Afro-pop sensation Yemi Alade, renowned for hits like Johnny and Shekere, has publicly called out CloutAfrica and Cool FM Nigeria on social media, accusing them of alleged gatekeeping in the Nigerian music industry. The multi-talented artist expressed frustration over what she described as unfair treatment, claiming her songs were being removed and under-promoted by these platforms.
In a viral tweet, Yemi Alade addressed individuals identified as “Mr. Serge” and “Mr. Joseph,” linking them to CloutAfrica and Cool FM. She wrote:
“Mr Serge and Mr Joseph, you see this life no hard like that. WE SEE YOU… I SEE YOU @cloutafrica @CoolFMNigeria. This world is a small village. My God will fight for me… Una dey form gatekeepers in 2024.”
The star continued in another post, accusing the platforms of undermining her music while emphasizing her reliance on divine justice and her independent management. She added:
“My God, BIG PASS YOUR WHOLE station @cloutafrica @CoolFMNigeria. Keep on forming gatekeepers and taking my songs down. NA GOD BE MY LABEL AND MANAGEMENT, we go meet for front. Fake people wey dey feel like small gods.”
Fans Rally Behind Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade’s fans, popularly called the “Yemi Tribe,” have taken to various social media platforms to support her bold statements. Many applauded her courage in addressing the alleged systemic bias, while others questioned the ethics of gatekeeping in the Nigerian music space.
The Bigger Picture: Gatekeeping in the Music Industry
Yemi Alade’s allegations shed light on a broader issue many artists face globally — gatekeeping by media platforms and influencers. This practice often limits access to airplay and promotion, making it challenging for some musicians to reach their audience.
CloutAfrica and Cool FM, major players in Nigeria’s entertainment ecosystem, have yet to respond to Yemi Alade’s claims. The controversy, however, has reignited the call for transparency and fair practices in the music and broadcasting industry.
Why This Matters for the Nigerian Music Industry
As Afrobeats continues to gain global recognition, issues like gatekeeping can hinder the growth of talented artists. Artists like Yemi Alade, who consistently represent Nigerian music on the world stage, emphasize the importance of equitable opportunities for all creatives.
Conclusion
Yemi Alade’s bold move to call out gatekeeping practices not only highlights the struggles of independent artists but also sparks a necessary conversation about ethics in the entertainment industry. As fans await responses from CloutAfrica and Cool FM, this incident serves as a reminder of the power of social media in holding gatekeepers accountable.
