‘PROMISE’, as featured in Not Just OK, is the cosmopolitan new single from Manchester-based afropop and R&B newcomer YETUNDE. Embarking on a musical journey that transcends borders, the new single from Lagos-born and Liverpool-raised Yetunde is a vibrant, cross-cultural love song that blends feel-good afrobeats rhythms with contemporary pop influences, characterized by its playful, fun, and innovative approach to storytelling and music-making. This track is a sonic embodiment of Yetunde’s diverse heritage, combining the lively spirit of Lagos with the nuanced stylings of the UK music scene. Starting with an African-inspired chant, ‘Promise’ then transitions into a chorus that showcases Yetunde’s penchant for modern pop music, creating a unique and harmonious blend that is both refreshing and familiar.
On ‘Promise’, Yetunde captures the essence of new love’s exhilarating yet chaotic nature. The song narrates the story of falling deeply for someone while maintaining a sense of self, a theme that resonates with many. Yetunde’s artistry shines through in her ability to weave these universal emotions into her music, making ‘Promise’ not just a song, but an experience that listeners can relate to and revel in. The track is not only an introduction to her artistry but also a bold statement about the evolving nature of afrobeats. Yetunde sees this genre as an ever-expanding canvas, ready to embrace new interpretations and sounds, with ‘Promise’ serving as a perfect example of her vision for its future.
Speaking about the inspiration behind her new single ‘Promise’, Yetunde says, “It’s a song about falling hopelessly for someone whilst trying to keep both feet firmly on the ground! It’s fun and playful, and represents that often messy part of when you first meet someone and want to let go completely, but you also worry about the outcome. This is a feel-good love song inspired by my roots in Lagos. It is such a lively and bustling city where music and dancing form a huge part of the culture, so for me, I want this song to reflect what love in Lagos feels like. Growing up in the UK, I was exposed to a lot of British pop music, which does influence my writing too, and I feel that ‘Promise’ demonstrates that perfectly. For example, I start the song with an African inspired chant that leads into the first verse, however by the time you get to the chorus, you can hear some of the pop influences that inspire my writing”.
In her artistic journey, British Nigerian newcomer Yetunde weaves enchanting melodies that effortlessly captivate and resonate with audiences. Her roots trace back to Lagos, Nigeria – the cradle of afrobeats music – and extend to Liverpool, the iconic home of The Beatles. This fusion of diverse cultural influences has shaped Yetunde’s distinct musical identity, blending an array of styles into a sound that is unmistakably hers. Drawing inspiration from a spectrum of legendary artists, from Fela Kuti and The Beatles to Wizkid, SZA, and Stevie Wonder, Yetunde’s songwriting prowess is marked by its versatility and depth. Her approach to crafting songs is a delicate balance between artistic expression and meticulous technique, traversing various genres with ease and finesse.
Yetunde’s new offering ‘Promise’ is a heartfelt dialogue between her inner thoughts and emotions, encapsulating themes of life, love, and longing with a subtly sensual touch. This melodic narrative is set against a backdrop of genres spanning pop, R&B, afrobeats, and even country music, inviting listeners to embark on a journey through her introspective and emotive landscape. Defying conventional labels, Yetunde’s music is an expression of her creative freedom and bold individuality. With a presence that commands attention both in the studio and on stage, she authentically melds her eclectic influences. As an ambitious and charismatic artist, Yetunde is poised to make her mark on the global music scene, unafraid to break norms and showcase her raw, unfiltered talent to the world.
CONNECT WITH YETUNDE: Instagram – Twitter – Tiktok
MEDIA & PRESS: Please direct all inquiries to Ayo Adepoju: [email protected]
