Black Magic
Yemi Alade · 2017
71 min · 19 tracks · African popular music
A vibrant fusion of Afropop rhythms and contemporary R&B grooves, showcasing Yemi Alade's dynamic vocal range.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Single & Searching — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hook and engaging narrative about navigating love and relationships in a modern context.
-
→
Wonder Woman — Celebrating female empowerment, this track combines infectious rhythms with lyrics that highlight strength and resilience, resonating widely with listeners.
-
→
Bum Bum — With its danceable beat and playful lyrics, this song became a viral hit, exemplifying Alade's ability to blend fun with cultural commentary.
-
→
Kpirim — Showcasing a mix of traditional African sounds with modern pop elements, this track highlights Alade's versatility and commitment to her roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends Afropop and R&B effectively but has some uneven pacing in its lengthy tracklist.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a lively tone, maintaining an upbeat tempo for the first half before introducing slower songs.
- Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing engagement and interaction with listeners.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady groove for dancing
- empowering anthems for celebration
- infectious rhythms for socializing
- uplifting energy for workouts
- feel-good vibes for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- slow-paced introspective moments
- minimalist soundscapes and silence
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on December 15, 2017, 'Black Magic' is Yemi Alade's third studio album following her acclaimed project 'Mama Africa.' At this point in her career, Alade had solidified her presence in the African music scene after achieving significant commercial success with hit singles and international recognition, positioning her as a leading figure in Afropop.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tiwa Savage· Waje· Simi
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Single & Searching 3:39
- 2 You 4:01
- 3 Kpirim 3:53
- 4 Mon Lo 4:18
- 5 Bum Bum 3:39
- 6 Mr. Stamina 3:43
- 7 Yaba Left 3:39
- 8 Wonder Woman 3:58
- 9 Talku Talku 3:46
- 10 Heart Robber 3:46
- 11 Bread and Butter 3:45
- 12 Sky Scrapper 3:31
- 13 Jantolo 3:59
- 14 Stronger 3:34
- 15 Knack Am 3:34
- 16 Wiggle 3:38
- 17 Right Now 3:31
- 18 Calé 3:38
- 19 Go Down 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.