Yemi Alade recalls losing voice before Beyoncé album recording
Yemi Alade revealed she lost her voice just before recording for Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift album, sharing the story on CNN African Voices.
Alade explained that she flew into Los Angeles to work on two tracks for the album. A day before her scheduled studio session, she visited the recording studio to meet the production team and prepare for her big moment. However, the next morning brought an unexpected and terrifying setback.
“I woke up, and I couldn’t speak,” she said, recalling the moment. “All I could hear in my head was the effort, but nothing came out. I couldn’t voice a single word.”
The Shock and Despair
The sudden loss of her voice left Alade both shocked and discouraged. She described the experience as deeply unsettling, given the importance of the opportunity. “It was like my body was betraying me at the worst possible time,” she shared.
Despite the panic, Alade knew she couldn’t give up. The clock was ticking, and the pressure was immense. She decided to turn to her trusted vocal recovery routine, a method she had used in the past to overcome minor voice issues.
The Road to Recovery
Alade quickly sprang into action. She relied on warm water, Vitamin C, ginger, and herbal teas to soothe her vocal cords. She also made sure to stay warm and rested her voice as much as possible.
“It wasn’t just about physical recovery,” she said. “I had to believe I could get my voice back. I kept telling myself, ‘This is not the end.’”
Thankfully, her determination paid off. By the time her recording session arrived, her voice had returned.
A Remarkable Comeback
With her voice restored, Alade delivered an outstanding performance in the studio. She recorded two tracks for the album: the electrifying Don’t Jealous Me and a verse for an early version of My Power. Both songs became fan favorites, showcasing her powerful vocals and unique style.
Reflecting on the experience, Alade couldn’t help but inject humour into what was a nerve-wracking ordeal. She jokingly blamed her vocal troubles on her “village people,” a lighthearted Nigerian expression often used to describe mysterious setbacks.
Gratitude and Growth
Despite the scare, Alade emerged from the experience stronger and more grateful than ever. She expressed her deep appreciation for the opportunity to work with Beyoncé and contribute to such a groundbreaking project.
“I give all the glory to God,” she said. “This could have gone differently, but I’m thankful it didn’t. It was a reminder that challenges can’t stop you if you keep pushing forward.”
The collaboration on The Lion King: The Gift marked a major milestone in Alade’s career, propelling her further into the global spotlight. The album, celebrated for its fusion of African sounds and star-studded lineup, was widely praised and cemented Beyoncé’s dedication to amplifying African voices.
A Lesson in Resilience
Alade’s story is not just a tale of triumph in the face of adversity; it’s a lesson in resilience and faith. Losing her voice at such a crucial time could have been a career-defining failure, but she turned it into a defining success.
Fans and fellow artists have drawn inspiration from her ability to overcome the odds. For Alade, the experience serves as a reminder to stay prepared, keep faith, and never lose sight of one’s goals, no matter the obstacles.
As she continues to break barriers in the music industry, Yemi Alade’s story stands as a powerful example of perseverance and determination, proving that even in moments of crisis, greatness is still within reach.
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