Yinminu is a force of talent, grace, and positivity. Known for his infectious energy and unwavering faith, he channels every aspect of his life into his work. His upcoming debut EP, To Be Set Apart, is a visual album that tells a story of personal growth, pain, and triumph, reflecting the journey that has shaped him into who he is today.
Inspired by the grandeur of The Greatest Showman, he envisions bringing that kind of theatrical spectacle to Nigerian music, blending lights, theater and Broadway vibes with African storytelling.
Who is Yinminu?
My name is Akintelure Semilore , I go by the stage name Yinminu . I would say just like Sasha Fierce is Beyoncé’s alter ego that’s Yinminu.
I love music and I’m influenced by Yoruba folklore, the Infinities and Tope Alabi amongst other so . So Yinminu brings that together with my individual flair to the mix.
Your upcoming project is highly anticipated. One of the major highlights of your album is being tagged as the first Nigerian visual album. What inspired you to make a visual album?
It wasn’t so much about filling a gap as it was about seizing an opportunity. There’s incredible music coming out of Nigeria, and there are so many artists I respect deeply. But I asked myself, What makes Yinminu different? What sets me apart? I was speaking with my friend Gideon Peters, who also makes music, and he showed me one of his music videos. That’s when it hit me—I have this project I want to release, but I don’t have a single video. So why not make a visual album instead? It felt right to me.
What was growing up like and how you got into music?
Bruhh, this story is long. I grew up in Ikorodu, Lagos, and moved to the United States in 2018. My mom used to tell me I would sit in front of the TV and sing along to all the commercials—especially the famous Indomie commercial. I even cried if someone tried to sing with me because I wanted to preserve that moment for myself. I think she saw that passion and nurtured it. She put me in the church choir from the very beginning. The first instrument I learned was the violin, and I played it at a Foursquare church in Ikorodu, alongside the piano.
In high school, I was the Chaplain Prefect, leading praise and worship, and I attended Babcock University High School. It was a great time because of my friends, but high school was tough for me, too. I was bullied a lot—people didn’t understand me because I’m a bit effeminate and have a soft voice. It was difficult, but I didn’t internalize it, and my friends made it all worthwhile. I was deeply involved in music, leading three different singing groups and being part of the church choir. I even wrote the theme song for my 2015 graduating class, “Optimum, we are going higher, all we need is you and I.”
After high school, I finished as a science student, but I went through a period of grief when I lost my cousin. His death hit me hard, and I was depressed for about a year. My mom wanted me to go to university, but I wasn’t ready. Instead, I spent time at Ten Strings Music School in Ikeja for music therapy.
That’s when I started questioning Nigeria’s healthcare system and infrastructure, especially after a close friend of mine died due to medical negligence. That experience made me realize I needed a change, so I decided to leave Nigeria. I went on to study music and video production, and eventually earned a diploma in Music Production.
In the U.S., I pursued my degree at the Berklee College of Music. I rewrote my WAEC exams and, surprisingly, didn’t end up using them because I did exceptionally well on my SATs. My family convinced me to study aeronautical engineering, and I got scholarships to a few schools in the U.S. That became my ticket out of Nigeria, and I took it.
Once in the U.S., I started producing music on my own, and over time, I became deeply involved in music production. While I work with other producers when needed, I really enjoy the process of creating my own music.
What’s the inspiration behind your song “Mammi ni Baba mi.”
I grew up in a home where domestic violence was present, and boarding school was my escape. Eventually, my parents separated, and I watched my mom become the matriarch of our family, taking care of me and my siblings. I deeply admire her strength. Yoruba folklore also played a huge role in shaping my love for music. Tope Alabi, and the fusion of Muslim and Christian songs, really formed my foundation in music.
My mother is my father,” and it’s a tribute to my mom. She’s my diamond, my mirror. I see myself in her eyes, and she’s taught me that I deserve better in everything I do. The track was a special gift for her birthday, and I didn’t initially plan to release it. But after receiving so much positive feedback, I decided to drop it for Mother’s Day.
Your Yoruba influences are strong in your music. How do they shape your work?
Yoruba folklore is at the core of my music. I believe there was a golden era of music in Nigeria that blends English, Pidgin, and Yoruba, and I want to keep that spirit alive. It might not be the direction for all my future projects, but for “To Be Set Apart,” I wanted to celebrate my Yoruba roots. My music is rooted in Yoruba pride—no matter where I go, I will always be Yoruba.
This project was particularly challenging because I was doing my master’s while also working on it, juggling a busy schedule in Ohio. But I had great friends like Tolu Ab, who was so supportive. He even drove five hours from Canada to shoot parts of the music video. That’s the church scene in the trailer. We got the church space for free because I leveraged my Catholic background and managed to convince the priest.
Will we be seeing more visual albums in the future?
That’s up to my manager, but personally, I’d say yes. I’m already halfway through my second project, and it’s going to be even more groundbreaking. We’re planning something epic—a stunt that involves jumping out of a plane to Afrobeats music. We’re risk-takers, willing to push boundaries, and there’s so much more to come.
How does it feel to be one of the young voices leading the cultural reawakening in Nigeria’s music scene?
Honestly, I don’t think about it much in my day-to-day life. I’m always focused on what’s next, on the work. But I’m grateful for the platform I have. It’s an honor to share Nigerian and Yoruba culture globally, and I don’t take this opportunity for granted. I’m always preparing for what’s next, and I’m ready to take on every opportunity that comes my way.
What can we expect from you between now and January?
Expect the music video for “Sooja” to drop soon. We’ve got a lot of great things lined up, including a new trailer and potentially a third single. But I also want to take some time to relax during the holidays, play some instruments, and focus on marketing. We’re revamping the structure of the album, and there’s a lot to look forward to before January.
Stay tuned for Yinminu’s To Be Set Apart, coming in January—a groundbreaking visual album that blends music, culture, and personal storytelling.
