Step into the vibrant world of Yemi Alade, the multi-talented force of nature who’s redefining the global music scene. Born on March 13, 1989, in Nigeria, she’s not just your ordinary artist; she’s a musical chameleon, an actress, and an unyielding activist.
Her music is a delicious blend of Afro, Highlife, Dancehall, Pop, and R&B that has not only captured the hearts of Africans but has also sent shockwaves worldwide. With her boundless creativity, she’s earned the well-deserved title of “Mama Africa.”
What sets Yemi Alade apart is her incredible knack for weaving together different African languages and attire seamlessly into her songs and music videos.
Whether she’s crooning in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili, or Portuguese, Yemi Alade connects with listeners on a profound level. Her roots are as diverse as her music; her father, a Yoruba police commissioner, and her mother, of Igbo descent.
Yemi’s journey to stardom began with a resounding victory at the Peak Talent Show in 2009. This was just the beginning, as she soon signed with Effyzzie Music Group and unleashed the chart-topping sensation, “Johnny,” upon the world in 2014.
Her albums “King of Queens” and “Mama Africa” solidified her status as a global icon, and her world tours were nothing short of spectacular.
In 2016, she made history, debuting on the Billboard “Next Big Sound” Chart at No. 4. Her accolades are too numerous to count, with back-to-back wins at the MTV African Music Awards for Best Female in 2015 and 2016.
Yemi Alade’s star power was further underscored when she became the first female to clinch the MAMA’s Best Female award consecutively twice and received a coveted nomination for Artist of the Year.
But her influence extends far beyond the African continent. Yemi Alade was the first African female artist to secure a nomination at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs). She also made waves at the BET Awards, earning nominations for Best International Act: Africa in 2015 and 2016.
Yet, Yemi Alade’s artistry isn’t confined to the recording studio. Her electrifying stage performances, cutting-edge fashion sense, and mesmerizing music videos have left audiences around the world in awe.
This is beautifully exemplified by her remarkable achievement of winning The Headies Award for Best Performer not once, but twice, in 2018 and 2019, making her the inaugural recipient of this prestigious honor at The Headies 2018.
Join us on a journey through the life and career of Yemi Alade, the powerhouse who continues to redefine the boundaries of music, fashion, and culture.
Yemi Alade Wiki
Born Name: Yemi Eberechi Alade
Fame Name: Yemi Alade
Date of Birth: 13 March 1989 (age 34)
Place of Birth: Abia State, Nigeria
Origin: Ondo State, Nigeria
Education: University of Lagos
Occupations: Singer, songwriter
Television: The Voice Nigeria
Genres: Afropop, R&B, world
Instrument(s): Vocals
Labels: Effyzzie Music Group, Rebel Movement, Universal Music Africa
Website: yemialadeofficial.com
Yemi Alade Biography
Meet Yemi Eberechi Alade, born on March 13, 1989, a powerhouse in Nigerian Afropop. Yemi is not just a singer; she’s a dynamic force, a songwriter, actress, and a passionate activist.
Her music transcends genres, seamlessly blending Afro, Highlife, Dancehall, Pop, and R&B. It’s not just her music that’s remarkable; it’s her profound influence across African countries and beyond that has earned her the affectionate title of “Mama Africa.”
What truly makes Yemi Alade special is her ability to effortlessly incorporate various African languages and traditional attire into her music and videos.
Whether she’s singing in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili, or Portuguese, Yemi connects with a diverse global audience. Her heritage is equally diverse, with a Yoruba police commissioner father and an Igbo mother.
Yemi’s journey to stardom took off when she won the Peak Talent Show in 2009, leading her to sign with Effyzzie Music Group. In 2014, she unleashed the chart-topping hit “Johnny,” catapulting her into the spotlight.
Her albums, “King of Queens” and “Mama Africa,” solidified her position as a global icon, marked by successive world tours.
In 2016, Yemi Alade made history by debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard “Next Big Sound” Chart. Her accolades include consecutive wins at the MTV African Music Awards for Best Female in 2015 and 2016.
She also made history by becoming the first female to win the MAMA’s Best Female award twice and receiving a nomination for Artist of the Year.
Beyond Africa, Yemi Alade’s influence has reached global heights. She was the first African female artist to secure a nomination at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs).
Additionally, she received nominations at the BET Awards for Best International Act: Africa in both 2015 and 2016.
However, her impact extends far beyond music. Yemi Alade is celebrated for her captivating stage performances, innovative fashion sense, and visually stunning music videos.
