King of Queens (album)

Last updated
King of Queens
King of Queens album cover.jpg
Standard edition cover artwork; deluxe edition cover artwork features a different image of Yemi Alade
Studio album by
Released2 October 2014 (2014-10-02)
Recorded2013–2014
Genre
Length70:00
Label Effyzzie Music Group
Producer
  • Selebobo
  • Sizzle Pro
  • Shady Bizniz
  • Philkeyz
  • Young D
  • GospelOnDeBeatz
  • DIL
  • OJB Jezreel
  • Mr Chidoo
  • Fliptyce
  • EL Mcee
  • Beat Nation
Yemi Alade chronology
King of Queens
(2014)
Mama Africa
(2016)
Singles from King of Queens
  1. "Johnny"
    Released: 14 October 2013
  2. "Tangerine"
    Released: 14 April 2014
  3. "Kissing"
    Released: 10 September 2014
  4. "Taking Over Me"
    Released: 21 January 2015
  5. "Temperature"
    Released: 13 March 2015
  6. "Duro Timi"
    Released: 30 July 2015

King of Queens is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Yemi Alade. It was released by Effyzzie Music Group on 2 October 2014. The album was produced by Selebobo, Sizzle Pro, Shady Bizniz, and OJB Jezreel, among others. King of Queens was supported by the singles "Johnny", "Tangerine", "Kissing", "Taking Over Me", "Temperature" and "Duro Timi". The album features guest appearances and skits from Bovi, R2Bees, Phyno, Chidinma, DIL, Selebobo and Diamond Platnumz.

Contents

Alade promoted King of Queens by touring several African countries, including Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. The album's deluxe edition was released in November 2014 and contains French versions of songs originally performed in English. Its cover art was unveiled on 21 October 2014. According to the music platform A Nation of Billions, King of Queens sold over 100,000 copies.

Background and composition

Alade recorded King of Queens between 2013 and 2014. In May 2014, Effyzzie Music Group revealed the album's title and told Nigeria Entertainment Today that it would be released in July 2014. [1] The Daily Times of Nigeria later reported that the album would be released in September 2014. [2] Alade collaborated with producers such as Selebobo, Sizzle Pro, Shady Bizniz, Philkeyz, Young D, GospelOnDeBeatz, DIL, OJB Jezreel, Mr Chidoo, Fliptyce, EL Mcee and Beat Nation. The album features guest appearances and skits from Bovi, R2Bees, Phyno, Chidinma, DIL, Selebobo and Diamond Platnumz. [3] Alade promoted the album by touring several African countries, including Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. [4] [5] The album's deluxe edition was released in November 2014 and contains French versions of songs originally performed in English. Its cover art was unveiled on 21 October 2014. [6] According to the music platform A Nation of Billions, King of Queens sold over 100,000 copies. [7]

King of Queens is a mixture of Afropop, reggae and R&B. In the slow-tempo reggae track "Why", Alade explores her versatility and infuses her personality on the record "Pose". "Duro Timi" is an R&B song with a pop undertone. In the slow cuddle song "Catch You", Alade creates sexual rhythm and raps towards the end. "Money" is a reincarnation of "Johnny". Hausa vibes are included on "I Like". "Sugar" is an electro pop song, while "Fall in Love" is a ballad that pays tribute to R&B of the 1980s. [8] [9]

Singles

The Selebobo-produced track "Johnny", which was released on 14 October 2013, serves as the album's lead single. [10] The music video for the song was uploaded to Alade's Vevo channel on 3 March 2014. It was filmed in Ogun State by Clarence Peters and features cameo appearances from Bovi, Alexx Ekubo and Beverly Osu. [11] Added as a bonus to the album, the French translation of "Johnny" debuted on May 20, 2014. Alade became the first performer from Nigeria to release a song that was performed fully in French when she released the song. [12]

