Yemi Eberechi Alade (born 13 March 1989), is a Nigerian Afropop singer, songwriter, actress and activist. She gained the Peak Expertise Present in 2009 after which she signed to Effyzzie Music Group, and had successful along with her single “Johnny” in 2014. Since then Yemi has gained prominence within the music industry and thought of one of many largest artists in Africa. Following the releases of her albums King of Queens and Mama Africa with big industrial success recorded for each albums, she launched into world tours consecutively.
Alade launched her debut album King of Queens on 2 October 2014, and the album produced her most profitable single Johnny and different singles like “Kissing”, “Tangerine” and “Taking Over Me” that includes Phyno. The album was nominated for Album of the yr on the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment Awards and the 2015 Headies Awards. On 25 March 2016, Alade launched her second album titled Mama Africa which produced singles like “Na Gode”, “TumBum” and “Ferrari”. Mama Africa gained the World beat Album on the 2016 Independent Music Awards.
In 2016, she debuted on Billboard as No 4 on “Subsequent Massive Sound” Chart
She gained the MTV African Music Awards for Greatest feminine in 2015 and 2016 consecutively and was nominated for Artiste of the 12 months in 2015, making her the primary feminine to win the MAMAs for Greatest feminine consecutively twice and nominated for Artiste of the 12 months. In 2015, Alade was the primary African feminine to be nominated for the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) and She was nominated for the BET awards for Best International Act: Africa in 2015 and 2016. Yemi can also be applauded for her artistic and overwhelming stage performances, style and music movies She has gained The Headies Award for Best Performer twice, 2018 and 2019. The slot was initiated at The Headies 2018 and he or she was the primary artiste to win the class. Alade can also be the second Nigerian and Afrobeats artist and the primary feminine to hit 100 million views for a single video on YouTube after Davido. She additionally has the file for probably the most seen feminine African music video and the primary Nigerian feminine artist to hit 1million views on YouTube in 24 hours.
Alade sings in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili and Portuguese. Her music has been of affect in lots of African nations and the world as she is acclaimed “Mama Africa” for her versatility in utilizing completely different African languages and attires in her songs and music movies. Alade’s father was a police commissioner of Yoruba descent, whereas her mom is of Igbo descent.
On 9 June 2020, Alade was talked about to be among the many forefront artists/musicians from the world over to carry out at The Global Goal: Unite for our future sponsored by the Global Citizen aimed to spotlight the disproportionate influence of the COVID-19 pandemic particularly in probably the most distant locations in Africa and the world over. On 27 June 2020, Yemi Alade carried out within the International Aim: Unite for Our future alongside Miley Cyrus, Shakira, J Balvin, Jennifer Hudson, Coldplay, Usher, Justin Bieber, Quavo, Christine and the Queens and Chloe X Halle.
In 2022, The Scoove Africa ranked Yemi Alade The Best Stage Performer in Nigeria thus far.
Youth
Alade was raised in a multi-ethnic house from Nigeria, Her father James Alade was a commissioner of police from Ondo State, Nigeria whereas her mom Helen Uzoma is a local of Abia State, Nigeria. In keeping with Yemi, She faucets from the Igbo and Yoruba ethnicities of her dad and mom. Alade attended secondary College at Victory Grammar College, Ikeja, and the University of Lagos, (each in Lagos, Nigeria)
Yemi Alade performing within the Peak Expertise Present, 2009
Throughout her college schooling Alade took half in a TV expertise present known as Peak Expertise Present the place she emerged winner. That was Alade’s debut look on TV and the place she gained recognition. She was then signed to Effyzzie Music Group.
Music profession
2014–2016: King of Queens and Mama Africa
Alade’s debut studio album King of Queens was launched on 2 October 2014. Alade collaborated with producers similar to Selebobo, Sizzle Professional, Shady Bizniz, Philkeyz, Younger D, GospelOnDeBeatz, DIL, OJB Jezreel, Mr Chidoo, Fliptyce, EL Mcee and Beat Nation. The album was preceded by the singles “Johnny”, “Tangerine” and “Kissing”. It options guest appearances and skits from Bovi, R2Bees, Phyno, Chidinma, DIL, Selebobo and Diamond Platnumz. Alade promoted the album by touring a number of African nations, together with Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. The album’s deluxe version was launched in November 2014; it incorporates French variations of songs initially carried out in English. The quilt artwork for the deluxe version was unveiled on 21 October 2014. In keeping with the music platform A Nation of Billions, King of Queens bought over 100,000 copies.
Yemi Alade and Runtown on the Mama Africa (album) listening get together, London
Alade’s second studio album Mama Africa was launched on 25 March 2016. Alade disclosed its title was Mama Africa and stated it could deal with the strengths and weaknesses of an African girl. The album combines components of Afropop, highlife, R&B, coupé-décalé, hip-hop and pop. Alade stated recording the album was a wrestle as a result of she was continually touring to completely different nations day by day. She additionally stated she recorded the album to “seize all of Africa in a single CD”. Alade informed The Fader journal she collaborated with artists from West Africa, East Africa and South Africa. She enlisted GospelOnDeBeatz, DJ Coublon, Selebobo, Philkeyz, BeatsByEmzo, Masterkraft, Rotimi Keys and Mr. Chidoo to supply the album. Mama Africa options visitor appearances from P-Square, Sarkodie, Sauti Sol, Flavour N’abania, Rotimi Keys, DJ Arafat and Selebobo. It was made out there for pre-order on iTunes per week earlier than its official launch. Alade introduced that proceeds from the sale of the album will go to the Feed a Little one charity initiative. The album’s deluxe version was launched on 6 April 2016, and options collaborations with South African musicians Bucie and AKA. Mama Africa charted in Germany, Malaysia and France.
2017–2019: Black Magic, Girl of Metal, Common Music and Endorsements
Alade’s third studio album Black Magic was launched on 15 December 2017. A follow-up to her 2017 EP Mama Afrique, the album options visitor appearances from Falz and Olamide. Black Magic was made out there for pre-order in November 2017. Previous to disclosing the album’s title, Alade posted the acronym BM on social media and wished her followers to guess its which means. The album was produced by DJ Coublon, Vtek, Sarz, Krizbeatz, Younger D, Sess, Fliptyce, IAmBeat, Philkeyz, 2Kriss and Echo. It was supported by the beforehand launched singles “Knack Am”, “Single & Looking” and “Coronary heart Robber”. The album acquired usually unfavourable critiques from music critics, who panned its lyrics and Alade’s songwriting. Previous to that, On 9 Might 2017, Alade was introduced as a coach within the second version of The Voice Nigeria to interchange 2baba who was a former coach on the dwell present. She coached on The Voice Nigeria (Season 2) alongside different Nigerian artists like Waje, Timi Dakolo and Patoranking. On 1 December 2017, Alade was featured on a marketing campaign “Make The Future” by Shell Oil Firm in Nigeria. She was additionally starred within the firm’s music video “On Prime of the World” which additionally featured Jennifer Hudson, Pixie Lott, Luan Santana and Monali Thakur.
On 29 April 2019, Alade garnered a million views on her “Oh My Gosh” remix that includes Rick Ross in sooner or later. This makes the discharge from Alade, one of many quickest views gainers within the historical past of African music and the quickest launch by an African feminine act. In July 2019, Alade turned the primary African feminine artist to succeed in a million subscribers on YouTube. Her music “Johnny” at the moment holds the YouTube file for probably the most watched African Feminine music video of all time. Alade was featured on “Do not Jealous Me”, a observe from Beyoncé’s soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift. She appeared on the observe alongside Mr Eazi and Tekno. Rolling Stone journal revealed that Alade additionally recorded a verse for an earlier model of “My Energy” in June.
