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Tag: Yemi Alade

  • AFCON 2023: Nigerian songs on high demand in Côte d’Ivoire

    AFCON 2023: Nigerian songs on high demand in Côte d’Ivoire

    Nigerian music is on high display in Côte d’Ivoire with sound systems at markets and some entertainment spots blasting with songs from Nigerian artistes.

    Despite being a French speaking country, many Ivorians have shown their preference for Nigerian songs, especially Afrobeat, claiming they enjoy the rhythm, sounds, beats and even the language.

    Entertainment spots, boutique, food joints, fun places and even barbing salons in Côte d’Ivoire play Nigerian songs almost all the time.

    It was also observed that Nigerian gospel songs are also the favourite of Ivorians. Many churches in Côte d’Ivoire dish out Nigerian gospel songs as a means to propagate the gospel, teachings and ministrations.

    An Ivorian national, who simply gave his name as  Yaya Sangoh said his love for Nigerian music especially Davido is second to none.

    According to Sangoh, he has been using Davido’s song AYE as his ringtone for many years because he just liked it.

    Asked if he understands what the lyrics says, Sangoh responded that he has taken time to meet his Nigerian friend to explain to him.

    Another Ivorian, Mertha Jasi has said that she fell in love with Nigerian music few years ago after visiting the country on a business trip.

    Jasi made it known that apart from Nigerian music which she doesn’t joke with she also likes Nigerian jollof rice, saying it’s the best in the world.

    Ndajme Jameel, who is a Senegalese but lives in Ivory Coast, said that he doesn’t joke with Nigerian music, saying he enjoys Fela’s songs till this very moment despite his death many years ago.

    Jemeel said Fela’s song gives him inspiration after watching a documentary about him few years back.

    According to him, he likes the way Fela lived his life, saying since his death no Nigerian artiste has come close to using music to do activism.

    Recall Nigerian sensation Yemi Alade sang the infectious rhythm of the AFCON 2023 anthem, “Akwaba” during the opening ceremony.

    She was joined by Egyptian rapper, Mohamed Ramadan and other renowned artists, including the Franco-Ivorian group Magic System.

    Donning colourful attires and accessories, the performers stunned the audience with diverse local dances, moves, beats, and musical instruments.

  • AFCON 2023: Yemi Alade blows minds away with spectacular performance at opening ceremony

    AFCON 2023: Yemi Alade blows minds away with spectacular performance at opening ceremony

    The much-anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicked off on Saturday with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Ebimpé Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.

    The ceremony commenced with a vibrant celebration of African diversity and culture, featuring a wide range of traditional Ivorian dances and music.

    Donning colourful attires and accessories, the performers stunned the audience with diverse local dances, moves, beats, and musical instruments.

    The stage thereafter came alive with the soulful voices of Dadju and Tayc, representing Congolese and Cameroonian origins, respectively. The duo sang in both French and English under African rhythms.

    The audience was then treated to enchanting performances by the Ivorian coupé-décalé band from Abidjan, featuring young African artists.

    In addition, renowned artists, including the Franco-Ivorian group Magic System, Nigerian sensation Yemi Alade, and Egyptian rapper Mohamed Ramadan sang the infectious rhythm of the AFCON 2023 anthem, “Akwaba.”

    Alade endeared herself into the hearts of many with her performance at the 2023 AFCON opening ceremony.

    The 24-nation tournament which will be hosted in six stadiums across five cities, will draw to a close on February 11.

  • AFCON 2023: Yemi Alade to thrill fans at opening ceremony

    AFCON 2023: Yemi Alade to thrill fans at opening ceremony

    Nigerian Afro beats sensation Yemi Alade is set to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday in Abidjan.

    The singer confirmed this in a post on her official X handle (former Twitter).

    She said the opportunity was a dream come true for her.

    “Since 2016, I have envisioned performing at the stadium for football ceremonies surrounded by hundreds of dancers and people.

    “Seven years later, I’m performing at AFCON. It is indeed an honour and a dream come true. It’s just the beginning,” she said.

    The Nigerian singer will be teeming up with other artistes from Africa to perform the theme song of the 2023 AFCON ‘Akwaba,’ which means welcome in Baoule language in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The rendition of the 2023 AFCON anthem will also feature legendary Ivorian group, Magic System and Egyptian singer, Mohamed Ramadan.

    The opening ceremony will take place at the 60,000-capacity Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.

    The tournament, which kicks off on Saturday with 24 nations in six stadiums across five cities, will draw to a close on Feb. 11.

  • 2023 AFCON theme song excites Yemi Alade

    2023 AFCON theme song excites Yemi Alade

    Yemi Alade says she is proud to be one of the artistes from across Africa to record  ‘Akwaba,’ the theme song of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which means welcome in Baoule language in Ivory Coast.