On 14 April 2014, Alade released the album's second single "Tangerine", which was also produced by Selebobo. [13] The song's music video was also filmed by Peters and uploaded to Vevo on 8 July 2014. [14] Prior to releasing the video, Effyzzie Music Group unveiled footage from the video shoot. [5] The album's third single, "Kissing", was released on 10 September 2014. It was produced by Fliptyce and is considered a groovy mid-tempo love song. [9] On 16 October 2014, Effyzzie Music Group released the music video for "Kissing", which was directed by Sesan in London. [15]

"Taking Over Me" was released as the album's fourth single. Its music video was directed by Justin Campos and Taiye Aliyu. [16] On 13 March 2015, Alade released the album's fifth single "Temperature", which features vocals by British-Nigerian singer DIL. The accompanying music video for the song was directed by Ovié Étseyatsé. [17] "Duro Timi" was released as the album's sixth single, and its music video was recorded in London by Ova. [18]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Pulse NigeriaStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg
TooXclusive Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg

King of Queens received generally mixed reviews from music critics. Ayomide Tayo of Pulse Nigeria awarded the album 3.5 stars out of 5, praising Alade for "stamping her authority on so many genres" and commending her for "crafting local pop tracks and delivering slow love songs with a regal glow." [8] Al Yhusuff and Jim Donnett granted the album 3 stars out of 5, calling it "decent" and saying "pressures and some careless choices might have swayed a couple of decisions" on it. [19]

Accolades

King of Queens was nominated for Best R&B/Pop Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2015. [20] The album was also nominated for Album of the Year at the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. [21]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro" (featuring Bovi)Bovi Ugboma0:36
2."Johnny"Yemi Eberechi Alade Selebobo 3:56
3."Why"Alade OJB Jezreel 3:52
4."Pose" (featuring R2Bees)
  • Alade
  • Rashid Mugeez
  • Faisal Hakeem
Young D3:21
5."Duro Timi"AladeSizzle Pro3:44
6."Catch You"AladeShady Bizniz4:00
7."King (Koq) [Interlude]"AladeFliptyce2:13
8."Money"AladeGospelOnDeBeatz3:25
9."I Like"Alade
  • EL Mcee
  • Beat Nation
  • OJB Jezreel
3:56
10."Taking Over Me" (featuring Phyno)
  • Alade
  • Azubuike Nelson
GospelOnDeBeatz3:29
11."Sugar"AladePhilkeyz3:18
12."Selense" (featuring Chidinma)
  • Alade
  • Chidinma Ekile
Mr Chidoo3:13
13."Fall in Love"AladeGospelOnDeBeatz3:54
14."Temperature" (featuring DIL)
  • Alade
  • Dil Anthony Ajufo
DIL 4:00
15."Kissing"AladeFliptyce3:45
16."Tangerine" (featuring Selebobo)
  • Alade
  • Udoka Chigozie Oku
Selebobo3:46
17."Daddy Oyoyo"AladeFliptyce3:41
Deluxe edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
18."Johnny (French Version)"AladeSelebobo3:59
19."Kissing (Remix)" (featuring Diamond Platnumz)
  • Alade
  • Nasibu Juma
Fliptyce3:45
20."Looking at Me"AladeYoung D3:43
Notes

Personnel

Credits adapted from the back cover of King of Queens.

Release history

RegionDateVersionFormatLabelRef
Various2 October 2014StandardEffyzzie Music Group [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cobhams Asuquo</span> Nigerian musician

Cobhams Asuquo is a Nigerian musician, producer, and songwriter. After working as Head of Audio Productions at a local label, Questionmark Entertainment, he set up his own recording facility in 2006. He is the former CEO/Head of Productions of CAMP, which he co-managed with Bez Idakula and Stan Iyke.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darey</span> Nigerian musician

Dare Art Alade, popularly known as Darey, is a Nigerian multi-platinum Afro R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, philanthropist, humanitarian and entrepreneur. He is also the son of the African jazz musician and entertainer Art Alade and the creative director of Livespot360.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flavour (musician)</span> Nigerian singer (born 1983)

Chinedu Okoli, better known by his stage name Flavour N'abania or simply Flavour, is a Nigerian singer. He began his musical career as a drummer for a local church. Flavour is popularly known across Africa and the world for his hit song "Nwa Baby ". He is currently signed to 2nite Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vector (rapper)</span> Nigerian Hip hop artist (born 1984)

Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, better known by his stage name Vector, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He has released three studio albums, including State of Surprise and The Second Coming (2012). In anticipation of his second studio album, he released a mixtape titled Bar Racks. Lafíaji, his third studio album was released in December 2016. He also released a mixtape in October 2018, The Rap Dialogue, in an effort to keep the spirit of Nigerian hip-hop alive. In November 2019, his fourth studio album, Vibes Before Teslim: A Journey to Self-Discovery, was released.

