Yemi Alade

Yemi Alade
Birth name Yemi Eberechi Alade
Born March 13, 1989
Abia State, Nigeria[1]
Genres Afro pop, RnB
Occupation(s) Singer, Song-writer
Years active 2005–present
Labels Effyzzie Music Group
Associated acts Selobobo, Effyzie Music Group, Phyno, Falz

Yemi Eberechi Alade (born March 13, 1989),[2] popularly known as Yemi Alade, is a Nigerian Afro pop singer. She came into the limelight after winning the maiden edition of the Peak Talent Show in 2009. She is best known for her hit single "Johnny", which features Alex Ekubo as the title character.[3][4][5][6]

Personal life

She was born to a Yoruba father (James Alade), who was a former Police Commissioner, and to an Igbo mother (Helen Uzoma), causing her to be fondly referred to as "Yoruba-Igbo girl", in Abia State as the 5th child in a family of 7.[7] Alade went to St Saviour British Primary School.[7] Then, she proceeded to Victory Grammar School, Lagos, where she obtained a degree in Geography at University of Lagos.[8][9]

Music career

According to her, the music industry noticed her after she won the Peak Talent Show in Lagos. She released her first single "Fimisile" afterwards under Jus' Kiddin' label.[10][11]

In mid 2012 Yemi Alade signed a deal with Effyzzie Music Group and started working with hit producers DJ Klem, D’tunes, E-Kelly, Sizzle Pro, Fliptyce and renowned South African producer Garth. Shortly afterwards she released her successful single ‘Ghen Ghen Love’ which was produced by the iconic OJB Jezreel. ‘Ghen Ghen Love’ became a hit topping numerous radio and video charts across Africa. She was also featured on singer Dipp’s album on the track ‘Rock Ur Body’ and the song and video went viral and received praises earning the duo an award nomination for best R&B video category at the Nigerian Music Video Awards 2012. In the first quarter of 2013 Yemi Alade enlisted Ice Prince and Sasha P for the remix of her single ‘Ghen Ghen Love’, and the massive collaboration was premiered with a high profile online hangout powered by Google influenced by Michelle Obama’s live Google hangout broadcast on websites and became a global trending topic.

In July of 2013, Yemi Alade released the emotive video for her romantic afro-R&B ‘Bamboo’ produced by Fliptyce. Bamboo’ went on to be a moderate hit and a massive love and wedding anthem. In the last quarter of 2013, Yemi Alade shocked and broke records when her most recent hit single ‘Johnny’ produced by Selebobo leaked on the internet. The dance number received major critical acclaim and became an instant smash hit topping and dominating countless music charts across the globe and it been listed as one of the best songs of 2013 despite the fact it was released towards the end of the year without a video. Yemi Alade who has covered a number of magazines and performed across the globe sharing the stage and songs with Mary J. Blige, Shina Peters, M.I, Wizkid, Becca,May D, Waje and Yemi Sax headlined the Super Diva’s Nite at the 2013 Calabar Festival, and also was called upon to open the 2013 edition of the televised Headies Awards ceremony (popularly referred to as the Nigerian Grammys) with an electrifying performance.

In 2014; Yemi Alade was featured on Yung6ix’s album on the critically acclaimed track ‘Lights’ and also on the remix of the smash hit ‘Sebiwo’ by Benin Republic afropop star Lace. Yemi Alade teamed up with award-winning cinematographer Clarence Peters to create movie-like visuals for her international smash hit ‘Johnny’.

Yemi Alade released the music video for ‘Johnny’ in March 2014 to critical acclaim and now has more than 16 million views on VeVo/YouTube.[12] ‘Johnny’ became an international smash hit as the single dominated, topped music charts and became an anthem in countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, The United Kingdom and more.

Yemi Alade joined M.I. Waje, Timi Dakolo and Burna Boy on the UNESCO World Book Capital 2014 theme song for the Port Harcourt World Book Capital; a project urging the new generation to read and stay in school. Shortly after that Yemi Alade released a new single titled ‘Tangerine’ and featuring Selebobo; the critically acclaimed track which charted across Africa. She also appeared on Falz’ debut album as a guest artist.

She released her debut album, 'King of Queens' on October 2, 2014 and is currently touring.[13]

Discography

Awards and Nominations

References

  1. ↑ "About Yemi". MTV. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  2. ↑ "Yemi Alade". Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  3. ↑ "I love beautiful, creative rings –Yemi Alade". punchng.com. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  4. ↑ "New, sexy singers on the loose". vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  5. ↑ "Yemi Alade tours Kenya". vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  6. ↑ "My looks have helped my career –Yemi Alade". dailyindependentnig.com. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "About Yemi Alade". MTV. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  8. ↑ "My Mr. Right must be ambitious — Yemi Alade". punchng.com. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  9. ↑ "Yemi Alade Opens Up on her Relationship with Sexy Singer Dipp to Vanguard". Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  10. ↑ "Yemi Alade: There is a Johnny in my life (30 days, 30 voices)". ynaija.com. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  11. ↑ "Who is… Yemi Alade". bellanaija.com. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
  12. ↑ "Johnny Music Video". Youtube. Retrieved 22 March 2015.
  13. ↑ "King of Queens by Yemi Alade". iTunes.
  14. ↑ "Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2014 Nominees List: Davido, Yemi Alade, Others Nominated". tooxclusive.com. Retrieved 11 September 2014.
  15. ↑ "Who won what at City People Entertainment Awards 2014". thenet.ng. Retrieved 11 September 2014.
  16. ↑ "MOBO Best African Act". MOBO Best African Act. mobo.com. 2014-09-24. Retrieved 2014-09-24.
  17. ↑ "YOUNG ENTERTAINERS AND MUSIC [YEM] AWARDS ANNOUNCES NOMINEES.". July 2012. Retrieved 2012-07-20.
  18. ↑ "All The Winners At The 2013 Exquisite Lady Of The Year (ELOY 2013) Awards". All The Winners At The 2013 Exquisite Lady Of The Year (ELOY 2013) Awards. 2013-11-26. Retrieved 2013-11-26.