Yemi Alade, the Nigerian Afro-pop sensation, has been making waves in the music world for years, and her talent is finally being recognized on a global stage. Having appeared on Grammy-nominated albums by Beyoncé and Grammy-winning projects with Angelique Kidjo, Alade’s contribution to the global music scene is undeniable. However, despite her success in Africa and her multilingual prowess, she has yet to receive a Grammy for her solo work—until now.
On February 2, Alade’s song “Tomorrow” earned a nomination for Best African Music Performance, bringing her one step closer to winning her own Grammy. For Alade, this nomination feels personal. “This time around, it was for my own song, it was for my own crown,” she shared with CNN.
A Decade of Musical Journey and Milestones
“Tomorrow” is featured on Alade’s sixth studio album, “Rebel Queen,” which the Recording Academy describes as cementing her reputation as “Mama Africa”—a title she previously gave to an album that resonated with the legacy of legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba. The album blends R&B, pop, dancehall, highlife, and amapiano, reflecting Alade’s diverse cultural influences.
Alade’s career took off in 2014 with her hit single “Johnny,” which became one of the defining songs of her career. In 2019, it made history when Alade became the first Nigerian female artist to reach 100 million views on YouTube. Her multilingual songs, including Portuguese, Swahili, and French versions of “Johnny,” have further expanded her global fanbase.
Alade’s decision to record the French version of “Johnny” came after hearing her Francophone African fans sing the song word for word at her performances. “Paris is one of the cities that opened its borders to my music, and I fell in love with French even more,” she told CNN, highlighting how her connection with diverse audiences shaped her artistic journey.
Championing African Identity and Women Empowerment
Born in Abia State, Nigeria, to a Yoruba father and Igbo mother, Alade has always been deeply connected to her African roots. Growing up in Lagos, she was influenced by African American culture, listening to rap music and making mix tapes. These experiences helped shape her artistic voice, driving her to create albums that are rich in themes of empowerment, unity, and cultural pride. Albums like “King of Queens”, “Woman of Steel”, and “Empress” tell the story of her struggles as a female artist and her mission to inspire women across the world.
Alade explains, “I needed to be my own superwoman. I think that spirit became what you see today.” Her music continues to speak to African unity, women’s empowerment, and the beauty of different cultures across the continent.
International Collaborations and Staying Independent
Alade’s growing success has also led her to international collaborations. She appeared in Beyoncé’s 2020 musical film and visual album “Black is King,” and featured on the track “Don’t Be Jealous” from Beyoncé’s album “The Lion King: The Gift.” Furthermore, her new album “Rebel Queen” includes collaborations with Ziggy Marley and Angelique Kidjo, with whom Alade recorded the song “African Woman.” Alade describes Kidjo as her “musical mother,” and working with her was both challenging and fulfilling.
Despite the opportunity for broader recognition, Alade has chosen to remain independent in her career, working with the same management team for over a decade. She explains that while offers from major labels have come her way, they have not aligned with her goals. “If your goals are not in alignment with the goals that I’ve set for myself for over 10 years, then we should not be in the same boat,” Alade added.
Her commitment to staying true to herself has allowed her to control her artistic direction and maintain a deep connection with her fans across the globe. Alade’s decision to remain with Effyzzie Music Group rather than a major label is a testament to her determination to chart her own course, independent of external pressures.
A Future Filled with Promise
As Yemi Alade’s journey continues, her Grammy nomination for “Tomorrow” represents a culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to her craft. Whether or not she wins, this milestone is a celebration of African music on the global stage and a reminder of Alade’s role as one of Africa’s leading musical voices.
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Reporting by Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.
