wearing a headcap inspired by the Nefertiti Bust artwork.[9] Artists featured on Woman of Steel include Rick Ross, Duncan Mighty, Angélique Kidjo and Funke Akindele. In an interview with The Star newspaper, Alade said some of the songs that made the album were recorded the previous year while others were recorded in August 2019.[7]
Alade teamed up with Belaire Rosé to launch and promote the album in Lagos, Paris, London, New York and Nairobi.[10] The Lagos edition of the launch party was held at the IMAX Theatre in Lagos; celebrities such as Denrele Edun, Dat Warri Girl, Illbliss and DJ Sose were all present at the event.[11] The launch party in Kenya was held at the Blue Door Restaurant and Lounge in Westlands, Nairobi.[12] Celebrities who attended the event include Chimano, Musyoka, Nadia Mukami, Naiboi, Patricia Kihoro and Victoria Kimani.[13][12] Alade launched the album in Kenya because she considers Nairobi to be her second home.[12] In October 2019, Alade submitted the album to The Recording Academy for consideration in the Best World Music Album category at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.[14]
The album's lead single, "Home", was released on August 21, 2019. Its production incorporates elements of fuji music and live instrumentation.[15] Alade released a music video and a short film to support the song's release.[16] The video for "Home", which was directed by Alade's frequent collaborator Clarence Peters, features scenes of her dancing and wearing flashy African attires.[15] Moreover, it features a folky narrative and follows Alade and her love interest's romantic relationship at a beach.[15] The short film that accompanied the song's release was written and directed by Peters.[16] The film depicts an emotional love story between Nneka (Alade) and Austine (Frankincense Eche-Ben). In the film, Nneka escapes an abusive grandmother and a mundane life in rural Nigeria in order to reunite with Austine.[16]
The Krizbeatz-produced track "Give Dem" was also released on August 21, 2019, as the album's second single.[17] The accompanying video for "Give Dem" was directed by Clarence Peters and contains energetic dance moves.[18] The album's third single, "Vibe", was released on October 28, 2019.[19] In the song's music video, Alade demands affection from her love interest and alludes to her lust-driven desires.[19] The Native's Dennis Peter described the video for "Vibe" as a "collage of bright, sun-soaked shots that capture the singer at her usual, exuberant best".[19] The Duncan Mighty-assisted track "Shake" was released on November 20, 2019, as the album's fourth single.[20] The music video for the song was filmed by Paul Gambit. In the video, Alade evokes her sensual side, posing on a bed in a powder blue mesh gown and performing several dance sequences.[21]
The album's fifth single, "Remind You", was released on January 22, 2020.[22] The accompanying music video for the song was directed by Ovie Etseyatse; in it, Alade fantasizes about getting dressed in sensual clothes for her love interest Djimon Hounsou.[22] The album's sixth single "Shekere", which was released on February 5, 2020, features vocals by Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo and interpolates her 1996 classic "Wombo Lombo".[23] Alade spent three years working on the song and was in contact with Kidjo's brother prior to meeting her.[12] The visuals for "Shekere" were directed by Ovie Etseyatse and highlight various African cultural dances, including the Maasai jumping dance.[24] In the video, Alade is seen in various beaded looks and ankara prints while Kidjo wears a Zulu headdress.[23]
On April 30, 2019, Alade released the remix of "Oh My Gosh", which features a rap verse by American rapper Rick Ross and is a slight departure from her dance-inducing Afrobeats sound.[25][26] The song's accompanying music video was directed by Ryan Snyder; in it, Alade and Rick Ross are surrounded by colorfully-clad dancers headed by Izzy Odigie.[27][28]
Composition
[edit]On the album's opening track "Home", which is reminiscent of church music, Alade sings about her appreciation for her love interest.[5] The mid-tempo track "Give Dem" contains Latin strings and an Afrobeats-infused percussion; the song takes a showy route.[6][5] In "Vibe", Alade portrays herself as a sexually liberated woman; this is exemplified by lyrics like "I want a boy wey go love me scatter, wey nor go knock before e enter, wey go love me pass him sister, give me brain make I mental".[6] In "Night and Day", she incorporates guitar melodies found in Soukous music.[6]
