Yemi Eberechi Alade, known worldwide as Yemi Alade, was born on March 13, 1989, in Abia State, Nigeria. Her father, James Alade, a police commissioner, hails from Ondo State, while her mother, Helen Uzoma, is of Igbo descent. Yemi is the fifth of seven children in her family.
Yemi’s early education was at Saviour British Primary School, followed by Victory Grammar School in Lagos. She later earned a degree in Geography from the prestigious University of Lagos, Nigeria.
Alade is not only a Nigerian singer and songwriter but also an actress and activist. Her music, a fusion of Afro-pop, highlife, dancehall, pop, and R&B, resonates across Africa and beyond. Her multilingual talents allow her to sing in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili, and Portuguese, extending her reach to a wide global audience.
Her rise to fame began in 2009 when she won the Peak Talent Show. She later released hit singles such as “Johnny,” “Tangerine,” and “Kissing” from her debut album, King of Queens, in 2014. The international hit “Johnny” became a sensation in several countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, and the UK.
Yemi Alade has collaborated with numerous renowned producers like Shady, GospelOnDeBeatz, and Young D, among others. Her King of Queens album, featuring notable African artists such as Phyno, Diamond Platinumz, and R2Bees, was an enormous success, with over 100,000 copies sold.
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In 2016, Yemi released Mama Africa, which featured collaborations with musical heavyweights like P-Square, Sarkodie, and Sauti Sol. The album, widely praised for its vibrant African sounds, included hit singles like “Na Gode,” “Ferrari,” and “Tumbum.” The success of Mama Africa further solidified her position as one of the top female musicians in Africa. A deluxe edition of the album was released, featuring South African stars Bucie and AKA.
Yemi’s third studio album, Black Magic, was launched in 2017. The album featured hit singles such as “Knack Am,” “Single and Searching,” and “Heart Robber,” further highlighting her talent and growth as an artist.
Apart from her musical achievements, Yemi is a known philanthropist. The proceeds from her Mama Africa album was donated to a charity initiative, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community.
Her high-energy performances, versatile sound, and strong work ethic have earned her a spot as one of the top female performers in Africa. Yemi Alade’s concert fees are among the highest for female artists, and her net worth ranks her among the wealthiest women in the Nigerian music industry. With her incredible achievements, Yemi Alade continues to inspire many across the continent and beyond.