<i>Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come</i> 2013 studio album by Jesse Jagz

Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper and record producer Jesse Jagz. It was released by Jagz Nation on July 10, 2013. The album was primarily produced by Jesse Jagz, along with additional production from Shady Bizniz, Kid Konnect, GuiltyBeatz and Samklef. It has eighteen tracks and features collaborations with 9ice, Wizkid, Brymo, James Maverik and Lindsey Abudei. Musically, Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come is a hip hop and ragga record that incorporates elements of dancehall music. It was supported by the singles "Redemption", "Bad Girl", "Sex & Scotch" and "God on the Mic". The album received generally positive reviews from music critics, who characterized it as a "tour de force" and praised its production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patoranking</span> Nigerian musical artist

Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, better known by his stage name Patoranking, is a Nigerian Afrobeats and reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Ebute Metta community of Lagos, he grew up sharing one room with his parents and five siblings. His modest upbringing and close relationship with his family instilled a drive and determination to create a better future, and led him to music He started his music career doing underground collaborations, with artists such as XProject, Konga, Slam and Reggie Rockstone. He signed a record deal with K-Solo's Igberaga Records in 2010, releasing "Up in D Club" under the outfit. Patoranking became a protégé of Dem Mama Records after collaborating with Timaya on his song "Alubarika". In February 2014, he signed a record deal with Foston Musik and released "Girlie O", a single that put him in the limelight. On 9 February 2015, Patoranking announced on Instagram that he signed a distribution deal with VP Records. on September 28 Patoranking released a song titled Abule which he released ahead of his album scheduled to be released later in 2020. He once said, in 2020 that he once got inspiration for song on a football pitch while playing football.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yemi Alade</span> Nigerian singer and songwriter (born 1989)

Yemi Eberechi Alade, better known as Yemi Alade, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, actress and activist. Her music is a mixture of Afropop, highlife, dancehall, pop and R&B, and has been of influence in several countries across Africa. She sings in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili and Portuguese.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnny (Yemi Alade song)</span> 2013 single by Yemi Alade

"Johnny" is a song recorded by Nigerian Afro pop recording artist Yemi Alade, taken from her debut studio album King of Queens (2014). The song was an international smash hit in many countries including Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, The United Kingdom and others. The music video was directed by Clarence Peters. Before the song was released, it was leaked over the internet.

The Headies 2014 was the ninth edition of The Headies. It took place on 14 December 2014, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed "Feel the Passion", the show was hosted by Toke Makinwa and Basketmouth. It was initially scheduled to hold on 25 October 2014. Bovi was initially announced as one of the hosts, but ended up not hosting due to him being booked for another show. On 30 September 2014, nominations were announced during a press briefing at the HipTV office in Allen, Lagos. Kcee, Olamide and Phyno led the nominations with five each. Tiwa Savage, Oritse Femi and The Mavins followed closely with four apiece. Yemi Alade was nominated for Song of the Year, Best Pop Single and Next Rated. Olamide, Patoranking and Davido each took home two awards apiece. Don Jazzy won the Producer of the Year plaque, while Sir Victor Uwaifo received the Hall of Fame recognition.

