In the vibrant tapestry of Nigerian music, where beats and melodies are the very air we breathe, a new star hath arisen to claim her rightful place. From the waterside shores of Port Harcourt, an artist of profound soul and captivating lyrical genius, Yingi, has bestowed upon the world her latest masterpiece, the “Waterside Girl” EP. This musical project is a melodic chronicle, a heartfelt journey through the very soul of the South-South region, and a testament to the resilient spirit of its people.
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
On August 2025, at the grand stage of the 2025 Miss Port Harcourt City pageant, where Umashiida Igbi was crowned queen, Yingi performed, leaving the crowd spellbound with melodies that carried both the heartbeat of the South-South and the poise of an artist destined for greatness, and as a powerful prelude to the EP’s poetic depth and infectious energy.
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
A Poetic Symphony of Soul and Rhythm
The “Waterside Girl EP” is a four-track odyssey that showcases Yingi’s artistry and prowess as a singer-songwriter. With each note and lyric, she transports her audience to a world where soulful vocals dance with irresistible beats, creating an immersive musical experience. The journey begins with “Jo,” a vibrant amapiano-infused anthem that brims with infectious energy and empowering lyrics, setting the tone for the project with a sound that compels one to move.
Following this is “On Code,” a smooth, groove-laden track that offers listeners a glimpse into Yingi’s candid reflections on life and love. It is a song for quiet introspection, a moment of repose before the stirring crescendo of “Finish.”
This track emerges as a powerful anthem of resilience and determination. Its sweeping melodies and Yingi’s poignant vocals strike a deep chord, serving as a rallying cry for all who have faced adversity and dared to press onward.
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
The EP concludes with its titular track, “Waterside Girl,” a soul-stirring ballad that is a love letter to her roots. It is infused with poignant introspection and familial support, celebrating the journey from the waterside to the world stage. But it is in her single “Asawana,” a trending sensation, that Yingi most powerfully amplifies the rich and unique culture of the Ijaw people. The song is a celebration of Ijaw heritage, a testament to its vibrancy, and an invitation to the world to partake in its beauty.
Port Harcourt: The Phoenix Rising as Nigeria’s Next Entertainment Capital
Yingi’s emergence is a powerful symbol of a larger cultural renaissance unfolding in the South-South region. For too long, the area’s narrative was tethered to the unrest of militants, a shadow that obscured its immense creative potential. Now, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Port Harcourt is establishing itself as a burgeoning entertainment hub. The region’s artistes, producers, and storytellers are proudly showcasing their culture to the world, proving that true artistry can flourish even in the wake of past turmoil.
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
Yingi’s efforts in projecting the Ijaw tribe and its people are nothing short of glorious. She is a rhapsodist of her people, using her voice as a vessel to carry their stories, rhythms, and pride to the farthest reaches of the globe.
Her music is a cultural bridge, connecting listeners to the soul of the Niger Delta and positioning Port Harcourt not just as a city, but as a fountainhead of a new, authentic, and powerful sound that is ready to captivate the world. The time is nigh for Port Harcourt to shed its past and become Nigeria’s next entertainment citadel, and Yingi is one of the many noble champions leading the charge.
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
Yingi/Photo via IG: yingi_d_artiste
And as the hashtag #WatersideGirl spreads across the digital world, “Waterside Girl” EP is available on all major music platforms for streaming and download.
