Yebba Returns After Five Years
Acclaimed vocalist Yebba has returned with her first album in five years, 'Jean'. The deeply personal project reflects on forgiveness and emotional growth, marking a significant evolution from her debut. Critics note that Yebba's voice remains as powerful and expressive as ever, making 'Jean' a must-listen for anyone who values artistry and emotional resonance in R&B.
Yebba's debut album, "Dawn," released on September 10, 2021, was named in honor of her mother who died by suicide in 2016. This tragic event occurred just weeks after a video of Yebba performing her original song "My Mind" went viral, prompting a five-year period of mourning and processing that heavily influenced the album. The critically acclaimed "Dawn" was primarily produced by Mark Ronson and featured collaborations with artists like A$AP Rocky and Smino. The album explored themes of grief and loss with raw emotional authenticity, earning Yebba a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the single "Distance." During her hiatus, Yebba wasn't entirely silent, lending her powerful vocals to tracks by prominent artists. She was featured on Drake's 2021 album "Certified Lover Boy" with the interlude "Yebba's Heartbreak" and also collaborated with Tyler, the Creator. Her new album, "Jean," is named after her late grandmother, who played a significant role in raising her. This project is described as a reflection on her "adulting years," moving beyond the intense grief of her debut to explore themes of healing, forgiveness, and self-discovery. For "Jean," Yebba took a more intimate approach, with the entire album being self-written and created over five years with her longtime collaborator John Rooney and composer James Francies. The lead single, "Yellow Eyes," showcases a more restrained vocal performance, a deliberate choice by Yebba to "experience singing in a different way." Yebba has announced a 17-show "Jean Tour" to support the new album, with performances scheduled across North America. The general ticket sale for the tour begins on Friday, March 13, 2026.
