Why I titled my album Naked – Darey Alade

R&B singer, Darey Art Alade, spoke to Bisola Bello at a recent event in Lagos about his new album and the Naked photoshoot.

Tell us about your album Naked

Naked is my fifth studio album and it is not what the name really implies physically. It is about good music, and for this album I wanted fans to really get me.

How would you compare it to your previous albums?

I really do think this is one of my best albums. I was really excited about making this particular album.

Which is your favourite track in the album?

I really cannot answer that because that is a mood thing, you know. ‘Inside of You’ featuring ASA is doing pretty well. You also have ‘Asiko Laye’ featuring Olamide and of course ‘Pray for Me’ featuring Soweto Gospel Choir and there are several other great tunes in there. So I cannot really pick a favourite.

Were you really naked for the photoshoot?

Hmm! All na photo trick

Why did you choose the title Naked?

I am trying to connect to the fans on a deep level, on a serious level. Naked is me being vulnerable and being unsecured because nobody is perfect. I thought about something that could really say this is my true self and that is Naked. Away from the grotesque or genital or physical appearance, it is basically you seeing what the album is really about which means stripping it clear of any pretence or hidden truths about music. It is just straight up soulful and organic.