Nigerian artiste Yinka Bernie is an undeniable maverick. Born in the storied city of Ibadan, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter and producer makes feel-good and introspective music on his own terms. His songs walk the fine line between melancholy and melody, opting for a stream-of-consciousness style over playlist-ready fanfare.
Yinka first took interest in music at the age of 16, testing the waters with his production skills before diving in head first as a full-fledged artiste. His first tape, Fela Obsessions, was a makeshift EP filled with ingenious chops of samples from the Afrobeat patriarch. In 2017, Yinka released his highly-anticipated debut, 19 & Over, an extended play chronicling the confusing transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Drawing influences from Nigerian legends Lagbaja and King Sunny Ade and production veterans Tom Misch and Pharrell, his music speaks to a generation of young people around the world finding their footing in love and life.
Eight years down the line, Yinka’s artistic dexterity has grown in leaps and bounds, coming a long way from skipping class to make beats in his university bedroom, to production credits in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. These days, he can be found expanding his sound design catalogue while putting finishing touches on his forthcoming project, Your Canvas. He has recently released his third music project, Something New, on the 28th of September.
Waf. In collaboration with yinkabernie will be hosting a popup as well as an interactive session with him on Saturday, 22nd October. We will be releasing limited edition tees to commemorate the day.
🕰: 7pm sharp
📍:waf.Store. Unit 5 Trocadero Square The Rock Drive, Lekki Behind Imax Cinema Lagos State, Nigeria.
Listen to 'Something New' here: