Yemi Eberechi Alade (born 13 March 1989) is a Nigerian Afropop singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. Widely known as “Mama Africa” for her contributions to African music and culture, she gained widespread recognition with her 2014 hit single “Johnny.” Alade is noted for her distinctive vocal prowess, multilingual musical approach, and pan-African influence, becoming the first African female artist to reach one million subscribers on YouTube.
Early life and education
Born in Abia State, Nigeria, to a Yoruba father from Ondo State and an Igbo mother from Abia State, Alade grew up in various parts of Nigeria due to her father’s police career. She attended St. Savior British Primary School and later Victory Grammar School in Lagos. She obtained a degree in Geography from the University of Lagos.
Career
2009–2013: Early beginnings
Alade’s musical journey began when she won the Peak Talent Show in 2009, a victory that earned her ₦500,000 and marked her entry into professional music. She initially signed with Jus’ Kiddin’ Records but later joined Effyzzie Music Group in 2012. During this period, she released her first single “Fimisile” under the former label.
2013–2015: Breakthrough and King of Queens
Her breakthrough came with “Johnny” (2013), a song that gained massive viral success across Africa and internationally. The song’s video, directed by Clarence Peters, has garnered over 150 million views on YouTube. Her debut album, King of Queens (2014), featured collaborations with various artists including Phyno, Chidinma, and Flipper’s Guitar. The album received critical acclaim and established her as a major force in African music.
2016–2019: International expansion
Following her continental success, Alade released Mama Africa (2016), an album that showcased her multilingual abilities and pan-African appeal. The album featured songs in Swahili, French, English, and Pidgin, earning her the nickname “Mama Africa.” This period saw her expand into international markets, including performances at major global festivals and collaborations with international artists.
Her third studio album, Black Magic (2017), demonstrated her versatility with a blend of Afropop, R&B, and traditional African sounds. The album spawned hits like “Charliee” and “Knack Am.”
2019–present: Global recognition
Woman of Steel (2019) marked a new era in Alade’s career, featuring collaborations with Rick Ross and Duncan Mighty. The album’s success led to her selection for Beyoncé’s Black Is King visual album and The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack. Her fifth studio album, Empress (2020), showcased her artistic growth and included features from French singer Angélique Kidjo and British musician Estelle.
Artistry
Musical style and influences
Alade’s music combines various genres including Afropop, highlife, R&B, hip-hop, and traditional African music. Her vocal style is characterized by a powerful mezzo-soprano range and the ability to sing in multiple languages and dialects. She cites Angélique Kidjo, Onyeka Onwenu, and Miriam Makeba as major influences.
Languages
Alade is known for recording songs in multiple languages:
- English
- Yoruba
- Igbo
- French
- Swahili
- Portuguese
- Pidgin English
Discography
Studio albums
- King of Queens (2014)
- Mama Africa (2016)
- Black Magic (2017)
- Woman of Steel (2019)
- Empress (2020)
- African Baddie (2022)
Selected singles
| Year | Title | Album | Peak positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | “Johnny” | King of Queens | NG #1, KE #1, TZ #1 |
| 2014 | “Tangerine” | King of Queens | NG #3 |
| 2016 | “Ferrari” | Mama Africa | NG #2 |
| 2019 | “Oh My Gosh (Remix)” ft. Rick Ross | Woman of Steel | UK #45 |
| 2020 | “Shekere” ft. Angélique Kidjo | Empress | NG #4 |
Business ventures and endorsements
Fashion and entrepreneurship
In 2017, Alade launched House of Tangerine, her fashion line featuring African-inspired designs. She has served as brand ambassador for various international companies including:
- Glo Telecommunications
- Close Up
- Luc Belaire
- Shell LiveWIRE
- United Nations Development Programme
Activism and philanthropy
Alade has been involved in various humanitarian causes:
- United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador
- Environmental sustainability advocacy
- Women’s empowerment initiatives
- Youth education programs
- African cultural preservation
Impact and influence
Alade’s influence extends beyond music into cultural and social spheres:
- Pioneer of multilingual African pop music
- Advocate for African unity through music
- Role model for female artistry in Africa
- Cultural ambassador for African music globally
- Fashion icon and trendsetter
Awards and nominations
Major awards
- MTV Africa Music Awards – Best Female (Multiple years)
- AFRIMA Awards – Best Female West Africa (Multiple wins)
- Headies Awards – Various categories
- MOBO Awards nominations
- BET Awards nominations
Personal life
Alade maintains a private personal life but is known for her philanthropic work and advocacy for African unity. She resides in Lagos, Nigeria, and frequently travels across Africa for performances and cultural exchange programs.
External links
- Official website
- Yemi Alade on Instagram
- Yemi Alade on Twitter
- Yemi Alade on YouTube
Categories: 1989 births | Living people | Nigerian female singers | Yoruba-language singers | University of Lagos alumni | Nigerian female entrepreneurs | Feminist musicians
