Watch Yemi Alade’s Witty “Tumbum” Video
The afrobeats artist’s ebullient personality shines through in the food-themed visual.
On her 2016 album Mama Africa, Nigerian afrobeats artist Yemi Alade explores sounds from all over her continent, but the video for its latest single “Tumbum” sticks closer to home. In a riff on the food-themed lyrics of the song, Alade plays a restaurant cook who serves up tasty jollof and fufu in a rural Nigerian community. With a playful storyline starring Nollywood luminaries Ime Bishop Umoh and Beverly Osu, it’s a hilarious accompaniment to the Selebobo-produced track.
As part of a Q&A with The FADER — live on the site today — Alade explained the importance of the theme. "In Nigeria, food isn’t just for consumption but is a cultural representation. Different states in the country are known for their indigenous delicacies."
“The video was filmed a few months ago after several weeks of dance rehearsals,” Alade added, speaking via email. “It was a sunny day — thank god — with no signs of rain, and the sky was nicely lit. I had so much fun playing the role of a village girl, and I even did a little sumo wrestling to win my man back!”