    Alade said this in an interview on Saturday in Lagos.

    According to her, the 2023 AFCON anthem features Ivorian group, Magic System and Egyptian singer, Mohamed Ramadan.

    She added that the song was produced by French producer, Dany Synthe, with the video released on Universal Music Africa.

    Alade spoke on her excitement working on the project and her hopes for African football.

    “Honestly, it’s an honour to represent my country in this beautiful African continent, and by so doing encourage healthy competition in a sport loved globally.

    “It’s a dream come true for me to have created the official anthem for AFCON alongside other notable African artistes,” she said.

    On African football, especially women football, she said: “I believe that many Africans all over the world will be watching their favorite countries at AFCON, and supporting their national teams.

    “I also believe that this platform will be the spring board for many players’ careers.

    “I wish them the best and honestly can’t wait for female championships around the world to get the accolades they deserve.”

    Alade urged everyone to support African football and travel to Ivory Coast to witness the games or watch the games on TV.

    She also said 2023 was a good year for her music, particularly because of her Grammy nomination, while also hinting that 2024 would be a year of surprises.

    “2023 was a year of surprises; from Grammy nomination to creating the AFCON anthem and touring 40 countries on my Europe/USA ‘African baddie’ tour with my mother by my side.

    “I also will be teasing with ‘Mamapiano’ to wrap the year, not forgetting participating in soundtrack creations of mainstream box office movies.

    “2024 is undoubtedly a promising year and I cannot wait to unveil more surprises,” she said.

    Africa’s biggest football competition will kick-off from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11, 2024.

  • I’m being pressured to get married – Singer, Yemi Alade

    I’m being pressured to get married – Singer, Yemi Alade

    Nigerian singer Yemi Alade, has opened up on how family and close friends have been pressurizing her to get married and have kids.

    During her most recent interview with Cool FM, Yemi Alade, while subtly denying her reported marriage to her manager, discussed the pressures to marry and how she feels about pressure to marry and have children, particularly from family members.

    According to her, the pressure to marry increases near the end of the year, but she has mastered how to respond.

    She said, “People get married every year, especially towards the end of the year, it gets even crazier. I’m under no pressure honey. Nobody should be. When it’s time, it’s time.”

    “Family pressure is a difficult pressure to shake off because it’s the people you respect and look up to that are insisting that you get married, but I believe if they have your best interest at heart, they will wait with you.”

    “Because it’s more important to have the right partner than to just get married.”

    “But asides that, I don’t think anyone should be in so much of a rush to make wrong decision and be with the wrong partner.”

    “Have you guys checked how much Pampers is? Look, these babies they are gifts, but when they’re born, they need things. Let’s stop borning children to come and suffer.”

    “Let’s normalize that. When mummy says go and marry, go and have child, say mummy do you have trust fund baby?”

    “Are you ready for trust fund baby? Let’s have questions to ask these people that have opinions, that are watching the womb on when we should.”

    “I think no one should be under unnecessary pressure. Have you seen the economy? Calm down! For this economy, we no dey play like that oh.”

     

     

  • Yemi Alade clears air on being pregnant for Togo President, Eyadema

    Yemi Alade clears air on being pregnant for Togo President, Eyadema

    Award-winning singer and performer, Yemi Alade, has cleared the air about her expecting a child for the president of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé Eyadema.

    According to a video that has circulated online, a blogger reported that the songstress has been dating the politician since 2017.

    The blogger alleged that Yemi is currently pregnant for President Eyadema and he’s planning on making her his 6th wife.

    Yemi Alade clears air on being pregnant for Togo President, Eyadema

    Reacting to the speculation, The ‘Johnny’ hit maker, took to Twitter to post laughing and pregnant emojis.

    In follow-up tweets, she wrote: The ment is different this Jan. If you no like your job, abeg pretend small when you see costumers na. This January people dey really Ment”

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that according to a report, Yami is expecting her first child with the President of Togo.

    The report noted that Yemi is also ready to become the 6th wife of the president of Togo as he already has 5 wives.

    See the post below:

    Yemi Alade clears air on being pregnant for Togo President, Eyadema

    Recall that sometime in 2017, Yemi face criticism for a music video in which she endorsed the rule of Togo President (Faure Gnassingbe Eyadema).

    In the heat of widespread protests against Eyademae’s rule, Farida Nabourema, a Togolese activist, had accused Alade of supporting political oppression in the country.

    “They are embellishing the image of a brutal dictator just for a couple of thousands of dollars,” Nabourema had said.

    Togolese opposition parties, numbering 14, had organised a two-day anti-government protests aimed at getting the president to step down.

    Yemi Alade clears air on being pregnant for Togo President, Eyadema
    Yemi Alade

    To substantiate her criticism of Alade, the Togolese activist shared on Twitter a music video promoting Eyadema, performed by the Nigerian singer.

