Yemi Alade, Bien reunite for new single ‘Don’t Be Shy’

Released through Effyzzie Music, the track serves as the lead single from Yemi Alade’s forthcoming self-titled album, It's Yemi Alade, which is expected to be released later this year.

Produced by Nigerian producer De Yaso and Kenyan producer Kobby Worldwide, ‘Don’t Be Shy’ combines Afro-R&B influences with elements of Kompa. The song explores themes of attraction, confidence and emotional openness through a duet between the two artists.

“I have always loved the soulfulness of Bien’s music and working with him on this record was so easy. Music has always been about emotion and connection for me,” Alade said. “And I feel like in ‘Don’t Be Shy’ we are both being playful, confident and honest, in expressing feelings when you’re into someone. It’s a great jam to dance to, but also warm and intimate. I hope you all love it as much as we do.”

Bien described the collaboration as a natural creative process: “Working with Yemi was an incredible experience because the energy felt natural from the beginning. ‘Don’t Be Shy’ is about confidence, chemistry and enjoying the moment. We want you to just feel good and loosen up when this song comes on,” he said.

The new release continues a working relationship between the two artists that dates back to Alade's collaboration with Kenyan group Sauti Sol on the song Africa. Their subsequent collaborations have included a Swahili version of Alade’s ‘Nagode’ and Alade’s contribution to a remix of Bien’s ‘All My Enemies Are Suffering’.

It’s Yemi Alade will be the singer’s 11th music project and is scheduled for release ahead of a planned showcase in Paris later this year.

Alade, one of Africa's most commercially successful recording artists, has built an international following through a catalogue that spans Afropop, R&B and Afro-fusion. Bien, who rose to prominence as a member of Sauti Sol before launching a solo career, has also established himself as one of East Africa's leading contemporary artists.

The release of ‘Don’t Be Shy’ offers an early indication of the musical direction of Alade’s forthcoming album.

Contributors: Lebogang Masilela and Mlungisi Mtsi