Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter, Yemi Alade, during a past interview with Nairobi News. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU
Top Nigerian artist, Yemi Alade, was tapped by Spotify for induction into its coveted EQUAL Africa programme.
The programme aims to support female artists in Africa by providing them with resources to grow their craft and reach the global audience through multiple playlists on its streaming platform.
In its January 9, 2023, statement, Spotify said beneficiaries of this program will receive off-platform guidance to help advance their music careers to greater heights.
“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,” said Yemi Alade after joining the programme.
Yemi Alade’s name features among the top African female artistes breaking the glass ceiling in the male-dominated industry. With four albums, an EP and hit singles such as Johnny, Shekere, Africa, Oh My Gosh, and Bum Bum under her belt, she is part of the Afro Pop elite.
Alade is also the first African female Afro Pop star to 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.
She is also a multi-award winner, taking home the 2015 and 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards for best female artist and has been nominated for multiple BET and MOBO Awards before. She is a featured artist on the track Don’t Jealous Me, which appears on Beyoncé’s compilation album “The Lion King: The Gift”, alongside Mr Eazi and Tekno, and guest features on the lead single on Angelique Kidjo’s Grammy winning album, “Mother Nature”.
She has performed across the world on stages in Africa, Europe and the United States of America; and for renowned audiences such as the British Royal Family. Outside of her music, Ms Alade is an actress and a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador who also operates her own charity, the James and Helen Pathway Foundation.
“Yemi is such a talented artist who has already carved out a solid place in the music industry. Spotify is looking forward to showcasing her talent to an even wider audience, and working with her to further map out her success,” said Ms Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa.
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