Yemi Alade, Angelique Kidjo celebrate Africa in vibrant music video, Shekere

Johnny crooner, Yemi Alade and legendary Beninese singer cum multiple Grammy medalist, Angelique Kidjo joined forces to celebrate the African continent in the vibrant music video for Shekere, a new offering from Yemi Alade.

The music video, which opens with a shot of Maasai warriors, is a colorful celebration of the continent. The memorable collaboration is from Alade’s latest album, Woman of Steel.

The upbeat song, named after the tambourine-like instrument played in various regions of the continent. It also includes interpolations of Kidjo’s 1996 classic Wombo Lombo. Both Alade and Kidjo deliver feel-good lyrics in English and Yoruba over the song’s string-filled production.

Directed by Ovie Etseyatse, the song sees the artistes highlighting various African cultures through dance and dress. Alade can be seen in various beaded looks and ankara prints, while Kidjo dons an eye-catching Zulu headdress.

Kidjo won her fourth Grammy last month, during which she gave an acceptance speech about the importance of supporting the new generation of artistes emerging from the continent.

“The new generation of artists coming from Africa are going to take you by storm and the time has come,” she said.

Alade had in previous video for Remind You, featured star Beninese actor Djimoun Hounsou. She dropped Woman of Steel in August of last year, and hailed Kidjo as one of her biggest musical inspirations in an interview with OkayAfrica, also adding that “Shekere” had been two years in the making.

“It’s my favorite because I finally got to work with someone that inspired me while growing up and still inspires me, and is still achieving heights that I want to achieve as an African woman,” she said.