- Yemi noted that her breakthrough came when she stopped waiting for validation from gatekeepers
- many industry figures prioritised inappropriate advances over her artistic abilities
- She said the experiences almost made her reconsider her dream
Nigerian music star Yemi Alade has shared painful details of the challenges she endured in her early days as a young female artiste trying to break into the industry.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the singer revealed on the Swift Conversations podcast that sexual harassment was the biggest obstacle she faced, recalling how music executives repeatedly harassed her during meetings and studio sessions while she was still a teenager.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Dollar to Naira Rate for Today – 21 November 2025
- Tinubu Calls for Unity, Respect for Democratic Processes in Nigeria
- Davido Mourns Kebbi Kidnappings, Kwara Church Attack
According to her, she entered the industry with nothing but talent and determination, believing that hard work alone would open the necessary doors.
She said the reality was different, as many industry figures prioritised inappropriate advances over her artistic abilities. Yemi narrated moments where top executives would try to touch her during business meetings, leaving her shocked and unable to respond.
She said the experiences almost made her reconsider her dream, but she pushed on because she believed strongly in her craft.
The singer recalled several instances where opportunities were tied to sexual demands, but she chose to walk away each time, even when the rejection cost her potential career breakthroughs.
Reflecting on how she eventually succeeded, Yemi noted that her breakthrough came when she stopped waiting for validation from gatekeepers and began creating her own opportunities.
She explained that she shifted from knocking on closed doors to “breaking down walls,” focusing solely on her talent and resilience.
FURTHER READING
