Yemi Alafifuni is a UK-based Christian pop and gospel music recording artist. Music has been his encouragement through the tough times of his life—even when he was young. Yemi released his first album, Father, in February 2019. The compilation showcases his heart for God and his journey of building a relationship with Him.
Remi recently released his newest single, “Hope Alive.” I spoke with him about this upbeat new melody, as well as his love for music’s diverse genres and the message he hopes to communicate in his songs.
You’ve been working hard for a number of years already. What has kept you driven to write in your writing and music?
It’s the sheer goodness and love of God that has kept me going. Like many of us, I’ve seen both the good and not-so-good days. Through it all though, my faith has grown in the knowledge that God loves me desperately. And I, well, I’ve learned to love Him back (still learning though).
God’s goodness is the main influence in my songwriting and my style of music. As for my voice, it’s a gift I cannot take credit for.
You’ve created music in a multitude of genres including gospel, worship and pop. What’s your favorite genre to write and perform?
Worship, definitely. I’m drawn to pop because of my constant need for a state of joy. I come from a very humble background and have had to depend on God’s provision for every single day. Dancing in my closet was how I worshipped and worship is how I overcome. So, you see, dance and pop is in fact worship to me. Gospel is a direct influence from my experience in the church.
I’m at home and most intimate with the Father when I write worship music. For I know that He seeks those that worship in spirit and in truth. I’m desperately in love with Him and I’m praying that, someday, I’ll write love songs to Him 24/7.
Talk about your infectious new single, “Hope Alive.”
Writing this song was fascinating. I was in my lowest point at the beginning of this year. A project I was handling suddenly went very badly. I was spending night after night fixing issues I didn’t create. Then, I got the news that a distant close friend lost everything—and I mean everything.
Suddenly, I became depressed. I felt like there was nothing to hope for—I had lost control. But, somehow, I found my way to God, but I couldn’t pray much. This is when I believe the Lord impressed on my heart to write about hope.
I struggled but was desperate. In a few weeks, “Hope Alive” was written with help from my daughter who somehow showed me a song on YouTube that reminded me that I had recorded the melody and hook for the song years ago during a worship session in church. Not to forget the brilliance of the producer, Ian Copeland Green, who embraced the spirit of the song.
According to blogger Melanie Williams from Gospel Hydration: “‘Hope Alive’ is not your common worship song and for a very good reason. When I imagine someone celebrating the fact that Jesus is alive, I do not imagine a somber tune but a tune like this to celebrate the fact that Jesus is our living hope."
What are some of the messages you want to communicate to your listeners as you move forward?
God loves you. Don’t ever accept any lies that suggest otherwise. I’m aware of the disruption that COVID-19 has caused to families worldwide and how easy it is to lose faith in Him. But, He answers to His name and will come through for you. In fact, He has never failed you or me and will never fail.
Believe. There is nothing impossible—absolutely nothing. Retain your focus. These are the end times; Jesus is coming soon. I know it’s a rare message on the pulpit these days, but I’d love to meet every listener and reader of this interview in heaven with great joy.
What’s next?
Well, God has given me a lot of content to share. By God’s grace, I hope to release an acoustic and spirit-filled song soon. I’ll also be going into the studio soon to record it. Before this, I’ll be releasing another pop remix for “Dance for Love,” which is a song from my 2019 album, Father. We’re also planning a concert in London, England in 2022. We’ll be making an announcement shortly.
How can we be praying for you?
Please pray that the Lord will help me release the volumes of songs in my catalog. Please pray for supernatural funding—not just for myself, but for the church. Amen and thank you.
Kevin McNeese started NRT in 2002 and has worked in the industry since 1999 in one form or another. He has been a fan of Christian music since 1991.
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