This is underscored by her remarkable achievement of winning The Headies Award for Best Performer not once, but twice, in 2018 and 2019, as she became the inaugural recipient of this prestigious honor in 2018.
In a digital era, Yemi Alade’s presence on YouTube is equally impressive. She became the second Nigerian and Afrobeats artist, and the first female, to achieve 100 million views for a single video on YouTube, following in the footsteps of Davido.
In 2020, Yemi Alade’s commitment to making a difference became evident when she was selected to perform at The Global Goal: Unite for Our Future, a Global Citizen-sponsored event.
This initiative aimed to highlight the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in remote areas of Africa and across the world. Yemi shared the stage with global superstars, including Miley Cyrus, Shakira, and Jennifer Hudson.
In 2022, Yemi Alade received a Grammy certificate for her collaboration with Beninese music icon, Angelique Kidjo, on the “Mother Nature” album.
She also made history as the first female Afrobeats artist to receive a Latin Grammy nomination for the song “Cónexion Total” with Bomba Estéreo. Both the song and the album it featured in were nominated for the awards.
In the same year, The Scoove Africa recognized Yemi Alade as “The Best Stage Performer in Nigeria” for 2022.
Dabiri, in an article published on Norient, hailed Alade as a revolutionary artist who is “simply rediscovering some of the freedoms to which colonialism and its immediate legacy once barred them access.”
Yemi Alade’s journey is not just a musical one; it’s a testament to her impact, influence, and her role as a trailblazer reshaping the global music landscape.
Yemi Alade Early Life
Yemi Alade’s upbringing was a harmonious blend of Nigeria’s diverse ethnicities. Her father, James Alade, hailed from Ondo State, Nigeria, where he served as a commissioner of police.
Her mother, Helen Uzoma, was a proud native of Abia State, Nigeria. Yemi Alade herself proudly draws from the rich cultural tapestries of both her parents, embracing the Igbo and Yoruba ethnicities.
Her educational journey took her through Victory Grammar School in Ikeja during her secondary schooling. Subsequently, she pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, an institution in the bustling heart of Lagos, Nigeria.
While at the university, Yemi Alade’s life took a captivating turn. She ventured into the world of television talent competitions and found herself participating in the acclaimed Peak Talent Show.
H3m3undeniable talent and charisma shone brightly, leading her to emerge as the winner of this prestigious contest. This marked Yemi Alade’s dazzling debut on television and her initial foray into the spotlight.
5ollofi theher victory, she caught the attention of the music industry and was swiftly signed to Effyzzie Music Group, setting the stage for her remarkable journey in the music world.
Music career
Yemi Alade’s musical journey blossomed with the release of her debut studio album, “King of Queens,” on October 2, 2014.
This impressive album saw her collaborating with an array of talented producers, including Selebobo, Sizzle Pro, Shady Bizniz, Philkeyz, Young D, GospelOnDeBeatz, DIL, OJB Jezreel, Mr. Chidoo, Fliptyce, EL Mcee, and Beat Nation. Prior to the album’s launch, she released hit singles like “Johnny,” “Tangerine,” and “Kissing” as a tantalizing taste of what was to come.
King of Queens” not only showcased Yemi’s musical prowess but also featured guest appearances and entertaining skits with Bovi, R2Bees, Phyno, Chidinma, DIL, Selebobo, and Diamond Platnumz. 5.To promote the album, Yemi embarked on a thrilling tour of various African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
A deluxe edition of the album, released in November 2014, included French versions of songs originally performed in English. The striking cover art for this deluxe edition was unveiled on October 21, 2014.
Notably, “King of Queens” garnered significant attention, selling over 100,000 copies and earning nominations for Album of the Year at both the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment Awards and the 2015 Headies Awards.
Building on her success, Yemi Alade unveiled her second studio album, “Mama Africa,” on March 25, 2016. With this album, Yemi aimed to celebrate the diverse strengths and vulnerabilities of African women. “Mama Africa” seamlessly blended elements of Afropop, highlife, R&B, coupé-décalé, hip-hop, and pop, offering a vibrant and eclectic musical experience.
The process of creating “Mama Africa” was no small feat, as Yemi juggled constant travel between different countries. Her goal was ambitious—to capture the essence of the entire African continent in a single CD.
Collaborating with artists from West Africa, East Africa, and South Africa, Yemi enlisted the expertise of GospelOnDeBeatz, DJ Coublon, Selebobo, Philkeyz, BeatsByEmzo, Masterkraft, Rotimi Keys, and Mr. Chidoo as producers.
The album featured guest appearances from the likes of P-Square, Sarkodie, Sauti Sol, Flavour N’abania, Rotimi Keys, DJ Arafat, and Selebobo. Building anticipation, “Mama Africa” was made available for pre-order on iTunes a week before its official release.
