African culture is beautiful and what better way to portray it than through music? Well, that is exactly what Nigerian Afropop singer Yemi Alade has done in her new track with four-time Grammy Award winner singer Angelique Kidjo.
The jam dubbed Shekere, which is the African version of a tambourine, is the sixth single from Yemi Alade’s Woman Of Steel album which features international stars including American rapper Rick Ross.
Interestingly, the track, which is currently topping continental charts, came about when Angelique Kidjo asked Yemi Alade to revamp her 1996 classic hit dubbed Wombo Lombo.
As expected, Shekere is a masterpiece. That is what happens when a certified legend and a pacesetter collaborate. All aspects of this jam are glorious and epic.
I have listened to this track a couple of times since it was released and every time I play it, it’s like I am hearing it for the very first time. I can’t say this enough but it’s really infectious.
I don’t need to tell you this but Yemi Alade and Angelique Kidjo have the most glorious voices that you will ever hear, I am not even exaggerating but the truth is that they sound very pleasant to the ears.
As Shekere begins, Yemi emotively sings in English and Yoruba before progressing into a stellar duet with the iconic Angelique who also sings in her native Benin dialect and it’s the most beautiful thing that you’ll ever hear.
The instrumentation in this song is also impeccable. Perhaps its most amazing aspect is that it borrows a lot from the traditional West African sound.
I love everything about the video. From the Ankara attires and jewelry, the traditional dancers, Maasai warriors, the shoot location i.e. Massai Mara National Park, everything is just on point.
Watch Shekere below and tell us what you think. Enjoy!