Valentino Rose, a singer-songwriter based in Lagos, Nigeria, has released her self-titled debut extended play (EP), Valentino Rose, through NATIVE Records. The six-track project covers heartbreak, longing and late-night thoughts, shaped into dance-oriented songs.
Sound and themes#
The songs explore vulnerability without staying in it. Soul and R&B (rhythm and blues) shape her vocals, while Afro-house rhythms and dance-pop hooks carry the tracks onto the dance floor.
The result sits between heartbreak and release, where a sad song can still move a room.
Production and songwriting#
Valentino worked with a group of producers, including:
- Sholz (ODUMODUBLVCK, Ye) and CJ Oliver
- SKVR and Xynothing (Drake)
- Dan Akins
- Dave Nunes (Shimza)
- Oche
Jesse Alordiah produced across the full project. She co-wrote every track with a close team of collaborators, and her own voice remains central to each record.
Featured artists, visuals and artwork#
Two Nigerian artists appear on the EP. Wave$tar, the rapper behind a run that includes the viral hit “Escaladizzy,” brings a moody, introspective edge to “[NO MORE].” NATIVE Records labelmate Rigo Kamp joins her on “[WHY].”
Creative direction is led by Danielle “Dan” Mbonu, a creative and video director whose work this year includes visuals for Lojay, Victony, Asake, Cruel Santino, Tems and Dave.
The artwork, by illustrator Sijibomi “Siji Draws” Aribidesi, places roses and thorns across the project, a visual reference to the softness and sharpness in the music.
Background and the single “Speak To Me”#
The EP follows her single “Speak To Me,” which arrived during a growing conversation about Afro-house and the rise of women in Nigeria’s dance scene. A clip of the song drew more than 500,000 views on X, and the track received DJ support at Lagos raves.
Valentino quickly became one of the faces of that moment. She has also been named among a new wave of Nigerian women reshaping the sound. Her collaborators include artists such as ODUMODUBLVCK, BOJ and Ginton.
Introducing herself at the time, she said:
“they call me the dark princess of Afro-house.”