    “You be number one, You are the best. Igwe, Oga at the top. The children smiling oh. Everybody is happy oh… all because of Faure,” Alade sings on the controversial song.

    Nabourema, who found the singer’s song in bad taste, wrote: #Yemilade come collect your friend @FEGnassingbe you so praise. We don’t want this dictator in #Togo. Make him your #1.”

  • Yemi Alade shares rare photo with her mother, issues stern warning

    Yemi Alade shares rare photo with her mother, issues stern warning

    Award-winning singer, Yemi Alade, has proudly shown off her moth while issuing a stern warning to the public.

    The singer, who rarely shows off her family members, surprised many she took to her Instagram page to share a twinny photo with her mother.

    Accompanying the lovely mother and daughter photo was a strict caption warning people against messing with her mum.

    Yemi Alade stated that if you mess with her mother, you have indirectly messed with her and vice versa.

    “Mum and i. If you mess with her, you mess with me. If you mess with me, you mess with her. A lioness pact.”

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Yemi Alade won the Peak Talent Show in 2009 after which she signed to Effyzzie Music Group, and had a hit with her single “Johnny” in 2014.

    Since then Yemi Alade has gained prominence in the music industry and considered one of the biggest artists in Africa. Following the releases of her albums King of Queens and Mama Africa with huge commercial success recorded for both albums, she embarked on world tours consecutively.

    Yemi Alade released her debut album King of Queens on 2 October 2014, and the album produced her most successful single Johnny and other singles like “Kissing”, “Tangerine” and “Taking Over Me” featuring Phyno. The album was nominated for Album of the year at the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment Awards and the 2015 Headies Awards. On 25 March 2016, Alade released her second album titled Mama Africa which produced singles like “Na Gode”, “TumBum” and “Ferrari”. Mama Africa won the Worldbeat Album on the 2016 Independent Music Awards.

    In 2016, she debuted on Billboard as No 4 on “Next Big Sound” Chart.

    She won the MTV African Music Awards for Best female in 2015 and 2016 consecutively[10] and was nominated for Artiste of the Year in 2015, making her the first female to win the MAMAs for Best female consecutively twice and nominated for Artiste of the Year.

    In 2015, Yemi Alade was the first African female to be nominated for the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) and She was nominated for the BET awards for Best International Act: Africa in 2015 and 2016.

    Yemi Alade is also applauded for her creative and overwhelming stage performances, fashion and music videos, She has won The Headies Award for Best Performer twice, 2018 and 2019. The slot was initiated at The Headies 2018 and she was the first artiste to win the category.

    Yemi Alade is also the second Nigerian and Afrobeats artist and the first female to hit 100 million views for a single video on YouTube after Davido. She also has the record for the most viewed female African music video and the first Nigerian female artist to hit 1million views on YouTube in 24 hours.

    Alade sings in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili and Portuguese.[19] Her music has been of influence in many African countries and the world as she is acclaimed “Mama Africa” for her versatility in using different African languages and attires in her songs and music videos.[20] Alade’s father was a police commissioner of Yoruba descent, while her mother is of Igbo descent.[21][22]

    On 9 June 2020, Alade was mentioned to be among the forefront artists/musicians from across the world to perform at The Global Goal: Unite for our future sponsored by the Global Citizen aimed to highlight the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the most remote places in Africa and across the world.

    On 27 June 2020, Yemi Alade performed in the Global Goal: Unite for Our future alongside Miley Cyrus, Shakira, J Balvin, Jennifer Hudson, Coldplay, Usher, Justin Bieber, Quavo, Christine and the Queens and Chloe X Halle.

  • Nigerian singer Yemi Alade salutes Cote d’Ivoire thieves after she was robbed

    Nigerian singer Yemi Alade salutes Cote d’Ivoire thieves after she was robbed

    Nigerian Afropop singer, Yemi Alade, has saluted thieves in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire after she was robbed in the country where she went to perform.

    Narrating her ordeal, the singer via Instagram on Monday lamented how thieves got into her hotel room ransacked her belongings, and stole all the money they could find.

    She wrote: “A few minutes after I left my room, some unknown people decided to go through my things and steal: all the money they could find, very good.”

    Alade had attended and performed at the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend days back.

    She recently traveled to Côte d’Ivoire for the Creative Africa Nexus Weekend (CANEX WKND), a 3-day gathering of creatives from Africa and the Diaspora.

    The event hosted by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire serve as a prelude to the next Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Summit at IATF2023.

    But responding to well-wishers’ concerns, Alade noted “they are investigating, looking through cameras and all but she knows the money is all gone by now.

    “The suspects are all denying,” she retorted while shaking her head.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Alade is also a songwriter, actress, and activist.

