Imagine travelling halfway across the world, ready to record for one of the most iconic artists of your generation, only to wake up and find your voice gone.
This was the reality Nigerian music star Yemi Alade faced when she was invited to feature on Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s groundbreaking album, The Lion King: The Gift.
In a candid interview with Larry Madowo on CNN African Voices, Yemi Alade shared how the experience unfolded. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, the singer, brimming with excitement, visited the studio to familiarize herself with the team a day before her scheduled recording session.
Everything seemed on track until the following morning when an unexpected setback threatened to derail her moment.
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“I woke up and realized I couldn’t speak,” Yemi recalled. “All I could hear in my head was an effort, but no words came out.”
She described the panic of trying to form words but being unable to. Left with no other choice, the Mama Africa hitmaker relied on pen and paper to communicate.
At that moment, doubt began to creep in. “I almost gave up,” she admitted. But Yemi decided to fight back, leaning on her tried-and-true vocal remedies: warm water, Vitamin C, ginger, herbal teas, and layers of warmth.
After hours of persistence, her voice returned enough for her to head into the studio.
With determination and a voice still recovering, Yemi successfully recorded two songs for Beyoncé’s album, cementing her place in the monumental project.
Reflecting on the experience, she lightheartedly remarked, “My village people didn’t want me on that album, but thankfully, God had other plans!”
Yemi Alade’s contribution to The Lion King: The Gift includes the track “Don’t Jealous Me,” where she shines alongside fellow Nigerian stars Mr Eazi and Tekno.
The album, inspired by the themes of Disney’s The Lion King, was celebrated for its rich blend of African talent and global appeal.
In addition, Rolling Stone revealed that Yemi also recorded a verse for an earlier version of “My Power.”
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