Notably, Yemi Alade announced that proceeds from album sales would benefit the Feed a Child charity initiative. The deluxe edition of the album, featuring collaborations with South African musicians Bucie and AKA, was released on April 6, 2016, further expanding its musical richness.
The impact of “Mama Africa” extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, charting in countries like Germany, Malaysia, and France. In recognition of its global appeal, “Mama Africa” secured the Worldbeat Album award at the 2016 Independent Music Awards.
Yemi Alade’s third studio album, “Black Magic,” saw its release on December 15, 2017. Serving as a follow-up to her 2017 EP, “Mama Afrique,” this album featured guest appearances by Falz and Olamide.
Leading up to the album’s announcement, Alade posted the acronym “BM” on her social media, challenging her fans to guess its meaning. The production of “Black Magic” was in the capable hands of DJ Coublon, Vtek, Sarz, Krizbeatz, Young D, Sess, Fliptyce, IAmBeat, Philkeyz, 2Kriss, and Echo.
It was introduced by previously released singles such as “Knack Am,” “Single & Searching,” and “Heart Robber.” However, it received mixed reviews from music critics, with some criticizing its lyrics and Alade’s songwriting.
In May 2017, Alade was announced as a coach for the second edition of “The Voice Nigeria,” taking the place of 2baba. She coached alongside other Nigerian artists like Waje, Timi Dakolo, and Patoranking.
On December 1, 2017, Alade was featured in Shell Oil Company’s campaign, “Make The Future,” in Nigeria. She also appeared in the company’s music video, “On Top of the World,” alongside Jennifer Hudson, Pixie Lott, Luan Santana, and Monali Thakur.
A significant milestone occurred on April 29, 2019, when Alade’s remix of “Oh My Gosh” featuring Rick Ross garnered one million views in just one day, making it one of the fastest views gainers in African music history and the fastest release by an African female artist.
In July 2019, Alade became the first African female artist to reach one million subscribers on YouTube. Her song “Johnny” currently holds the YouTube record for the most-watched African female music video of all time.
On August 30, 2019, Alade released her fourth studio album, “Woman of Steel.” She described it as a diverse collection of songs, reflecting her strong presence and her realization that she is her own superhero.
Musically “Woman of Steel” blends Afrobeat, R&B, and highlife elements while addressing themes like love, socio-politics, and poverty. The album features collaborations with artists such as Rick Ross, Duncan Mighty, Angélique Kidjo, and Funke Akindele.
In September 2019, Alade signed a multi-year licensing deal with Universal Music Africa (UMA) and UMG France, making UMA her exclusive worldwide record partner, with UMG France handling international releases under the label.
Throughout her career, Alade secured numerous ambassadorial contracts and partnerships with brands like Luc Belaire, Glo, Maybelline, Shell, and more. On January 16, 2020, she was announced as the brand ambassador for Hollandia Yoghurt.
In July 2020, Alade starred in Beyoncé’s visual trailer for “Black Is King” and was featured in the movie, which premiered on Disney+ on July 31, 2020.
On August 25, 2020, Alade was announced as one of the coaches for “The Voice Nigeria” Season 3, alongside Waje, Darey, and Falz. She returned as a coach from “The Voice Nigeria” Season 2.
On November 17, 2020, Alade announced her fifth studio album, “Empress,” which was released on November 20, 2020.. The album features guest appearances by Estelle, Vegedream, Patoranking, Rudeboy, Mzansi Youth Choir, and Dadju, with production by Vtek, Phil Keyz, Egar Boi, Dr. Amir, Krizbeatz, IamBeatz, Youp Boelen, Jimmy Huru, and Yung Felix.
Guitarists Fiokee and Max Meurs also contributed to the album. “Empress” received positive critical acclaim and boasts the most singles of all Alade’s albums.
Lastly, on August 13, 2021, Yemi Alade released her second EP, “Queendoncom,” consisting of seven solo singles.
Advocacy
Yemi Alade has been actively involved in various advocacy programs throughout her music career.
On November 7, 2018, Alade paid a visit to her secondary school, Victory Grammar School in Ikeja, where she also carried out charitable activities. She provided assistance to students with eyesight difficulties by providing them with equipment to improve their vision.
This philanthropic effort was made possible through her foundation, the Helen and James Pathway Foundation.
Furthermore, on November 15, 2019, Yemi Alade participated in The Nairobi Summit on ICPD25, advocating for the rights and well-being of handicapped children in Kenya.
