Self-described as “Alternative Lover Girl Pop,” Yinka’s unique sound can’t be boxed in. With her ethereally soft vocals, subtle strings, and dewy synths, she moves effortlessly through genres showcasing the depth and vulnerability of her work. Yinka creates dreamy soundscapes with honest vocals that warm the core.
Her music explores passion, rejects gender norms, and sees her carving out a path of her own. Yinka’s songs are laced with underlying messages that articulate the importance of women being true to themselves and living beyond expectations placed upon them.
Yinka’s kaleidoscope of experiences has exposed her to a wide array of musical and visual styles. She creates music for those who don’t conform to one genre or sound, and hopes to inspire others to differentiate themselves from the rest. “African music is not one dimensional.” Yinka explains that “the world needs to open their musical palettes to the talented African artists that aren’t part of the status quo.”
Her poignant lyricism, powerful voice, and exceptional style has marked Yinka an artist to watch. Recently signing with Platoon, she has released her debut project “Let’s Get Romantic. The project captures various stages of intimacy in romantic relationships and champions an open, vulnerable, approach to loving. “Two Weeks.” speaks to the raw intimacy between two lovers at the height of their romance, embracing the dreamy warmth of new love that wraps you up and leaves you obsessed.
We chatted with Yinka about love, her process, and her emotive project “Let’s Get Romantic”
Tell us a bit about how you started making music
I started making music about 5 years ago. I had been doing covers for years, but finally wrote an original, recorded it, and officially put it out. From a young age, I have always written songs or attempted to. I am self-taught as far as writing and singing. Thankfully my music has evolved over the years since then.
Which themes call to you the most to tap into in your music?
Matters of the heart, love, heartbreak, passion, and lust.
What particular feelings evoked the song “Two Weeks?”
“Two Weeks” was triggered by a Hinge date that turned into a passionate two-week journey. I had just promised myself to give love and dating a chance again. It was quite a beautiful time so I got into the studio and wrote about it.
Did you have certain motivations for making the project “Let’s get romantic?”
My journey with love. Finally opening up again and wanting to lead others to do the same. I want us to give a fuck about love and romance again — whether it’s with partners or friends. I feel like we’re in this space where intentional relationships are fading and I want to bring that back.
How big a role does love play in your life?
Big! I’m a passionate person, especially with those I love. I love love stories so I romanticize everything.
Can you walk us through your creative process while writing and recording music?
I love to feel a good instrumental and let the words and feelings come out. Sometimes I write without instruments or instrumentals. But I love the feeling of when a beautiful sound brings an emotion out of me, because I know it can do the same to someone when they hear my song for the first time.
Do you think experiencing life in different cities affects the way you see the world and express it in your music?
Definitely. I’ve been through so much in different places — good, bad, etc. I’ve also learned so much in different places and met different people that have affected my life in so many ways.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
Lagbaja, Rihanna, James Blake, Rosalia, Bollywood music, classical and symphony orchestras. Too much to list because there’s an inspiration for different stages in my career.
What are some challenges you’ve had to overcome thus far?
Growing up lol… but seriously how’s everyone doing? Life is challenging as an adult which makes the journey as a creative beautifully complicated. I think my main challenge was making my music and getting it out there. Thankfully I’m doing that now. I can’t thank God enough.
Any last words?
Let’s Get Romantic.
