Over 30 Under 50: “History Is In The Making, And I Am One Of The Few Holding The Pen.” – Nigerian Singer Yemi Alade

In November last year, Yemi Alade earned her first Grammy nomination in the 2025 Best African Music Performance category. That moment is already a major milestone for her.

“If you had asked me this six [or] seven years ago, I would say that success for me, personally, is when I win the Grammy. Late last year, I got nominated for a Grammy, and that honestly was a chip on my shoulder. It was a sign to continue to be myself, my original self, irrespective of what the world might think. [I need to] continue to shine in my culture, continue to shine in my personality,” she says.

Although 2024 was a memorable year for Alade, she says her journey in the industry has not always been easy. When she compares the experiences at the beginning of her career to now, Alade says the biggest challenge she has had is with herself.

“Challenges will always come up. It doesn’t matter what stage of life you are in. However, the one challenge that has stayed in my face is being consistent. That is waking up every morning and choosing to do this thing called music. It’s a challenge because nothing good comes easy,” she explains.

“In the beginning, when I had nothing but this talent to offer, it seemed to people like I was crazy, because I was waking up in the morning to go out and sing, and in an African community that makes no sense. And now where I am, at this point, comfort also becomes a huge distraction. The minute I succumb to comfort, I would not be waking up in the morning to choose music. I feel like that’s a personal challenge.”

Well-known for her feature on global icon, Beyonce’s song, The Power, Alade was the first African female Afropop artist to hit over 100 million views on YouTube and VEVO with her hit single, Johnny. It is also among Afrobeats’ biggest songs of all time. Alade released her anticipated sixth studio album, and tenth project overall, Rebel Queen, which features five-time Grammy award-winning artist Angélique Kidjo, in July.

Alade told FORBES AFRICA in an interview in 2024 that the album was a homage to her journey so far, which is why a lot of the music on the album is reminiscent of the core of Afrobeats, as she remembers it. Alade says: “I feel like history is actually in the making, and I am one of the few people holding the pen and writing history in my own time. I feel honored and privileged to experience this. To be one of the many who continue to fly the flag of African music and our culture. It’s a good time to be alive.”