During the event, she also delivered a performance alongside Chawki as part of the movement, A Global Call to Action for handicapped children in Kenya.
In 2020, Yemi Alade became actively involved in several impactful advocacy programs:
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Yemi Alade partnered with the UNDP to raise awareness and advocate for the protection and support of underprivileged individuals across Africa who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global Citizen’s “Unite for the Future” Campaign
Alade participated in this campaign, which was organized in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and MTV Base.
She joined forces with the One Campaign in the “Stand Together against Covid-19” movement, contributing to the campaign song “Stand Together.”
This collaborative effort involved other African artists like 2Baba, Ahmed Soultan, Ben Pol, Teni, Amanda Black, Stanley Enow, Gigi La Mayne, Prodigio, and Betty G.
Appointment as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador
On September 23, 2020, Yemi Alade was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) by the organization’s administrator, Achim Steiner.
She committed to focusing her efforts on Sustainable Development Goals related to inequality, women’s empowerment, and raising awareness about the impact of global climate change.
TED Virtual Countdown Global Launch
On October 30, 2020, Alade performed her singles “True Love” and “Africa” at the TED virtual countdown global launch. She also spoke about the importance of addressing carbon emissions globally and the role of communities in finding solutions to the climate crisis.
In 2021, Yemi Alade continued her activism for the Sustainable Development Goals, participating in various programs and events aimed at creating a better environment and addressing gender-based violence.
Earthshot Prize Ceremony
On October 17, 2021, Alade had the honor of performing at the Earthshot Prize ceremony held at Alexandra Palace in London.
This event, hosted by the Royal Foundation and attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, recognized and awarded individuals who made substantial contributions to environmental conservation.
Alade performed alongside renowned artists like Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, Coldplay, and KSI. Her song “Rain” was personally selected by the Royal family for the event.
Global Ambassador for “It’s Up To Us” Campaign
On March 2, 2022, Yemi Alade was announced as the global ambassador for the “It’s Up To Us” campaign.
This Pan-African initiative, conducted in partnership with the Africa Centre for Disease Control and the MasterCard Foundation, aimed to encourage Africans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, contributing to public health efforts during the pandemic.
Yemi Alade’s commitment to these causes highlights her dedication to making a positive impact on social and environmental issues through her music and advocacy work.
Legacy
Yemi Alade’s influence in the music industry is undeniable, and it’s heartening to see that she has inspired and served as a mentor and role model for emerging artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, Guchi, Ugoccie, and Busiswa.
Her achievements and dedication to her craft have undoubtedly paved the way for others in the music industry, and her positive impact on these artists’ careers is a testament to her lasting legacy.
Tours
Yemi Alade’s extensive world tours following her studio albums showcase her global appeal and musical prowess. Here are the five world tours corresponding to her studio albums:
K Queens Tour.
Mama Africa Tour.
Black Magic Tour.
Woman of Steel Tour.
Empress Tour.
Discography
King of Queens (2015)
Mama Africa (2016)
Black Magic (2017)
Woman of Steel (2019)
Empress (2020)
Extended plays
Mama Afrique (2017)
Queendoncom (2021)
African Baddie (2022)
Yemi Alade’s Instagram page is a vibrant and engaging platform that offers a glimpse into the life and career of this renowned Nigerian artist. With a staggering 17.5 million followers, she has cultivated a massive and dedicated fanbase on the platform.
On her Instagram page, you’ll find a visually captivating collection of content that includes stunning photos, vibrant videos, and insightful captions.
Her posts often showcase her dynamic style, both in fashion and music, reflecting her status as a true fashion icon and Afrobeat sensation.
With close to 200 posts, Yemi Alade shares a rich tapestry of her experiences, from her electrifying performances on stage to behind-the-scenes moments from her music videos and recording sessions.
Her posts also touch on her advocacy work, showcasing her commitment to causes such as gender equality and environmental awareness.
Through her Instagram account, fans can keep up with her latest releases, tour updates, and collaborations with other artists. It’s a window into the world of Yemi Alade, where music, culture, and social impact intersect.
For a firsthand look at her captivating Instagram page and to stay connected with her musical journey, you can follow her at yemialade.
Yemi Alade’s Twitter page is a vibrant hub with over 2.1 million followers, making her a prominent figure in the world of music and entertainment.
Her page, accessible at Yemialadee , is a captivating blend of music updates, personal insights, and engagement with fans worldwide.
With her charismatic presence, she shares her musical journey, exciting news, and glimpses into her life, creating a strong bond with her followers.
Explore her page for a delightful dose of music and entertainment updates from one of Africa’s shining stars.