Written by Reuben Adewale
Among the impressive roster of artists dedicated to bridging continents together with their unique sounds, rhythms, and melodies, Rose May Alaba stands out. Born in Austria with Nigerian roots, Rose has stayed immersed in music from a very young age. Her self-taught mastery of musical instruments like the piano and guitar sharpens her musical abilities, allowing her to sing songs that resonate deeply with listeners’ and also compose sounds . From her early teenage years as part of a band, she refined her musical talents, gathering experiences and skills before embarking on a solo career as an independent artist.
Rose’s debut single, ‘Love Me Right,’ garnered widespread attention and even catapulted her to the number one spot on the Austrian music chart. Since then, she has maintained a consistent presence in the music scene, collaborating on a love song titled “50/50” with superstar Mayorkun. Rose has also worked alongside renowned producer Young Jonn, contributing to tracks like ‘Go Down Low’ and ‘Crazy.’
Her performances at festivals such as Lollapalooza Festival and Afrobeats Festival, as well as shows such as the yearly Homecoming Festival in Lagos (2024) and Young Jonn’s The Jiggy Concert, have further solidified her reputation, spreading her tunes across Nigeria and beyond.
After a brief hiatus from the music scene, Rose returned with the enchanting tune ‘Oshey’ expressing her affection for her lover. This was followed by other captivating tracks, including ‘Hide & Seek,’ ‘Lemonade,’ ‘Keine Zeit,’ and ‘Ganze Nacht’ all of which contributed to her first EP released at the end of 2021. Her hit song ‘Ibadi (Waist)’ showcases Rose’s sweet voice against a mid-tempo Afrobeats instrumental, infused with Nigerian native words that delight listeners’ ears. This song also showed how connected Rose May Is to the motherland culture, from the title to the lyrics and cover art.
Just in the fourth month of 2024, Rose May continues to impress, consistently delighting her fans with songs like ‘Lockdown 2.0’ and ‘More’, an energetic melodic tune that puts one on their feet dancing. These tunes prove the immense talent of the singer, leaving us eagerly anticipating a new body of work along the way.