Yemi Alade performing in Sydney throughout her Woman of Steel tour
Girl of Metal is all about drawing the interior power that you’ve got in you and being the superhero that you’ve got all the time wanted and a part of being as arduous as precise iron, is breaking free from the confines of getting to be exceptionally “powerful” on a regular basis and feeling free to faucet into womanly instincts. It is about discovering energy in numerous expressions of womanhood: arduous, smooth, or in any other case. “There are vital, delicate issues that we’d like on this world,” she says. “We’d like all of the issues to be who we’re. I do not assume the world needs to be making an attempt to inform us, we’re too emotional, or too this or, we’re too that. No, we’re precisely what the world wants.
Yemi Alade speaks to Okay Africa
Alade launched her fourth studio album Woman of Steel on 30 August 2019. Alade describes the album as a “buffet with completely different sorts of meals and drinks”. She named the album Girl of Metal to replicate her powerful veneer to command the identical diploma of respect as her male counterparts. Furthermore, she derived the title after coming to the conclusion that she is her personal superhero. Musically, Girl of Metal is an Afrobeat file that comes with components of R&B and highlife. The album primarily explores subjects similar to love, socio-politics and poverty. Alade spent three years recording the album and stated it could be launched on 30 August 2019. The album’s cowl artwork options Alade carrying a headcap impressed by the Nefertiti Bust paintings. Artists featured on Girl of Metal embody Rick Ross, Duncan Mighty, Angélique Kidjo and Funke Akindele. In an interview with The Star newspaper, Alade sang among the songs that made the album have been recorded the earlier yr whereas others have been recorded in August.
In September 2019, Alade signed a multi-year licensing take care of Common Music Africa (UMA) and UMG France. UMA will function the unique worldwide file companion for Alade whereas UMG France will function the worldwide rollout companion for all of her releases below the label.
Through the years, Alade acquired a number of ambassadorial contracts and partnerships from completely different manufacturers each regionally and internationally. She was endorsed by manufacturers like Luc Belaire, Glo, Maybelline, Shell and plenty of extra.
2020-Current: Black Is King and Empress
On 16 January 2020, Alade was introduced the brand new model ambassador for Hollandia Yoghurt.
Yemi Alade starred on Beyoncé’s Black Is King visible trailer and was introduced to be featured within the film launched and premiered on Disney+ on 31 July 2020, then premiered for African nations on DStv Mnet on 1 August 2020.
On 25 August 2020, Alade was introduced to be among the many coaches taking part in The Voice Nigeria Season 3 alongside Waje, Darey and Falz, Alade can also be one of many returning coaches from The Voice Nigeria (Season 2) alongside Waje
On 17 November 2020, Alade introduced the discharge of her fifth studio album titled Empress. She launched the tracklist and the duvet artwork of the album and slated the discharge for 20 November 2020. The album incorporates 15 tracks and it options visitor appearances and collaborations from the Grammy award profitable Estelle, Vegedream, Patoranking, Rudeboy, Mzansi Youth Choir and Dadju. She additionally enlisted Vtek, Phil Keyz, Egar Boi, Dr. Amir, Krizbeatz, IamBeatz, Youp Boelen, Jimmy Huru and Yung Felix as producers of the album. The guitarists she likewise enlisted are Fiokee and Max Meurs. The album acquired constructive vital acclaim and has probably the most singles of all Alade’s album. On 13 August 2021 Yemi Alade launched her second EP Queendoncom with seven singles. It was an all solo album as Alade featured no visitor appearances on the mission.
Advocacy
Yemi Alade has engaged in advocacy packages through the years of her music profession.
On 7 November 2018, Alade visited her secondary faculty Victory Grammar College, Ikeja which she additionally engaged in charity work. She helped the scholars who had problem in eyesight with tools to assist them see clearly. She engaged into this by her basis (Helen and James Pathway Basis).
