Nigerian singer Yemi Alade has released a new single, You Are, ahead of the animated series Iyanu. The song, produced by Lion Forge Entertainment and Alcon Sleeping Giant, serves as the official theme for the upcoming show, which is based on Nigerian mythology.
The song is accompanied by a lyric video featuring animations from Iyanu, giving fans a glimpse of what to expect from the series. Alade, known for her Afropop sound and energetic delivery, describes You Are as an anthem of strength, self-discovery, and destiny.
The Meaning Behind You Are
Alade has positioned You Are as a track that embodies resilience and empowerment. “Music has always been a powerful way to tell our stories, and You Are speaks to our strength and divine power. It’s an anthem for anyone discovering their own greatness,” she said.
The song was co-written by Alade alongside Grammy-nominated producer Michael Hodges, Kayla Morrison, Gerald Trottman, and Ghian Wright. Hodges, who has worked on major projects in the industry, praised Alade’s contribution, calling her the perfect artist to deliver the message of the track.
A Strategic Collaboration for Iyanu
Iyanu is an animated series adapted from the graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Nigerian writer and filmmaker Roye Okupe. The show follows a teenage girl who discovers she has divine powers and is destined to save her people. Rooted in Yoruba mythology, the series is part of a growing effort to bring African stories to the global entertainment landscape.
Okupe, who serves as the executive producer and showrunner, sees You Are as an extension of the show’s core themes. “Seeing Iyanu come to life has been a dream realized. Yemi Alade’s You Are perfectly captures the essence of the show—strength, resilience, and the magic of our heritage,” he said.
Production and Musical Style
The collaboration between Alade and Iyanu’s creators reflects a growing trend of African musicians crossing into other forms of media. You Are blends Afropop with cinematic orchestration, aiming to bridge the gap between music and storytelling.
Alade, who has built her career on energetic performances and multilingual delivery, brings her signature style to the song. She sings in a mix of English and Nigerian dialects, aligning with the cultural themes of the series.
When will the Iyanu series premiere?
The animated series Iyanu is set for release in 2025. In the United States, it will premiere on Cartoon Network and Max, while Showmax will handle distribution across 44 African countries. So when exactly is the series coming out?
Cartoon Network Premiere: April 5th 2025
Max Premiere: April 6th 2025
Showmax Premiere: June 13th in 44 African countries
The show’s cast includes a mix of established and emerging Nigerian actors, with Serah Johnson voicing the lead role of Iyanu. Other cast members include Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello.
Who Is Yemi Alade?
Yemi Alade is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer widely recognized as one of Africa’s top female artists. Born Yemi Eberechi Alade on March 13, 1989, in Abia State, Nigeria, she rose to fame in 2009 after winning the Peak Talent Show. However, it was her 2014 hit song Johnny that catapulted her to international fame, becoming one of the most viewed African music videos on YouTube at the time.
Over the years, Alade has released multiple albums, including King of Queens (2014), Mama Africa (2016), and Woman of Steel (2019), blending Afropop, highlife, R&B, and dancehall. She is known for her vibrant stage presence, cultural pride, and ability to sing in multiple languages, including English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili, and Portuguese.
Beyond music, Alade has been involved in advocacy, particularly in promoting African culture and women’s empowerment. She has worked with international organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and has been vocal about African representation in global entertainment.
Her involvement in Iyanu is in line with her commitment to showcasing African stories and promoting cultural heritage on a global stage.
What You Are Means for Iyanu
With You Are, Iyanu gets an early push in anticipation of its release. The song, designed to set the tone for the series, serves as a promotional tool to generate interest among both Alade’s fan base and potential viewers of the show.
For Alade, the collaboration adds to her portfolio of cross-media projects. Whether You Are gains traction beyond the show remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Iyanu is banking on her name to boost its visibility.
As the series approaches its release, the real test will be whether it can live up to the expectations set by its source material and whether its themes resonate with a broad audience. Until then, You Are offers a preview of the kind of storytelling Iyanu aims to deliver.
