Yemi Alade, the esteemed Afrobeat artist known as the Mama of Africa, has revealed the underlying factors behind her sporadic victories at award ceremonies. She disclosed that upon entering the music scene, she faced pressure from men seeking sexual favors, a refusal that may have hindered her award prospects in Nigeria. Alade expressed frustration over not being nominated in various award categories, attributing it largely to the influence of men.
In an interview with WithInNigeria, Alade recounted the industry’s climate where her success seemed contingent upon acquiescing to advances. She shared, “There was a time in the industry when everyone wanted to sleep with me… Today, men are the reason I don’t win awards in Nigeria.” Alade emphasized how her decision to abstain from such compromises resulted in missed opportunities for platforms, deals, and awards.
Despite her significant online presence as one of Nigeria’s most viewed and subscribed female artists on YouTube, Alade expressed bewilderment at continually feeling overlooked by award shows. Her remarks shed light on the complexities and challenges faced by women navigating the music industry, where talent and dedication often contend with systemic biases and expectations.
