Yemi Eberechi Alade aka Yemi Alade is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, actress and activist. Her music is a mixture of Afropop, highlife, dancehall, pop and R&B, and has been of influence in several countries across Africa. She sings in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili and Portuguese.
There’s no doubt that across the world, Yemi Alade has achieved a cult-like followership status, which confirms her status as one of the biggest stars to emerge from Africa.
Her stage presence and performances are always breathtaking and mind-blowing because she gives her all in every performance.
She is set to release a new music project and in a brief chat with The Nation’s Assistant Entertainment Editor, Gbenga Bada, she opened up on varied issues including love life and more.
You have a new song out now, ‘Tomorrow,’ what was the idea behind the song?
‘Tomorrow’ is a dance /conscious-oriented song that reminds us of the endless possibilities and 2nd chance that “tomorrow” gives each one of us. It was born from bare melodies that manifested into words that everyone can relate to.
You have consistently released songs over the years. What has been your driving force to have remained relevant in the music industry for so long?
I love music…it’s the one thing that I’m gifted at. I’m deeply rooted and connected to music. It’s therapy, its life and it has chosen me as a messenger.
You are also constantly travelling, and performing at various concerts and festivals around the world. How do you find time to write and record new songs?
There will always be time for the things that are most important, and writing music is something I always do with ease on the road as I make voice notes after voice notes and later create the production.
The music industry is very tough now with content overload, especially in Nigeria where many songs are released daily. How do you manage to reinvent yourself and your music?
The music industry has always been tough. Even before I showed any interest, it was tough and will continue to be tough. But you know what they say about tough situations. The strongest will survive.
On October 2, 2024, you would have officially been on the music scene actively for a decade, how does that make you feel?
A decade is a long time! But officially it will be 14 years in the industry in 2024. Counting from my first song Fimisile ft Eldee the Don
Many people have different views of who Yemi Alade is. In your own words, who is Yemi Alade?
I am myself, true, African, authentic. There is no one like me. I’m unique, a rare gem, a trailblazer, an African rebel making her way in this diverse world of monotony.
Looking at the trajectory of your music career with a new album ready, what inspires your album title including the recent one you want to release in 2024?
Growing up, African pop music was a mixture of music that carried messages and helped us through different situations in life. This album is a blend of what my playlist consists of right now e.g. the new and old pop music that cuts across generations and boundaries. I have always charted my own course and walked the path less travelled. A true rebel in words and action. A lot of albums tend to have monotony in genre and style and it bores me easily most times. This album has something new, old and borrowed. Every song is unique, and a capsule of my thoughts and melodies and a truckload of nostalgia.
Tell us about the tracklist.
It’s a 16-track album that takes you through the sounds of Africa on different tempos and rhythms with features from a few of your favourite artists from different parts of the world.
What are the major themes in your forthcoming album?
Femininity, style, dance , motivation, liberation and consciousness.
How often do your personal life experiences influence a song?
90 percent of the time.
How would you describe your music evolution over the years?
I honestly have just continued to make music with the constant element being Yemi Alade.
One question many will ask aside from your music career is your love life. Are you in a relationship at the moment and are you looking at walking down the aisle anytime soon?
I would like people to continue to focus on the things that I am willing to share with them, which is music.
What is the biggest thing stardom and fame have deprived you of in the last 10 years?
Personal space and sometimes freedom of expression without being judged
What do you regard as the next level for you?
I’m on the journey to discovering that…
What’s your biggest worry at this stage of your life and career?
My worries have all been cast on God.
When and how do you relax?
I like to visit new food spots that have excellent reviews and when I feel like I need new stimuli, I go to a new country and get a villa to myself with a personal chef and a view that’s breath taking. It relaxes me immensely.
