Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio Features Salle

Nigerian Afrobeats artist Salle joins Nandi Madida on a FaceTime call via Apple Music 1 to discuss her newest single “If You Leave” featuring Ayo Maff. She also talks about navigating viral fame, stepping back from social media, the encouragement she received from Don Jazzy, and her EP titled ‘Only Sad People Smile’.

This Week’s Hottest New Tracks
Nandi Madida presents the freshest African releases of the moment. The current lineup features new songs from DJ Neptune & Swayvee, Thukuthela, Jazzworx & GL_Ceejay, Morravey, Ykee Benda & Azawi, and Bukzin Keyz, Felo Le Tee & Tman Xpress

Tune in and hear the complete episode this Friday, September 19 at 9 a.m. Lagos/London / 10 a.m. Johannesburg/Paris / 1 a.m. LA / 4 a.m. NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow. YFM Accra airs every Sunday at 2 p.m., YFM Kumasi on Saturdays at 3 p.m., and YFM Takoradi on Saturdays at 6 p.m.

Salle tells Apple Music about dealing with viral success and taking time away from social media

It was a deeply personal period for me, and I truly needed that space to step back and emerge fully radiant. After the noise, the traffic, the virality, I had to pause and ask myself questions like, ‘Is this what I want? Am I content? Can I move forward?’ I also used that time to create more music, to hone my sound, and to discover what music really means to me. In truth, I’m glad I took that break, even though not every moment felt positive. I experienced self‑doubt, a loss of confidence, and the loss of friends. I began doing more things independently. Yet, I believe this process was essential to my journey. I’m grateful I went through it and I’m here now.

Salle tells Apple Music about the support she’s received from Don Jazzy

Don Jazzy is an incredible individual. I’m deeply thankful for him. He played a pivotal role in my career when I was taking time to understand myself; I needed someone like him to talk to, to offer guidance, and to illuminate what would come, what I would experience, and what I would see. He listened to my music and was pleased. He knew I had talent. Overall, meeting him helped me realize that everything I was going through was normal. He has worked with thousands of artists, so hearing his words made me understand that my struggles were typical. I just had to stay consistent, patient, and keep working. He inspired me throughout that period, and I’m thrilled we’re still in touch.

Salle tells Apple Music about her EP artwork

I’m very creative, but translating ideas into reality is challenging. I need a full team that truly grasps my vision to bring it to life because everything I conceive is in my mind and hard to articulate. I’m glad I collaborated with people who understood my language. They didn’t give up after repeated attempts. We experimented until I said, ‘This is it.’ The result is stunning and resonant. When I look at that image, it may not immediately match the title, but a deeper look reveals a strong connection. It’s beautiful.

Salle tells Apple Music about her EP title ‘Only Sad People Smile’

I consider it a confession I never wanted to write. The title was chosen before the songs were even assembled, because I was in a phase where I smiled most when I realized what I was experiencing. I was battling self‑doubt, and at that time I just wanted to hang out with friends, to go out, and not return home because I knew what awaited me. I was forcing happiness. That’s why I chose the title—it explains how I smiled brightly yet wasn’t truly happy, lacking joy. After picking the title, I had to prepare to express every feeling and emotion that embodied it. The songs were already in my notes, written whenever I felt something. Whenever I’m in the studio, I sing about it. Thus, ‘Only Sad People Smile’ came together.

Salle tells Apple Music about the song “Therapy”

‘Therapy’ captures the moment I was feeling very uncertain. I used to doubt myself a lot, especially when surrounded by talented friends. I was a girl in a small world, wanting to make my mother happy while also striving for personal greatness. I felt small, inadequate, and pressured to meet expectations. As a 17‑year‑old, these emotions piled up. That’s what ‘Therapy’ represents—beautiful, powerful.

Salle tells Apple Music about the song “Underskirt”

I want the world to see women beyond what they present. I want people to understand women, because listening is one thing, understanding another. I need the world to recognize women because it’s our shared reality.

Salle tells Apple Music about the song “If You Leave” with Ayo Maff

She was vulnerable, foolish. When you’re deeply in love, it can make you harsh toward yourself, causing you to lose your essence and shine. It darkens you, and it… I don’t know, it pulls you away from your true self.

Salle tells Apple Music what she’d like people to take away from ‘Only Sad People Smile’

I keep telling people that the key takeaway from ‘Only Sad People Smile’ is that it’s perfectly fine not to smile when you have no reason to. You owe no one a false grin. It’s okay to be sad, to dwell in that sadness for as long as you wish. When there’s something to celebrate, then be joyous, truly joyous. People often suppress sadness, but that’s unnecessary. You can be the life of the party, but if you’re sad and someone comes over, take your time, process everything. Overthink… Just stay in it and eventually become even happier. Be happier.