Wale Retraces His Nigerian Roots in ‘YSF’ Visuals Filmed in Lagos
top of page

Wale Retraces His Nigerian Roots in ‘YSF’ Visuals Filmed in Lagos


DMV native Wale always represents his hometown and, simultaneously, never ceases to remind everyone of his Nigerian descent. As such, his 2025 album everything is a lot. features Nigerian artistes, as per his previous projects. One of such tracks is ‘YSF’ featuring Teni and Seyi Vibez. 


Wale goes ten toes deep with his cultural roots as he landed in Lagos to film the track’s visuals. Furthermore, he shot the video within Nigerian textile artist Fadekemi Ogunsanya’s exhibition, fresh off the latter’s recognition as a finalist for the 2026 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize. 


Directed by Nigerian Alté musician Odunsi the Engine, the video spotlights Wale, Teni, and Seyi Vibez dressed in a mix of Adire Alabela traditional garb and Western silhouettes. The Nigerian-American rapper’s latest Nike GT Future collaboration also makes an appearance on his feet. 


On ‘YSF’ which stands for “You So Fine”, Teni sings the hook. While delivering his verse, Seyi Vibez dances amidst mannequins with Wale. The former references living musical legends like Sir Shina Peters and King Sunny Ade, both of whose portraits were shown. 


More than just a music video, the visual masterpiece demonstrates how Adire Alabela is produced, with candle wax carefully applied to fabrics to create intricate designs resistant to dyes. 


Wale didn’t merely film the ‘YSF’ video in Lagos. The brilliant rapper made sure to show (off) the beauty of his culture while concurrently platforming Fadekemi’s talent and her creative Adire designs.


INTERVIEWS
Mens Journal 1x1.png
RECENT POSTS
Mens Journal long.png

© 2023 by New Wave Magazine. Proudly created by New Wave Studios

bottom of page