Yinka Bernie excels in minimalism.
Since 2017, he’s put out four EPs that encompass his insightful understanding of human experiences. His most recent project, a three-track collection titled What Happens After, was released last week. It’s a mix of deep emotions and vibrant production, marking a significant return for Bernie after his last work, Something New, in 2022.
“Listeners might find me different this time,” Bernie explains about What Happens After. “The title is playful yet ambiguous — fans typically expect my introspective, calm, mid-tempo style… This time, I’m challenging that expectation: what else is there? What comes next?”
In the EP’s track “In Love With Yb,” Bernie explores new territory unlike his previous works. The rhythm blends elements of Memphis and Lagos, enriched with nuanced piano undertones. The catchy refrain, “She’s in love with Yb, I’m in love with Yb,” is delivered engagingly as Bernie navigates the track’s production. The song carries a cosmopolitan flair while evoking a nostalgic early 2000s Nigerian vibe, aligning with the experimental spirits of alté artists, a category Bernie seems to resonate with.
Bernie credits this drive for experimentation to a sense of “restlessness.” He reflects, “This past year has been about change and exploration… the title opens up to multiple meanings for listeners.”
With “Bawo?”, Bernie contrasts the vibe established in the previous track while keeping its soulful essence. The song features radiant guitar lines that elevate the confidence in his musical expression, portraying him as a charming Yoruba man. In this sense, What Happens After, like his earlier works, reflects a deep inner journey. Yet, while he previously focused on introspection, he now highlights resilience in pain, allure, and embracing vibrant experiences.
Mick Jenkins contributes to “Streets,” the conceptual heart of the project. The song has a lively, summery feel that enhances its imagery. Bernie has long admired Jenkins, having followed his early work and the celebrated album The Waters.
“I created ‘Streets’ in Ghana in 2022 and felt it needed another voice,” he shares. “At that time, Mick released an album, and I thought his voice would fit perfectly. When we reached out, he surprisingly wanted to collaborate, and we made it happen.”
Yinka Bernie’s journey showcases the diverse landscape of African music. His works celebrate the creative talents emerging from the continent, embodying the spirit of the alté movement that captured the youth culture prior to the 2020s. His debut in 2017, 19 & Over, featured contributions from Musmah, Lady Donli, and Bris B, backed by producers like Higo and Le Mav.
His following projects, Facades and Something New, delved deeper into themes like young love and mental health, epitomized by songs such as “It’s Okay To Cry,” featuring Joyce Olong. Tracks like “Jaded” and “Who Do You Call,” illustrate how Bernie goes beyond being just another artist, resonating as an emotional and technical force that crafts rich, immersive soundscapes.
“I think expressiveness defines my music,” he reflects. “I convey so many narratives and create vivid scenarios in my songs. The way I write feels conversational, like I’m chatting with a friend – that’s a constant in my artistry.”
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