Fresh off Francis Mercier’s ‘Lakay,’ Valentino Rose Announces New Single “Speak To Me”

OUT FRIDAY, JULY 24TH, 2026

The Lagos-born singer-songwriter introduces an emotionally charged take on Afro-house, arriving as Nigeria’s dance music scene enters a new era.

After appearing alongside DJ Ginton on Francis Mercier’s acclaimed debut album Lakay, rising Lagos artist Valentino Rose is stepping into her own spotlight with the release of her debut single, “Speak To Me.”

At just 23, Valentino has quietly built an impressive résumé before releasing a record under her own name. Alongside her appearance on Francis Mercier’s ‘Lakay,’ she’s collaborated with artists including ODUMODUBLVCK, BOJ and DJ Gintonm early co-signs that point to an artist already earning the trust of respected names across African and global dance music.

On “Speak To Me,” Valentino introduces listeners to the world she’s been carefully crafting: an emotionally driven Afro-house universe where pastiches of English, pidgin, and Yoruba meld with elements of dance-pop, R&B and soul. Her music transforms heartbreak, longing and late-night introspection into records designed as much for movement as they are for emotional release.

A captivating vocalist with a natural instinct for storytelling, Valentino sits at the intersection of vulnerability and rhythm, creating songs that feel equally at home on festival stages, in intimate headphone moments and on packed dancefloors.

Her arrival also reflects a broader shift taking place in Nigerian music. While Afrobeats continues to dominate global conversations, a new wave of women is pushing the country’s dance music scene forward. Alongside artists like Niniola, Kah-Lo and Solana, Valentino Rose represents a new generation expanding the sound and possibilities of Afro-house from Nigeria.

With over 226,000 monthly Spotify listeners ahead of her official debut release, Valentino Rose is already building momentum. “Speak To Me” marks the beginning of a new chapter and one that positions her as one of the most compelling new voices emerging from Africa’s evolving dance music landscape.