Alemeda continues to build on the momentum she’s gained throughout the year with her new release “1-800 FK-YOU”. The track is a cheeky, no-filter anthem for anyone who’s ever been the main character in someone else’s group chat. ““1-800-FK-YOU” is really just about how I couldn’t care less what people think because I truly believe your haters are always your biggest fans,” Alemeda stated. “It’s cocky, and it’s a little petty in the cutest way.”
Growing up between Ethiopia and Arizona, Alemeda broke out in 2021 with “Gonna Bleach My Eyebrows” that went viral throughout social media, amassing more than 8 million streams. Alemeda didn’t seriously delve into music until after graduating high school due to criticism and familial disapproval of her musical aspirations. She recalls, “I was very in my culture’s opinion, ‘a rebellious kid’, so kids like that in my African community were sent back to Ethiopia to discipline them by reinforcing the values of our culture. It was basically my mom’s way of ‘straightening me out’, but that obviously didn’t work, so it was kind of a waste of time.” Inspired by the artists she grew up listening to such as, Coldplay, Maroon 5, Rihanna, and Arctic Monkeys, Alemeda is mindful and purposeful with representation amongst her fellow East Africans in this diaspora. Now based in Los Angeles, Alemeda now works under Top Dawg Entertainment, which also represents Doechii, SZA and others and has toured with Halsey and played numerous festivals throughout the year.
Alemeda spoke with B-Sides host Pete Mar about performing at Outside Lands 2025, her musical journey, new music and more.
