Entertainment
Yemi Alade: Nigerian singer gets first Grammy nomination for 2025 Best African Music Performance category
Yemi Eberechi Alade popularly known as Yemi Alade, has gotten her first Grammy nomination for the 2025 Best African Music Performance category.
According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Yemi’s captivating stage presence and commanding vocals have solidified her position as a global ambassador for African music, sharing the continent’s vibrant sounds and stories with the world.
The song that earned Yemi’s nomination is “Tomorrow,” a compelling single from her critically acclaimed album “Rebel Queen,” which dropped on May 17, 2024.
Other nominees in the category include Nigerian artistes with songs like MMS by Asake & Wizkid, Sensational by Chris Brown Featuring Davido & Lojay, Higher by Burna Boy and Love Me JeJe by Tems.
As reported by the Guardian, the stage is set for an intense showdown, and fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the winner’s announcement.
Yemi Alade’s rise to fame began in 2009, yet it was “Johnny” in 2013 that sealed her position as a trailblazer in African music, making her one of the most recognizable voices in Afrobeat worldwide.
Following her breakthrough, Yemi Alade released five successive studio albums – King of Queens, Mama Africa, and Woman of Steel, culminating in Empress (2020) – a testament to her musical versatility and tireless advocacy for African cultural expression.
According to reports, Yemi Alade’s Grammy nomination represents a landmark achievement, celebrating African music’s increasing visibility and the well-deserved acknowledgment of its artists, solidifying their position in the international music landscape.
Know about Yemi Alade
Biography of Yemi Alade
Yemi Eberechi Alade, a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress was born on March 13, 1989. She was born in Abia State, Nigeria but was raised in Lagos. Alade gained popularity after winning the Peak Talent Show in 2009.
Alade attended Victory Grammar School in Lagos and later graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in Geography.
Music Career of Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade’s music style blends Afrobeat, R&B, and pop. She has released five studio albums including King of Queens in 2014, Mama Africa in 2016, Woman of Steel in 2019, Empress in 2020), and African Baddie in 2022.
Some of her hit singles include “Johnny” “Tumbum Mama”, “Africa” (feat. Sauti Sol), “Bum Bum”, and “Shekere” feat. Angélique Kidjo.
Awards and Nominations received by Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade has received numerous awards and nominations, including 67th Grammy nomination, the BET Awards, the MTV Africa Music Awards, the African Music Magazine Awards, the MOBO Awards, and the Nigerian Entertainment Awards
Impact and Philanthropy
Yemi Alade is a passionate advocate for African culture, women’s empowerment, and education.
She has partnered with UNDP to promote sustainable development, supported various charity projects, including the #JusticeForUwa campaign, featured in campaigns for brands like Shell, Coca-Cola, and Glo, and supported campaigns against domestic violence and police brutality.
Social Media
Follow Yemi Alade on Instagram @yemialade (4.5M+ followers), Twitter @yemialadee (2.5M+ followers), Facebook @yemialade (6M+ followers) and on YouTube Yemi Alade (1.5M+ subscribers).
Fun Facts
Yemi was nicknamed “Mama Africa”. She is fluent in Yoruba, Igbo, and English. She is inspired by legendary African musicians like Miriam Makeba and Angelique Kidjo.
Music Influences
Yemi Alade’s music is influenced by traditional Nigerian music, Afrobeat, R&B, Pop, and African folk.
Her musical inspirations include Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo, Onyeka Onwenu, Beyoncé, and Rihanna.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Alade won the Peak Talent Show in 2009, which launched her music career. Her breakout single “Johnny” (2013) became a massive hit, topping charts across Africa.
Collaborations
Yemi Alade has collaborated with Sauti Sol (Kenya), Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Youssou N’Dour (Senegal), MzVee (Ghana), Rick Ross (USA), Trey Songz (USA), Emtee (South Africa), and Tiwa Savage (Nigeria).
Personal Life
Alade is private about her personal life, but she has mentioned being a devoted christian, loving traditional Nigerian cuisine, enjoying traveling and exploring new cultures, and being a proud African woman.
Legacy
Yemi Alade’s impact on African music and culture is significant. She paved the way for female artists in the Nigerian music industry, popularized Afrobeat globally, inspired a new generation of African artists, promoted African culture and heritage through her music and art.
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