By Dipo Olowookere
Talented award-winning Afrobeats singer, Yemi Alade, has disclosed that despite the energy she exudes on stage, she is an introvert.
She said this in an interview with Spotify, which named her as its EQUAL Africa’s Artiste for September, a platform designed to celebrate female artists on the continent.
“One surprising thing my fans don’t know about me is that despite this energy I exude I’m an introvert. Some would say I’m an introvert who likes to go out just to eat food! How would we call that? A food-trovert maybe?” she said.
Yemi Alade, who is fondly called Mama Africa by fans for her dedication to championing African culture and music, continues to make her mark on the global stage.
With a career that has spanned over a decade, the Nigerian musician, who burst into the limelight in 2010 after winning the Peak Talent Show, has undoubtedly established herself as one of the most prominent and influential female artists in the Nigerian music industry, earning a dedicated fanbase both at home and internationally.
Speaking on how she knew music was her line, she said, “I’ve always loved music but I realised that I always knew that my voice had an effect on people and I loved that effect because it meant that I could connect with them even without touching them, without speaking directly to them.
“I felt a vibration that I enjoyed. It became a career after I won a talent show in 2010 and since then my life has been on the road chasing music and making music.”
She described her music as a “perfect blend of a high-life pop, R’n’B, and afrobeat. It’s a beautiful blend that is inspired by a bit of jazz or blues here and there. If you listen closely you’ll pick the tones.
“I don’t like to be in a box but I know that my music is a fusion of African sounds, and the core of my music is African rhythm.”
No wonder she is loved by many music lovers because her electrifying performances and powerful voice have earned her recognition worldwide, allowing her to represent African music on international platforms.
Her undeniable talent and powerful voice have captivated audiences across continents. She has collaborated with global superstars such as Beyoncé, Angélique Kidjo, and Awilo Longomba to name a few. She has also toured the world, showcasing the richness and beauty of African music, captivating audiences across continents and cultures.
Yemi Alade said her exposure to different genres of music while growing up shaped her into a good singer.
“As a kid, I was blessed to grow up in a big family and the age ranges of the family members were far and wide so I got the opportunity to listen to music that was even older than my age range.
“I fell in love with music from the likes of Sunny Adé King, Shina Peters, Onyeka Onwenu, and Christy Essien.
“There’s a long list of African artists I was listening to at a very young age and that opened my palette to the huge range of music that we have,” she said.
Explaining the rationale behind her choice for Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme, the Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa for Spotify, Ms Phiona Okumu, said, “Yemi Alade exemplifies the calibre of talent the program aims to support.”
“Spotify is proud to be associated with Yemi Alade and will continue to use the EQUAL Africa program to provide support for women in music, amplifying their voices and helping to showcase their incredible talents to a global audience,” she added.
The popular audio-streaming chief noted that, “Spotify’s EQUAL Africa program is dedicated to empowering female voices in Africa, spotlighting artists who continue to push boundaries with their artistry.”