Afro-house, a sub-genre of house music originating from South Africa, has seen fewer Nigerian artists consciously embrace and champion its sound compared to Afrobeats sub-genres. Among the leading voices is Niniola, often dubbed the Queen of Afro-house. Now, a new generation of artists, inspired by predecessors like Niniola, are contributing to the genre, including the emerging talent, Yimeeka.
Born Olayinka Owoseni, Yimeeka is a Nigerian underground artist whose powerful, yet delicate vocals create otherworldly melodies, making her a significant force in the Afro-house scene. Her musical journey began in the church choir at the age of 12, culminating in her professional debut with the “Alter Ego” EP in 2022. The bedroom-produced EP blended Afro-R&B and Afro-Pop, showcasing Yimeeka’s dual talent as both producer and artist. It also featured notable collaborations with Pheelz (whom she considers her best friend and a major influence), D1wav, and Joyce Olong.
Yimeeka views music as a form of raw emotional expression, and each release is an intimate encounter with her thoughts and feelings, woven into expertly crafted productions. In August 2023, she released the two-track single “Issues/Tsunami,” marking her first foray into Afro-house. The execution and delivery of this project immediately established Yimeeka as a rising figure in the Nigerian Afro-house landscape. This was followed by a self-titled, six-track Afro-house EP in April 2024, a confident statement that she had found her distinct sound. Seven months later, she reinforced this notion with another EP, this time in collaboration with producer BLACK CULTURE.
On ‘INÓ,’ as with her previous work, Yimeeka explores themes of love, heartbreak, and life, often enveloped in Afro-house rhythms, with the strength of her melodies sometimes overshadowing the narrative. Whether driven by sheer passion or a deep connection to traditional percussion, Yimeeka is no doubt poised to become a key figure redefining the sound of Afro-house in Nigeria and beyond.
