Nigerian music superstar Yemi Alade has made a powerful return to the music scene with the release of her latest single, titled 'Shawa Shawa'. The track marks a significant artistic evolution for the celebrated singer, blending diverse musical influences into a fresh and captivating sound.
A Vibrant Fusion of Sounds
The new single is a bright and colourful musical offering that masterfully combines the core elements of contemporary Afropop with the timeless flavours of calypso and highlife music. This fusion is wrapped in Yemi Alade's signature vocal prowess, creating a track that is both thought-provoking and danceable. The production was handled by her longtime collaborator, the Grammy-nominated musician and audio engineer DeeYasso.
'Shawa Shawa' was officially released on Thursday, November 13 under her record label, Effyzzie Music. The song serves as the exciting capstone to an incredibly eventful year for the 'Johnny' hitmaker. Her 2025 began with a major career milestone: her first solo Grammy award nomination.
Capping Off a Landmark Year
Beyond the Grammy nod, Yemi Alade's year featured two prestigious cover stories with Forbes Africa and OkayAfrica. She also delivered a series of chart-topping singles that became instant fan favourites, including 'Worry' featuring Fave, 'My Padi', and 'Mbali'. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through with the successful launch of her bold cosmetics brand, Yem Beauty.
Speaking on the inspiration behind 'Shawa Shawa', Yemi Alade explained that the song reflects on everyday life and touches on one of the world's oldest professions. "'Shawa Shawa' takes you back to the basics of celebrating the roots of African culture," she said. "Many stories have been told through this medium and that was exactly my goal when I wrote this song."
Setting the Stage for 2026
With its radiant soundscape, unforgettable chorus, and relatable storytelling, 'Shawa Shawa' reaffirms Yemi Alade's status as a prolific artist and a standard-bearer for African pop music. More importantly, the single acts as the first official tease for her highly anticipated seventh studio album, set to arrive in 2026.
The upcoming album will be accompanied by her second world tour in less than three years, promising to bring her dynamic performances to a global audience once again. The song's groove is warm and percussive, with instant hooks and candid narratives that invite listeners to dance while reflecting on communal truths.
Yemi Alade's award-winning discography already includes six critically acclaimed albums, four stellar EPs, and a plethora of essential hit singles like 'Johnny', 'Baddie', and 'Ferrari'. With 'Shawa Shawa', she continues to solidify her reputation as one of the biggest and most innovative female Afropop artists on the African continent.