Yemi Alade performs on the Nairobi Summit on ICPD25, 2019
On 15 November 2019, Alade was featured on The Nairobi Summit on ICPD25 for the motion A International Name to Motion for handicapped kids in Kenya. She carried out alongside Chawki
2020: COVID-19 advocacy
In 2020, Alade joined the United Nations Development Programme to talk for defense and aiding of poor individuals throughout Africa affected by the corona virus pandemic. She additionally was featured within the marketing campaign Unite for the Future by International Citizen In partnership with Nelson Mandela Foundation and MTV Base, Alade joined One Campaign on a motion Stand Collectively in opposition to Covid-19 She was featured on the marketing campaign music “Stand Collectively” which collaborated with different African artistes like 2Baba, Ahmed Soultan, Ben Pol, Teni, Amanda Black, Stanley Enow, Gigi La Mayne, Prodigio and Betty G
On 23 September 2020, Yemi Alade was appointed a Goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) by the group’s administrator Achim Steiner. She pledged with the UNDP that her focuses on Sustainable Development Goals can be on inequality, empowering ladies and creating consciousness for the influence of worldwide local weather change. On 30 October 2020, Alade carried out her singles “True Love” and “Africa” on the TED digital countdown international launch. The countdown is TED’s initiative to speed up options to local weather disaster around the globe. Earlier than her efficiency, Alade spoke about being a part of the neighborhood that challenges each other to discovering methods to cut back carbon emissions globally.
2021
Ever since Alade’s appointment as a United Nations Development Programme ambassador, Her activism for the Sustainable Improvement Targets has elevated as she has engaged in programmes and occasions that may assist posit change to a greater surroundings and gender based violence.
Yemi Alade with Prince William, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
On 17 October 2021, Alade carried out on the Earthshot Prize ceremony which befell on the Alexandra Palace, London on the invitation of the Royal household (The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge). The occasion is hosted by the Royal foundation and aimed to distribute prizes and awards to 5 people annually who assist the surroundings considerably. Alade carried out alongside Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendez, Cold Play and KSI. In keeping with Alade, The Royal household personally chosen her music “Rain” to be carried out on the occasion.
On 2 March 2022, Alade was introduced as the worldwide ambassador of a Pan-African marketing campaign known as “It is Up To Us” in partnership with the Africa Centre For Disease Control and the MasterCard Foundation to encourage Africans get vaccinated in opposition to Covid 19.
Excursions
Yemi Alade has gone on 5 world excursions following her studio albums:
Yemi Alade performing for 50,000 followers in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
- King of Queens Tour.
- Mama Africa Tour.
- Black Magic Tour
- Girl of Metal Tour
- Empress Tour
Discography
Albums
- King of Queens (2015)
- Mama Africa (The Diary of An African Woman) (2016)
- Black Magic (2017)
- Woman of Steel (2019)
- Empress (2020)
Prolonged performs
- Mama Afrique (2017)
- Queendoncom (2021)
Filmography
Movie
| 12 months | Title | Function | Director | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Residence (The Film) | Nneka | Clarence Peters | |
| 2020 | Black Is King | Yemi Alade | Beyoncé | |
| Omo Ghetto: The Saga | Mogambo | Funke Akindele–Bello |
Tv
| 12 months | Title | Function | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | The Voice Nigeria | Coach | ||
| 2020 | Returns as coach for season 3 |
Awards and nominations
African Entertainment Awards USA (AEAUSA)
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Herself | Feminine Artist of the 12 months | Gained |
| 2019 | Herself | Greatest Feminine Artist | Nominated |
| 2019 | Herself | Entertainer of the yr | Nominated |
| 2020 | Herself | Greatest Feminine Artist | Nominated |
| 2020 | “Shekere” that includes Angelique Kidjo | Greatest Collaboration of the 12 months | Nominated |
| 2020 | Herself | Entertainer of the 12 months | Nominated |
| 2020 | Herself | Greatest Feminine artist (West Africa) | Gained |
