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YEMI ALADE

A Biography of Yemi Alade

Yemi Eberechi Alade, known professionally as Yemi Alade, is a Nigerian Afropop singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. Celebrated for her electrifying stage performances and vibrant music, she has earned the beloved nickname "Mama Africa" for her ability to unite the continent through her sound. Her music is a rich tapestry of Afropop, highlife, R&B, and dancehall, and she is famously multilingual, singing in English, Yoruba, Igbo, French, Swahili, and Portuguese.

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Early Life and Education

Yemi Alade was born on March 13, 1989, in Abia State, Nigeria, into a multi-ethnic home. Her father, James Alade, was a police commissioner of Yoruba origin from Ondo State, while her mother, Helen Uzoma, is of Igbo heritage. This dual heritage has profoundly influenced her music and her pan-African perspective.

She attended Saviour British Primary School and later Victory Grammar School in Lagos. She then pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, graduating with a degree in Geography.

Music Career

Yemi Alade's journey into the music spotlight began in 2009 when she won the popular Peak Talent Show while still a university student. Following her win, she was signed to Effyzzie Music Group.

While she released music prior, her career exploded in 2014 with the release of the smash-hit single "Johnny." The song, with its infectious beat and captivating music video, became an anthem across Africa and beyond, establishing her as a major force in the industry. The music video for "Johnny" later became the most-watched video by an African female artist on YouTube, a record it held for many years.

Her debut album, "King of Queens," was released in 2014, followed by her even more successful sophomore album, "Mama Africa (The Diary of an African Woman)" in 2016. These albums solidified her status and were followed by extensive world tours. She has since released several other successful projects, including the albums "Black Magic" (2017), "Woman of Steel" (2019), and "Empress" (2020).

International Success and Recognition

Yemi Alade is one of Africa's most decorated female artists. Her accolades include:

MTV African Music Awards (MAMAs) for Best Female in both 2015 and 2016, making her the first female artist to win the award consecutively.
Multiple nominations for the BET Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs).
Two wins at The Headies Awards for Best Performer.
A Grammy Award certificate for her collaboration with Angélique Kidjo on the album "Mother Nature" and a nomination for their song "Dignity".

In 2019, she became the first African female artist to surpass one million subscribers on YouTube. That same year, she was featured on Beyoncé's curated soundtrack album, "The Lion King: The Gift," on the track "Don't Jealous Me." She has also served as a coach on the reality TV show The Voice Nigeria.