Afropop sensation and global music icon Yemi Alade debuted her powerful new single “You Are” today, accompanied by a lyric video created by Lion Forge Entertainment featuring animation from the upcoming series Iyanu that brings the song’s message of empowerment and cultural pride to life.
Known as “Mama Africa,” Yemi Alade infuses the track with her signature vibrant vocals and deep cultural roots, celebrating the strength, resilience, and magic of Yoruba heritage.
Inspired by the upcoming superhero fantasy series Iyanu, the song captures the essence of a young girl’s journey of self-discovery, courage, and destiny in a world rich with mythology and history.
“Music has always been a powerful way to tell our stories, and ‘You Are’ is a song that speaks to our strength and divine power. “It’s an anthem for anyone discovering their own greatness,” said Yemi Alade. “Bringing this to life for Iyanu – a series rooted in Nigerian mythology – is an honor. This is for every young dreamer who believes in their destiny.”
Song Credits for “You Are”:
Written by Michael Hodges, Yemi Alade, Kayla Morrison, Gerald Trottman, and Ghian Wright
Performed by Yemi Alade
Produced by Michael Hodges
Michael Hodges, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, co-CEO of Alcon Sleeping Giant (ASG), and producer of the track, credits Alade’s vocals with bringing a unique energy and emotion that define the song. “It was an honor to work with Yemi on this, She is the right voice for this message.”
For Roye Okupe, creator, executive producer, and showrunner of Iyanu, this collaboration has been deeply emotional. “As a Nigerian storyteller, seeing Iyanu come to life has been a dream realized. Yemi Alade’s ‘You Are’ perfectly captures the essence of the show—strength, resilience, and the magic of our heritage. This song will inspire audiences just as much as Iyanu’s journey will,” Okupe said.
Lion Forge Entertainment also produced a lyric video, premiering alongside the single, featuring never-before-seen footage from the animated series Iyanu. Based on Roye Okupe’s award-winning graphic novel, published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics, the series follows a young orphan who discovers her divine powers and embarks on a heroic quest in mythical Yorubaland.
At Lion Forge, we are passionate about bringing diverse, authentic stories to life, and Iyanu perfectly embodies that mission,” said Dave Steward II, CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment. “Music is a vital part of storytelling and Yemi Alade’s ‘You Are’ beautifully amplifies the heart and spirit of Iyanu. We can’t wait for audiences to experience the magic of this series and the incredible music that accompanies it.”
Fans can stream You Are on all major platforms starting March 13 and watch the lyric video on the Iyanu the Series YouTube channel. Serving as a musical centerpiece for the highly anticipated series, Iyanu premieres on Cartoon Network on April 5 at 9:30 AM ET/PT and streams on Max starting April 6. Showmax will launch the full first season across 44 African countries on June 13.