<i>Tabula Rasa</i> (Brymo album) 2014 studio album by Brymo

Tabula Rasa is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo, independently released on October 30, 2014. It is the follow-up to his third studio album, Merchants, Dealers & Slaves (2013), and the second album released since the Federal High Court of Lagos lifted Chocolate City's injunction against him. The album's lyrical content explores the recurring theme of freedom. Tabula Rasa was supported the singles "Fe Mi", "1 Pound", and "Ję Lé O Sinmi". Critical reception to the album was overwhelmingly positive, with several critics characterizing it as a "must have for music lovers".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DIL (musician)</span> British-Nigerian singer

Dil Anthony Ajufo aka Mr DiL is a British-Nigerian singer and record producer. He is also a film editor, audio sound engineer and AMVCA nominee known for his work on Sugar Rush, Nneka The Pretty Serpent, Introducing The Kuju’s and The Order Of Things. In music, He is best known for his 2019 sound track to the Kasanova movie Don’t Let Go and his song Pretty Girls featuring Iyanya. His previous work includes his collaboration with Yemi Alade on the popular song Temperature. as well as production and collaboration credits with artists including Wizkid Red Rhythm Boyz II Men, Leona Lewis, Michelle Williams Electric Giant Beatz and more. He won a silver sales award for his work on the Lavelle smith Bodylicious soundtrack. His production company is called Trakk Studios and his film credits include Sugar Rush, Kasanova, Nneka the Pretty Serpent, Clued Up and more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Falz</span> Nigerian rapper (born 1990)

Folarin Falana, better known by his stage name Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter and actor who began his career while in secondary school after forming a group called The School Boys with his friend before his professional career as a music artist began in 2009. Falz became more well-known after releasing the song "Marry Me" featuring vocals from Poe and Yemi Alade.

Augustine Miles Kelechi Okechukwu, popularly known as Tekno, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. His song “Enjoy” was the closing song in an episode of the Emmy-winning TV series Ted Lasso.

<i>Mama Africa</i> (Yemi Alade album) 2016 studio album by Yemi Alade

Mama Africa is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Yemi Alade. It was released on March 25, 2016, by Effyzzie Music Group. The album is the follow-up to her debut studio album, King of Queens (2014), and features guest appearances from P-Square, Sarkodie, Sauti Sol, Flavour N'abania, Rotimi Keys, DJ Arafat and Selebobo. Mama Africa was produced by GospelOnDeBeatz, DJ Coublon, Selebobo, Philkeyz, BeatsByEmzo, Masterkraft, Rotimi Keys and Mr. Chidoo. It was supported by the singles "Na Gode", "Do As I Do", "Ferrari", "Kom Kom", "Africa" and "Tumbum". The album's deluxe edition features collaborations with South African musicians Bucie and AKA. Mama Africa won World Beat at the 2017 Independent Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Selebobo</span> Nigerian singer and songwriter

Udoka Chigozie Oku, also known by his stage name Selebobo, is a Nigerian singer and a songwriter. Formerly signed to Made Men Music Group. Selebobo is most known for his singles, "Yoyo', "Selfie", and "Waka Waka". He has also collaborated with Flavour N'abania, Yemi Alade, Tekno Miles, Emma Nyra, and Iyanya. He was also a nominee of the Producer of the Year category at 2018 The Headies.

<i>Woman of Steel</i> (album) 2019 studio album by Yemi Alade

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. Described by Alade as a "buffet with different kinds of meals and drinks", the album represents a thematic and personal shift in her sound. Musically, it is an Afrobeats record 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". Although critical reception to Woman of Steel was mixed, the album was considered to be Alade's best album yet.

<i>Black Magic</i> (Yemi Alade album) 2017 studio album by Yemi Alade

Black Magic is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Yemi Alade, released by Effyzzie Music Group on December 15, 2017. A follow-up to her 2017 extended play Mama Afrique, the album features guest appearances from Falz and Olamide. Black Magic was made available for pre-order in November 2017. Prior to disclosing its title, Alade posted the acronym BM on social media and wanted her fans to guess its meaning. The album was produced by DJ Coublon, Vtek, Sarz, Krizbeatz, Young D, Sess, Fliptyce, IAmBeat, Philkeyz, 2Kriss and Echo. It was supported by the singles "Knack Am", "Single & Searching", "Heart Robber", "Bum Bum", and "Kpirim". Black Magic received generally negative reviews from music critics, who panned its lyrics and Alade's songwriting.