    She won the Peak Talent Show in 2009 after which she signed to Effyzzie Music Group, and had a hit with her single “Johnny” in 2014.

    Since then Alade gained prominence in the music industry and is considered one of the biggest artists in Africa. Following the releases of her albums King of Queens and Mama Africa with the huge commercial success recorded for both albums, she embarked on world tours consecutively.

    Alade released her debut album King of Queens on 2 October 2014, and the album produced her most successful single Johnny and other singles like “Kissing”, “Tangerine” and “Taking Over Me” featuring Phyno.

    The album was nominated for Album of the year at the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment Awards and the 2015 Headies Awards. On 25 March 2016, Alade released her second album titled Mama Africa which produced singles like “Na Gode”, “TumBum” and “Ferrari”. Mama Africa won the World beat Album on the 2016 Independent Music Awards.

    In 2016, she debuted on Billboard as No 4 on “Next Big Sound” Chart.

    She won the MTV African Music Awards for Best female in 2015 and 2016 consecutively and was nominated for Artiste of the Year in 2015, making her the first female to win the MAMAs for Best female consecutively twice and nominated for Artiste of the Year.

    In 2015, Alade was the first African female to be nominated for the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) and She was nominated for the BET awards for Best International Act: Africa in 2015 and 2016.

    Alade is also applauded for her creative and overwhelming stage performances, fashion and music videos, She has won The Headies Award for Best Performer twice, in 2018 and 2019. The slot was initiated at The Headies 2018 and she was the first artiste to win the category.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that she is also the second Nigerian and Afrobeats artist and the first female to hit 100 million views for a single video on YouTube after Davido. She also has the record for the most viewed female African music video and the first Nigerian female artist to hit 1million views on YouTube in 24 hours.

    Alade sings in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili and Portuguese. Her music has been of influence in many African countries and the world as she is acclaimed “Mama Africa” for her versatility in using different African languages and attires in her songs and music videos.

    The Afropop singer’s father was a police commissioner of Yoruba descent, while her mother is of Igbo descent.

    On 9 June 2020, Alade was mentioned to be among the forefront artists/musicians from across the world to perform at The Global Goal: Unite for our future sponsored by the Global Citizen aimed to highlight the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the most remote places in Africa and across the world.

    On 27 June 2020, Alade performed in the Global Goal: Unite for Our future alongside Miley Cyrus, Shakira, J Balvin, Jennifer Hudson, Coldplay, Usher, Justin Bieber, Quavo, Christine and the Queens and Chloe X Halle.

    In 2022, The Scoove Africa ranked Yemi Alade The Best Stage Performer in Nigeria to date.

  • I prefer Ghanaian jollof, Ed Sheeran tells Yemi Alade

    I prefer Ghanaian jollof, Ed Sheeran tells Yemi Alade

    Award winning singer, Ed Sheeran has said he prefers Ghanaian jollof rice over that of Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru reports that in the past years, there has been a heated debate over which country has the best jollof rice between Nigeria and Ghana.

    At a recent event in London, Sheeran had met Yemi Alade, talented Nigerian songstress.

    During a chat between the pair, Alade had asked him about his view on the controversial topic.

    Responding, Sheeran said he would choose Ghanaian jollof rice because he has not been to Nigeria.

    “I think I prefer Ghanaian jollof, I haven’t been to Nigeria. So, I’ll go with Ghanaian jollof,” he said.

    Alade also took to her Instagram page to share a video of the pair’s chat.

    “So @teddysphotos started arguing about Ghanaian and Nigerian jollof (he hasn’t eaten Nigerian jollof yet oo, the battle hasn’t been won),” she wrote.

     

  • Being woman in a man’s world is a challenge-Yemi Alade

    Being woman in a man’s world is a challenge-Yemi Alade

    Popular songstress, Yemi Alade has stated that being a woman in a man’s world is a challenge she has always struggled to overcome.

    In an Instagram post on Monday, the crooner said her decision is aimed at inspiring young girls by being the figure they can learn from.

    “Being a woman in a man’s world is a challenge I will continue to overcome so the younger girls and ladies have a great example to follow,” she wrote.

    Although no one knows what informed her remark, the post comes amid claims of gender discrimination in the Nigerian music industry.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Simi had earlier said female artistes hardly get away with things as their male counterparts do in the industry.

    “Women can hardly get away with the kinds of things many men in the same industry get away with on a regular,” she had said.

    “When a woman complains about the shit she’s experiencing, I see many people saying ‘what about so and so’ does she have two heads. To me, that’s unfortunate, because everybody’s experience is different.

    “Your truth cannot invalidate someone else’s. For every woman that is making it, there are tons of women that have been broken. If u stand up for urself, ‘she’s difficult’. If you’re not a pushover, ‘she’s proud.”