AS Afrobeats continues to attract audiences around the world, singer Yemi Eberechi Alade also known as Yemi Alade has offered a message to emerging artistes seeking to build careers beyond Africa: develop an identity that cannot easily be confused with someone else’s.

The ‘Johnny’ hitmaker disclosed this during a chat with The Guardian. She said that “Originality is a bestseller,” hence, it should be at the centre of an artiste’s strategy for achieving international recognition.

Alade’s advice comes as she just released her seventh studio album titled: “It’s Yemi Alade,” a project that itself reflects the principle she is advocating.

She urged young musicians not to be afraid of sounding different or embracing aspects of their artistry that distinguish them from their peers.

According to her, the global expansion of Afrobeats creates opportunities for African artistes, but international visibility should not come at the expense of individual identity.

“It’s so important for every one of us to find our own version of originality and run with it,” she said.

Rather than restricting herself to a single established sound, Alade experimented with different genres and influences, including Kompa, disco, techno-inspired music and rap, while retaining elements of the sounds that have shaped her career.

She also brought together musicians from different African regions, including Nigeria, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The singer said artistes should identify the qualities that make them unique and turn those qualities into strengths.

“Don’t be afraid to sound different; don’t be afraid to be yourself,” she said.

The singer noted that originality is ultimately about creating an identity that audiences can associate with an individual artiste. “Your originality is your special power. It’s what sets you apart, and that’s what the world will remember you for,” Alade added.