<i>Empress</i> (album) 2020 studio album by Yemi Alade

Empress is the fifth studio album by Yemi Alade. It was released through her label Effyzzie Music Group on 20 November 2020. It features guest appearances from French singers Dadju and Vegedream; her colleagues from Nigeria, Patoranking and Rudeboy; British Grammy-winning singer Estelle; and Mzansi Youth Choir from South Africa. It is an afrobeat record with 15 tracks that incorporates elements of gospel music, couple decale, soul, pop, dancehall and highlife; all afro.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yemi Alade discography</span> Discography

Nigerian singer Yemi Alade's discography consists of five studio albums, two extended plays, fifty-nine singles, four promotional singles, fifty-two music videos, and two cameo appearances.

<i>Big Girl</i> (Seyi Shay album) 2021 studio album by Seyi Shay

Big Girl is the second studio album by Nigerian R&B singer Seyi Shay. It was released on 10 December 2021, by Stargurl Limited. It was produced by Bruno Spiritual-Vibes, Kel-P, Dr. Amir, and GuiltyBeatz. The album was executive produced by Stargurl Limited, and Jones Worldwide, alongside co-executive producer Kel-P.

References

  1. Alonge, Osagie (25 May 2014). "Yemi Alade names debut album 'King of Queens'..." Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 25 September 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  2. Opeoluwani, Akintayo (9 September 2014). "Yemi Alde's 'King of Queens' Coming Up!". Daily Times of Nigeria. Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  3. "Yemi Alade Unveil the cover of her debut album 'King of Queens'". TMZ Africa. 8 October 2014. Archived from the original on 21 November 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  4. Anozie, Egole (11 July 2014). "Yemi Alade tours Kenya". Vanguard. Archived from the original on 7 September 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  5. 1 2 Akande, Victor (6 July 2014). "Yemi Alade shoots Tangerine video". The Nation. Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  6. Ayomide, Tayo (21 October 2014). "Singer To Release 'King Of Queens' Deluxe Version". Pulse. Archived from the original on 30 May 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  7. Akua Ofei (10 May 2017). "How Yemi Alade Run the World". A Nation of Billions. Archived from the original on 5 May 2019. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  8. 1 2 Tayo, Ayomide (23 October 2014). "Yemi Alade - King Of Queens". Pulse. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  9. 1 2 "New Music: Yemi Alade – Kissing". Bellanaija. 10 September 2014. Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  10. "Yemi Alade – Johnny (Prod. By Selebobo)". NotjustOk. 14 October 2013. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  11. Donnett, Jim (4 March 2014). "Teen Y! Music Video: Johnny by Yemi Alade". YNaija. Archived from the original on 14 October 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  12. "Yemi Alade – Johnny (French Version)". NotjustOk. 20 May 2014. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  13. "Yemi Alade – Tangerine (Prod. Selebobo)". NotjustOk. 14 April 2014. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  14. Babatunde, Omololu (9 July 2014). "Yemi Alade 'Tangerine'". Okay Africa. Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  15. Ade-Unuigbe, Desola (16 October 2014). "New Video: Yemi Alade – Kissing". Bellanaija. Archived from the original on 30 October 2014. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
  16. "VIDEO: Yemi Alade – Taking Over Me ft. Phyno". NotjustOk. 3 February 2015. Archived from the original on 7 February 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  17. Sanusi, Hassan (13 March 2015). "VIDEO: Yemi Alade feat. Dil – 'Temperature'". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 15 March 2015. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
  18. "Yemi Alade shoots video for 'Duro Timi'". Pulse. January 13, 2015. Archived from the original on 7 February 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  19. Donnett Jim (14 October 2014). "Album Review: Yemi Alade – King of Queens #KOQ". Tooxclusive. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  20. Adeleke, Shayo (30 September 2015). "The Headies Awards 2015– Full Nominees List". 36NG. Archived from the original on 21 January 2016. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  21. "The Nigeria Entertainment Awards Announce 2015 Nominees". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 3 June 2017. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
  22. "King of Queens by Yemi Alade". itunes.apple.com. iTunes. 2 October 2014. Archived from the original on 6 December 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.