Rising Star Salle Releases Debut EP ‘Only Sad People Smile’

Nigeria’s newest viral star Salle unveils her long-awaited debut EP ‘Only Sad People Smile’, released via United Masters. At just 21 years old, Salle has rapidly made a name for herself as one of Africa’s most promising young voices, as a gifted singer-songwriter whose vulnerability and strength converge in deeply moving ways.

Building on the viral breakout of her debut single ‘Icon’, and the glowing reception to follow-ups ‘Countdown’ andlatest single ‘Underskirt’, Salle’s debut EP presents a cohesive 7-track journey. Written entirely by Salle, ‘Only Sad People Smile’ is an exploration of resilience and vulnerability, resulting in an honest portrait of a 21-year-old songwriter turning life’s darkest corners into music that can still make you smile.

Speaking on the project, Salle shares: “Smiling was free therapy until the side effects included people thinking I’m fine. So I wrote all the emotions I wasn’t able to freely dwell in into melodies and now we have ‘Only sad people smile’.”

The EP is rooted in Salle’s poet-like narration and her ability to turn raw emotion into vivid storytelling. As she explains: “It’s so hard explaining myself to everyone, every time I’m asked, are you okay? So I smile a lot and everyone thinks it’s all calm. I couldn’t afford therapy, but I could put all these emotions into this work of art, ‘Only Sad People Smile’, because nothing says ‘I’m okay’ like writing a whole project about how I’m not.”

With ‘Only Sad People Smile’, Salle offers a debut body of work brimming with introspection, innovation and emotional resonance, cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s most exciting, unique young voices.

Listen to ‘Only Sad People Smile’ below!