Yemi Alade brings glamour, cultural fashion and a celebration of prosperity to the official music video for “Alhaja”, a standout track from her latest album, It’s Yemi Alade. Directed by Clarence Peters, the video places the Nigerian Afropop star at the centre of a visually rich production built around striking outfits, atmospheric lighting and scenes of wealth.
Known for creating distinctive visual identities for her music, Yemi takes on the persona of an affluent Alhaja, with a wardrobe that reflects the character’s confidence and status. Her looks range from a traditional red ensemble with a structured headwrap and layers of coral beads to a black-and-gold embroidered abaya accessorised with bold gold hand jewellery and ornate rings.
Each outfit adds a different dimension to the character, while the styling draws on traditional fashion and luxurious details to establish the video’s visual direction. Yemi moves comfortably between the different looks, maintaining a commanding presence throughout the production.
The setting reinforces the video’s themes. Vintage cars, traditional drums and cast members counting cash beneath warm lanterns create a backdrop that blends cultural references with images of prosperity. Neon lighting and torchlit scenes add contrast, giving the video a distinctive atmosphere without taking attention away from Yemi’s performance.
Peters’ direction brings these elements together in a production that places equal emphasis on fashion, setting and character. Rather than relying on a single signature look, the video uses several wardrobe changes and carefully arranged scenes to build its visual identity.
“Alhaja” continues Yemi Alade’s approach to music videos as an opportunity to explore different characters and aesthetics. With its elaborate styling, cultural details and imagery centred on success, the video gives the track a visual identity of its own.
The official video is now available to watch.