The nostalgic track "Shekere" is a remake of Angélique Kidjo's "Wombo Lombo".[12] The reggae track "CIA (Criminal in Agbada)" tackles political corruption.[3] The romantic ballad "Remind You" contains lyrics recorded entirely in conventional English.[4] In the Igbo highlife track "Yeba", Alade speaks about rejecting marriage proposals from two broke men.[6] The Duncan Mighty-assisted track "Shake" has a dancehall feel and is reminiscent of Tekno's "Pana".[4][6] In the R&B and Afrobeats-infused track "Lai Lai", Alade is acceptant of her love interest despite his humble account balance.[6] In the pro-wealth track "Poverty", Alade denounces poverty and endorses wealth.[6] She enlisted Kenyan singer Ivlyn Mutua to translate the song into Swahili.[12] "Nobody" draws comparisons to Wizkid's "Sweet Love".[6]
Critical reception
[edit]Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
TooXclusive | 8/10[6] |
Pulse Nigeria | 6.9/10[29] |
Woman of Steel received mixed reviews from music critics. Pulse Nigeria's Motolani Alake awarded the album a rating of 6.9 out of 10, praising Alade's songwriting skills and commending her for "addressing a myriad of topics" on the project.[6] Alake also opined that the album is Alade's best album yet.[6] A writer for Filter Free Nigeria, who goes by the moniker the Waistbead Whisperer, praised Alade for sticking to her musical formula but ended up criticizing the album's depth, content and lyrics.[30] Mide Michael of TooXclusive did a track-by-track review of the album and granted it 8 out of 10; Michael also considers the album to be Alade's best album yet.[29]
In a less enthusiastic review, music critic Michael Kolawole said the album is underwhelming despite "offering an abundance of upbeat songs".[31]
Track listing
[edit]Credits adapted from AllMusic and other publications.[32][33][34]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Night and Day" |
| 3:21 | |
2. | "Home" |
| Vtek | 3:44 |
3. | "Shake" (featuring Duncan Mighty) |
| Egar Boi | 3:14 |
4. | "Give Dem" |
| Krizbeatz | 3:32 |
5. | "Vibe" |
| Egar Boi | 3:11 |
6. | "Yeba" |
| Yung Willis | 3:24 |
7. | "Remind You" |
| Vtek | 3:00 |
8. | "Nobody" |
| Krizbeatz | 3:26 |
9. | "Shekere" (featuring Angélique Kidjo) |
| DJ Coublon | 3:06 |
10. | "Poverty" (featuring Funke Akindele) |
| Vtek | 4:03 |
11. | "Lai Lai" |
| Rotimi Keys | 3:30 |
12. | "Somto" |
| Yung Willis | 3:32 |
13. | "CIA (Criminal in Agbada)" |
| Vtek | 4:04 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
14. | "Poverty (Swahili Version)" (featuring Funke Akindele) |
| Vtek | 4:03 |
15. | "Oh My Gosh (Remix)" (featuring Rick Ross) |
| DJ Coublon | 3:18 |
Total length: | 52:00 |
- Notes
- "Shekere" interpolates Angélique Kidjo's "Wombo Lombo".[23]
Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from the album's back cover and AllMusic.[35][36]
- Yemi Alade – primary artist, composer, executive producer
- Koribo Harrison – executive producer
- Taiye Aliyu – executive producer
- Segun Ajayi – composer
- Rotimi Akinfenwa – composer, production (track 11)
- Ernest Itiveh – composer, production (tracks 3, 5)
- Victor Kpoudosu – composer, production (tracks 2, 7, 10, 13, 14)
- Daniel Shekwoyemi – composer, production (tracks 6, 12)
- Chris Sunday – composer, production (tracks 4, 8)
- Charles Ugo – composer, production (tracks 9, 15)
- Funke Akindele – featured artist
- Angélique Kidjo – featured artist
- Duncan Mighty – featured artist
- Rick Ross – featured artist
- Adesope Olajide – A&R
Release history
[edit]Region | Date | Version | Format | Label |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | August 30, 2019 | Standard |
|
References
[edit]- ^ "Woman of Steel by Yemi Alade". Apple Music. August 30, 2019. Archived from the original on 22 February 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ "Woman of Steel, Yemi Alade goes Universal". The Lagos Review. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ a b c Damola Durosomo (August 30, 2019). "Yemi Alade's Journey to Becoming a 'Woman of Steel'". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 3 December 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Yemi Alade Releases New 'Woman of Steel' Album". Business Daily. October 25, 2019. Archived from the original on 6 November 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ a b c Debola Abimbolu (August 22, 2019). "Yemi Alade Premiers two new singles, "Home" and "Give Dem" off her coming 'Woman of Steel' album". Native. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Motolani Alake (September 3, 2019). "Yemi Alade: 'Woman of Steel' is best album yet [Album Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ a b c Elizabeth Musyimi (18 October 2019). "'Woman of Steel' up for Grammy's — Yemi Alade". The Star. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ Motolani Alake (30 August 2019). "Yemi Alade releases 15-track new album, 'Woman of Steel'". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 14 September 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ Damola Durosomo (August 21, 2019). "Watch Yemi Alade's New Music Video for 'Give Dem'". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ Josephine Amoako (September 9, 2019). "Yemi Alade and friends spotted toasting "Woman Of Steel" album release with Belaire bottles that feature her portrait!". Glitz Africa. Archived from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ Bolaji Alonge (6 September 2019). "Yemi Alade appears on wine label at Lagos album launch". Music in Africa. Archived from the original on 9 December 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f Thomas Rajula (16 October 2019). "Yemi Alade gives a taste of 'Woman of Steel'". Daily Nation. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ "Yemi Alade launches 'Woman of Steel'". The Star. 17 October 2019. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ Ferdinand Ekechukwu (October 12, 2019). "Yemi Alade Up for Grammy Awards' Consideration". This Day. Archived from the original on 18 March 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- ^ a b c Debola Abimbolu (September 2, 2019). "Yemi Alade shares 'Woman of Steel' album with African romanticizing music video for "Home"". Native. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ a b c Damola Durosomo (September 10, 2019). "Watch Yemi Alade's New Short Film for Her Latest Single 'Home'". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ Damola Durosomo (August 21, 2019). "Watch Yemi Alade's New Music Video for 'Give Dem'". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ Dennis Ade Peter (September 25, 2019). "Yemi Alade's video for "Give Dem" colourfully amps up her diva persona". Native. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ a b c Dennis Ade Peter (October 29, 2019). "Watch Yemi Alade in the cherry video for latest single, "Vibe"". Native. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ Dennis Ade Peter (November 21, 2019). "Yemi Alade reaches for new levels of sexy in New Video for "Shake" featuring Duncan Mighty". Native. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ Damola Durosomo (November 21, 2019). "Watch Yemi Alade's New Music Video for 'Shake' Featuring Duncan Mighty". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ a b Tami Makinde (January 23, 2020). "Yemi Alade is not afraid to get sexy in the New Video for "Remind You"". Native. Archived from the original on 13 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ a b c Damola Durosomo (February 5, 2020). "Angelique Kidjo Joins Yemi Alade In the Vibrant Music Video for 'Shekere'". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 11 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ Debola Abimbolu (February 5, 2020). "Watch Yemi Alade & Angelique Kidjo celebrate in New Video, "Shekere"". Native. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ "Oh My Gosh (Remix) - Single by Yemi Alade". Apple Music. April 30, 2019. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ "Yemi Alade Connects With Rick Ross For 'Oh My Gosh' (Remix)". OkayAfrica. August 29, 2019. Archived from the original on 18 February 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ Damilola Animashaun (30 April 2019). "Watch Yemi Alade & Rick Ross In The Video For Their 'Oh My Gosh' Remix". Konbini. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ "Yemi Alade Connects With Rick Ross For 'Oh My Gosh' (Remix)". OkayAfrica. 2019-04-29. Archived from the original on 2020-02-18. Retrieved 2020-03-21.
- ^ a b Mide Michael (September 11, 2019). "[Album Review] Yemi Alade – Woman of Steel". TooXclusive. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ "Yemi Alade: "Woman of Steel" is the Singer's Best Album Yet". Filter Free Nigeria. September 9, 2019. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- ^ Kolawole Michael (September 24, 2019). "Yemi Alade sparks little light on Woman of Steel". Medium. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ "Woman of Steel by Yemi Alade". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ Adewojumi Aderemi (October 9, 2019). "Yemi Alade Releases Short Film For Her Love Song, 'Home'". Konbini Channels. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ Damola Durosomo (August 8, 2019). "Listen to Yemi Alade's Infectious New Ballad 'Oh My Gosh'". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ Violet Johnson (21 August 2019). "Yemi Alade Unveils Official Artwork And Tracklist For "Woman Of Steel"". Guardian Life. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- ^ "Woman of Steel by Yemi Alade - Credits". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.