Award-winning Nigerian music powerhouse Yemi Alade is back with a refreshing and uplifting new single ‘Mbali’ – which means “Far” in Swahili, is available for streaming now on all major platforms.
The feel-good track is a sonic exhale – light, breezy and deeply resonant with fans navigating a fast-paced world.
Released via Effyzie Music, ‘Mbali’ marks her second solo drop of the year and sees the Nigerian superstar embracing the need for distance from stress, pressure and negativity, while inviting listeners to unwind, recharge and dance.
Yemi Alade shared the track’s inspiration and vibe, saying: “‘Mbali’ is the song you play to live your life – after a long day’s job, when you’re starting your morning or when it’s time to party the African way. It’s about choosing joy, claiming your space and protecting your mental peace.”
A smooth blend of Afro-pop rhythms and soul-soothing melodies, ‘Mbali’ was produced by Yasso, same hit producer of Yemi’s GRAMMY-nominated single ‘Tomorrow’ off her Rebel Queen album (2024).
In ‘Mbali’, the two collaborators don’t shy away from similar themes inspired by the universal desire to escape and reconnect with one’s peace of mind.
‘Mbali’ follows the success of Yemi Alade’s previous release, ‘My Padi’ and continues to build anticipation for her forthcoming album, currently in the works. With ‘Mbali’, she reminds fans why she remains at the forefront of contemporary African music, boldly defining joy, identity and resilience on her own terms.
Having performed at AFCON opening ceremony to iconic stages set by the United Nations and Global Citizen to the British Royal Family, Yemi Alade’s consistent global rise has cemented her as one of Africa’s most celebrated and influential voices.
With ‘Mbali’, she once again demonstrates her versatility and unmatched ability to blend meaningful messages with feel-good sounds that cross borders and cultures.
Her discography includes Rebel Queen (2024), Mamapiano EP (2023), African Baddie (2022), Queendoncom (2021), Empress (2020), Woman of Steel (2019), Black Magic & Deluxe Version (2017), ‘Mama Afrique EP’ (2017), Mama Africa – The Diary of an African Woman (2016) and King of Queens (2014).
She was also featured in Beyoncé’s compilation album The Lion King: The Gift on ‘Don’t Jealous Me’.
She was the first African female Afro-pop star to hit over 100 million views on YouTube and VEVO with her smash hit single ‘Johnny’, which is also one of the most viewed music videos from Africa and among Afrobeats biggest songs of all time (declared by Billboard, Apple Music and Spotify).
In 2023, Yemi scooped The Best Music Video award for ‘Baddie’ at the inaugural Trace Awards. She also won MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) for Best Female 2015 and 2016.
In 2020, she became a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, adding to her long list of responsibilities which include her own charity named James and Helen PathWay Foundation (named after her mother and father).