| 2021 | Herself | Artist of the yr | Nominated |
| 2021 | Herself | Greatest feminine artist | Nominated |
| 2021 | Herself | Greatest feminine artist (West Africa) | Nominated |
AFRIMA Awards (All Africa Music Awards)
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | “Kissing” | Greatest Feminine Artiste in Western Africa | Gained |
| 2018 | “Herself” | Greatest Feminine Artiste | Gained |
| 2019 | “Oh My Gosh” | Greatest Feminine Artiste in Western Africa | Nominated |
AFRIMMA Awards (African Muzik Journal Awards)
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Herself | Greatest Feminine Western Africa | Nominated |
| 2020 | Herself | Greatest Dwell Act | Nominated |
| 2019 | Herself | Artiste of the 12 months | Nominated |
| 2019 | Herself | Greatest Dwell Act | Nominated |
| 2018 | “Oh My Gosh” | Greatest Feminine Western Africa | Gained |
MTV African Music Awards
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Herself | Greatest Feminine | Gained |
| 2016 | Herself | Greatest Feminine | Gained |
| 2016 | Herself | Artiste of the 12 months | Nominated |
MTV Europe Music Awards
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Herself | Greatest African Act | Nominated |
Soundcity MVP Awards
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Herself | Greatest Feminine | Nominated |
| 2020 | Herself | African Artiste of the 12 months | Nominated |
| 2020 | Herself | Digital Artiste of the 12 months | Nominated |
| 2019 | Herself | Greatest Feminine | Nominated |
| 2019 | Herself | Greatest Pop | Nominated |
| 2019 | Herself | Digital Artiste of the 12 months | Nominated |
| 2019 | Herself | African Artiste of the 12 months | Nominated |
| 2018 | Herself | Greatest Feminine | Nominated |
| 2018 | Herself | Greatest Pop | Nominated |
| 2018 | Herself | Digital Artiste of the 12 months | Nominated |
| 2018 | Herself | African Artiste of the 12 months | Nominated |
| 2017 | Herself | Greatest Feminine | Nominated |
| 2017 | Herself | Digital Artiste of the 12 months | Nominated |
| 2016 | Herself | Greatest Feminine | Gained |
| 2016 | Herself | Greatest Pop | Nominated |
| 2016 | Herself | African Artiste of the 12 months | Nominated |
Independent Music Awards
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Mama Africa | Greatest Album-World Beat | Gained |
BET Awards
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Herself | Greatest Worldwide Act: Africa [83] | Nominated |
| 2016 | Herself | Greatest Worldwide Act | Nominated |
Nigeria Entertainment Awards
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Herself | Feminine Artist of the 12 months[84] | Nominated |
| 2015 | Herself | Feminine artiste of the yr | Gained |
| 2015 | Herself | Greatest Dwell Performer | Nominated |
| 2016 | Herself | Greatest Dwell Performer | Nominated |
City People Entertainment Awards
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Herself | Feminine Musician of the 12 months[85] | Nominated |
MOBO Awards
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Herself | Greatest African Act[86] | Nominated |
YEM Awards
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Herself | Feminine Artiste of the 12 months[87] | Nominated |
ELOY Awards
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Herself | Most Promising Feminine[88] | Nominated |
WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Need You | African Video of the 12 months | Nominated | |
| Greatest African Feminine Video | Nominated | |||
| Greatest West African Video | Nominated | |||
| Greatest Afro Pop Video | Nominated | |||
| Greatest African Dance Video | Nominated | |||
| Ferrari | Greatest African Conventional Video | Nominated |
The Headies
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Herself | Best Performer | Gained |
| 2018 | Gained | ||
| 2017 | Best Performer | Gained | |
| 2016 | Herself | Artiste of the Year | Nominated |
| 2015 | Herself | Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year | Gained |
| 2015 | “Duro Timi” | Best Vocal Performance (Female) | Nominated |
| 2015 | Herself | Artiste of the Year | Nominated |
| 2015 | King of Queens | Album of the Year | Nominated |
| 2015 | King of Queens | Greatest R&B/Pop Album | Nominated |
NET Honours
| 12 months | Nominee / work | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Herself | Most Well-liked Musician[95] | Nominated |
