Yemi Love began her professional career in 2003, performing under the name Ibiyemi.
Yemi Love is a Nigerian/American vocalist and songwriter with a rich, distinctive and soulful voice, known and loved by connoisseurs of urban contemporary soul for delivering lyrics exploring the various dimensions to love.
Yemi Love began her professional career in 2003, performing under the name “Ibiyemi”.
In July 2004, Yemi Love gave her first major solo performance, singing the Nigerian National anthem at a ceremony organized by the United States’ mission in Nigeria to celebrate the 228th Independence ceremony of the United States.
More performances followed, leading up to a year- long residency at the Le Meridien Hotel Abuja (now Nicon Luxury Hotel)—performing three nights a week before appreciative audiences. Also, the privilege of performing the Nigerian national anthem at the May 2007 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.
Soon after, Yemi Love embarked on a career as a recording artiste, releasing the singles “Can You Love Me?” and “Ma se bo se to” on her independent “Brownestone Productions” label.
Both songs proved popular with audiences, with “Can You Love Me?” featured on the soundtrack to the November Movies production “Caught In The Middle” and also adopted as the theme song for the popular television soap opera “168”, which aired on nationwide television. Opportunities to perform alongside world acclaimed artists, including Asa and multiple Grammy award nominee Femi Kuti soon followed.
August 2010 saw the release of Yemi Love’s debut album “Love Always Wins”.
Powered by the hit single, “Don’t Leave Me” (which was nominated for “Best Vocal Performance by a Female” at the 2010 Headies Awards, “Best R&B Song” and “Best Female Video” at the 2010 Sound City Music Awards, and “Best R&B Video” at the 2010 Nigerian Music Video Awards, the album enjoyed modest success in Nigeria.
Other highlights on the album include the single “Ore”, an ode to the beautiful love found in friendship as well as the infectious “Play” an upbeat throwback to the 80’s.
In 2011 Yemi Love was commissioned to write music for the Short Film, “Big Daddy” which tackles the strong theme of rape and sexual assault. “Do you really see me?” was written and recorded as its Original SoundTrack.
This was followed by the release of the much-anticipated collaboration with veteran Nigerian Artiste, Sound Sultan aptly titled “True Colour” , to great acclaim.
While she never left the stage, Yemi Love took a break from recording to focus on starting a family and raising her son. She moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and was warmly embraced by the vibrant music community. She performs regularly at local music venues and continues to earn the appreciation of music lovers, one stage at a time.
With several singles heralding its release, she is currently back in the studio working on a sophomore album.
An original soul talent, Yemi Love is a refreshing and authentic creative whose career trajectory bears watching as it evolves.