It’s been a wonderful year for singer_songwriter Darey Art Alade.
With the release of his second studio album ‘un.DAREY.ted last March, the Soul Muzik act redefined his direction, establishing himself as the King of R&B/Soul on the African continent, and one of the most sought_after performers from Lagos to Johannesburg.
With Amazing big_budget videos, breath_taking live performances and chart_topping singles, Darey ruled the year; getting critical acclaim for making seriousness and hardwork fashionable again; while enjoying patronage from some of the most biggest entertainment brands around.
And now, he’s about to end the year on a high note – with a fresh single off his forth_coming third solo album. ‘Stroke me’, the new single is produced by rave producer Don Jazzy (who’s responsible for some of the biggest hits of 2009) with support from the Soul Muzik duo of Del B and Password. The song was written by Darey, Ken O Kenneth and Don Jazzy.
Darey’s label Soul Muzik premiered the new single in Lagos, Monday December 7, during an exclusive event where Darey thanked the media for their staunch support and announced the winner of his TV project The Most Undareyted Show.
Darey’s last album was titled Un.darey.ted. Although it’s a play on his name, the singer tied the album to a cause: inspiring and supporting all those whose talents have even been underrated. And, to show he’s not paying lip service to the message, he kicked off a TV search; where he combed his favourite places in Lagos, looking for ‘the most Undarey.ted individual. The show was on Soundcity, last quarter.
Now, moving into a new phase, Darey and his team are hoping to keep fans busy this Xmas, with a fresh single that’s already generating discourse amongst those who have listened to preview copies. Frank, suggestive and daring, the single will get many talking and thinking. It will get some laughing. And, depending on what the state of your mind is, different people will read different meanings to the lyrics.
Darey’s upcoming album is scheduled for release next year, after a US and international release due February 2010.
Meanwhile, the VCD compilation for Darey’s award-winning videos will finally be released this week. To be marketed by Okeysonic, the compilation will include the award-winning videos Not the Girl, More, Carry Dey Go, With this Woman and Let You Know.