Music is not just a universal language capable of creating harmony between people of diverse cultures, it is also an avenue to connect to one's heritage, reveling in the cultural nuances embedded in the beats and lyrics. Rose May Alaba's music is a testament to the power of heritage and the universality of music itself. With each track, she bridges the gap between her roots and the world, creating a harmonious fusion of cultures that reverberates with glee and authenticity. This article appraises her artistry, exploring her family background and music journey so far. 

Behind every song lies a story, a piece of my soul woven into lyrics and melodies.

— Rose May Alaba (@RoseMayAlaba) September 20, 2023

Beginning & Family Background 

The talented Nigerian-Austrian singer and songwriter, Rose May Alaba was born on May 26, 1994. The 29 year old is just a year younger than her brother and professional footballer, David Alaba. 

Rose May Alaba and her brother were born in Vienna, Austria, to a Nigerian father George and a Filipino mother, Gina. George is reportedly a crown prince from Ijebu Ode in Nigeria and was also an artist himself. He was part of the Inferno group that sang the 1999 hit, Wishes For All (Wadada).

Rose May speaks fluent German and English. She understands only about five words in Yoruba language, but has confessed multiple times about her deep desire to learn her father’s native language. Nonetheless, this hasn't barred her from connecting with the Nigerian music space as she has carved out her path and established herself as a cultural bridge. 

Music and Journey so far. . .

Rose May Alaba's parents help set her career in motion as early as age 8 by enrolling her in piano lessons upon discovering her keen interest in music at age 6. 

She later self-taught to play the guitar with the help of YouTube music professors.

Between 2011 to 2013, she was honing her style as a member of the girl group BFF, which was put together in the casting show Popstars– Mission Austria. 

In 2014 Rose May completed a three-year course at the film Academy in Vienna. She only began connecting with her Nigerian heritage in 2017, during a visit to Nigeria and has since then made Afrobeats-inspired tracks.

Style and Genre

A musical wanderer, Rose May Alaba infuses elements of Afro-pop, R&B, house and EDM in her music to create a cross-culturally captivating sound that sets her apart from her peers. She writes and sings in German, English, Pidgin and a sprinkle of Yoruba. 

She alternates amidst different levels of sopranos, finding comfort mostly in the mezzo region where her artistry dances in the liminal space, linking heritage with the world's heartbeat. 

In her melodies, we hear the echoes of ancestral rhythms, and in her lyrics, we find stories that speak to the collective human experience as she hammers mainly on love— the most binding human feeling— for self and for others. She's also a mouthpiece of the daily woman experience. 

She has embraced her Nigerian heritage with open arms, pouring it into their music, therefore, becoming a cultural ambassador, introducing Afrobeats to new audiences and ensuring that the spirit of Nigeria's music lives on across continents.

With her captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics, Rose May Alaba has captured the hearts of fans around the world. Her music resonates with listeners, touching on themes of love, empowerment, and personal growth. 

I am a woman on a mission, carving my own path, and chasing my dreams fearlessly. With passion and perseverance, I strive to make a difference, break barriers, and inspire others to believe in their own potential.

— Rose May Alaba (@RoseMayAlaba) September 15, 2023

Beyond her musical talent, Rose May Alaba is also an energetic  dancer— a talent she showcases in her music videos. Her dedication to her craft and willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles have not only earned her recognition, but also helped expand her audience base, connecting her to the Pan-African music milieu and beyond.

Projects and Performances 

Rose Mary Alaba is best known for her 2016 single, Love Me Right, which peaked at number 1 on the Austrian iTunes chart for over four weeks, earning her an appearance at the Amadeus Austrian Music Award.

In 2015, Rose May released her debut single All of This is You, which peaked at number 16, on the Austrian Singles Top 40 charts. 

In 2017, commissioned by Coca-Cola, Rose May Alaba wrote and performed Can You Feel It at the opening ceremony of the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Vienna, Austria. The same year, she represented Austria at the 2017 Europa Music Contest.  Also in 2017, when she began cultivating  her interest in the Afrobeats genre, she released another single, My Love (Sabi O)— a track produced by Adrian Louis and Sovida Beatz, fusing Afrobeats and elements— which enjoyed massive airplay on Nigerian radio stations.

The following year, Rose May collaborated with Nigerian Afropop sensation Mayorkun on the song 50/50, which went on to top the Nigerian iTunes Charts. 

In 2021, she released My First EP, her first extended project containing 5 tracks including Afrobeats-inspired Oshey and Hide & Seek. Here, she deftly showcases her ability to effortlessly transition between different languages, musical styles and genres. 

She's collaborated with a number of Nigerian producers including Young John, Chopsticks, and Kiddominant. While she's delivered powerful vocals that leave a lasting impression on her projects so far, including her latest release, Ibadi (Your Waist), Rose May Alaba still looks forward to consolidating and expanding her reach in Nigeria and beyond by releasing more works and collaborating with other acts including Fireboy who's top of her list.

Conclusion 

Rose May Alaba's dedication to preserving and evolving with the Afrobeats genre is nothing short of inspiring, and her journey is a testament to the enduring power of music to unite, uplift, and celebrate our shared humanity. Her versatility and vocal range is a profound contribution to the Pan-African music space.