Nigerian singer Yemi Alade has been named Spotify Africa’s ambassador for the month of January. As part of the Equal Africa program, Alade will receive support and resources to further develop her craft through various playlists on the platform.
With four albums, an EP, and many hit songs to her name, Alade is well-established in the Afro-pop scene. She expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying “It’s a great time to be alive, female artists have quadrupled in number compared to a decade ago. The only thing we ask now, in this male-dominated industry, is for equal opportunities. Equal opportunities to be seen, for our talents to be showcased, because in the ‘universe of music,’ there is no gender, only potential, creativity, and pure magic.”
She is the first African female Afro Pop star who hit over 100 million views on YouTube and VEVO with her smash hit single “Johnny,” which is now the most viewed video from an African female pop star ever. Her performances have thrilled audiences across Africa, Europe, and the USA, and she’s even performed for the British Royal Family.
Alade is also a multi-award winner, having taken home the 2015 and 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards for best female artist and has been nominated for multiple BET and MOBO Awards. She has also been featured on the track “Don’t Jealous Me,” which appears on US singer Beyoncé’s compilation album “The Lion King: The Gift”, alongside Mr Eazi and Tekno. She also guests on the lead single on Angelique Kidjo’s Grammy-winning album, “Mother Nature”.
In addition to her successful music career, Alade is an actress and a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, and operates her own charity, the James and Helen Pathway Foundation.