When Yemi Alade released her acclaimed 2014 debut album, King of Queens, the versatility of her music and unbounded nature of her pan-African spirit became clear. Subsequent releases from the Abia, Nigeria-born artist would carry this essence, with collaborations featuring names like Angelique Kidjo, Beyoncé, Sarkodie, Awilo Longomba, Mi Casa, and more. Those factors continue to ring true in 2022 with her eighth studio project, African Baddie. The collection journeys across the continent and its diaspora, navigating dancehall, Afropop, and highlife with audacious tracks sung in English, French, and Pidgin alongside an all-star guest list. Assisted by British Nigerian singer Lemar, “Get Down” plays on Kool & the Gang’s “Get Down on It” with brief interpolations of Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin' Somethin’,” and sets the tone for the project—an all-around lighthearted expression of love, warmth, and self-assurance. On “Dje Dje,” Alade and French singer Bramsito call for clarity from their love interest over midtempo production. Alade kicks up the gear with the energetic, percussion-laden “Ikebe,” featuring Zlatan, while “Bubble It” pairs Alade with Jamaican dancehall queen Spice.