I’m close to bagging a Grammy – Yemi Alade

Weekend Magazine: You were recently nominated for both the BET and MTV MAMA awards. How did you receive the news? Please describe those first moments and did you see it coming?
Yemi Alade: It is difficult to describe. I received the news with an unfathomable joy in my heart. The MTV MAMAs news came barely three hours after I was nominated for four Nigerian Entertainment Awards. I was grateful, humbled and thankful. It also boosted my zeal to keep doing what I do. I feel one step closer to bagging a Grammy award.
WM: How did music begin for you?
Alade: Music began at a very tender age. I remember listening to records owned by my parents and siblings. As a young teenager I was a member of the adult choir in church, was very active in school entertainment activities and was a part of a girl group called, ‘Notty Spices’ at one point; the group dissolved when we (the members) gained admission into different universities. Music has been a vital part of my life.  
WM: What gave you your first big break?
Alade: There are many moments I can confidently label ‘big break.’ From winning the maiden edition of Peak Talent Show, signing with Effyzzie Music Group and releasing my single ‘GhenGhen Love’ to the amazing success of ‘Johnny’ to the release of my debut album, ‘King of Queens.’ I am indeed very thankful to God for all these breaks in my career as an artiste, and I believe there are more of such moments to come.
WM: Could you share with us the story behind Johnny and the response there after?
Alade: Johnny was recorded in Enugu during my nationwide media tour. It was produced by Selebobo and it narrates the tale of a cheating lover. It is based on a life experience which I unconsciously wrote about during the session. The success of ‘Johnny’ is jaw-dropping; it is currently the most viewed video by an African female artiste of all time. God gave me the song ‘Johnny,’ without telling me he was blessing me. If you go online you will see dance videos made by fans across the world, from France to the Netherlands to the U.S.A to Canada.
WM: Who has had the most influence on your music?
Alade: Growing up I would say Mariah Carey, but as an adult, society and my environment have both had a massive influence on my music.
WM: As a child did you imagine you would one day become an artiste?
Alade: My parents probably saw it coming but I really did not see myself taking music as a fulltime career. It was when I won the Peak Talent show that it dawned on me that it was music or nothing. Even then I still had to stay in school and get a degree in Geography, that period the music suffered but it was worth it.
WM: What is a typical day like for you?
Alade: A typical day varies. Wake up, pray, shower, and dress up, interviews, shoots, performances, studio sessions, flights, meetings, rehearsals, it goes on.  A typical day for me is very busy.
WM: Who has been most supportive in your career?
Alade: My record label, Effyzzie Music Group. We do not sleep.
WM: At the time you signed on with Effyzzie, they were relatively unknown. Did you think it was risky; what gave you faith in them?
Alade: Before even signing to Effyzzie Music Group, I had a consultancy deal with them which later grew into a management deal and finally a record label deal. I grew to have faith in their work ethics and dedication despite offers from other record labels.
WM: Are you looking to branch into acting?
Alade: Yes, I totally see Yemi Alade as a star actress! If the time is right and the right script falls into my hands, I would branch into acting.
WM: Asides singing, what else do you do?
Alade: Singing … I also have a number of projects I am working on that I am not at liberty to discuss. Yemi Alade is an artiste, vocalist, actress, entertainer, fashion icon, dancer, entrepreneur and more by God’s grace.
WM: How do you manage your numerous fans?
Alade: It is tasking but I make sure I reach out to them and interact with them as much as possible. On social media, people complain that Yemi does not follow her fans back but the work and schedule can get very hectic. Nonetheless, I try to host giveaways, live chat sessions and reach out to the fans physically whenever the opportunity arises. My fans have started a movement called ‘Tangerine Nation’ and I am very humbled. I love my fans, the make every day worth it.
WM: What’s the most unusual request a fan has made of you?
Alade: A lady once said I should sign an autograph on her bare chest; I did not see that coming.
WM: Could you share embarrassing moments you’ve had being a celebrity?
Alade: A male fan once requested to know my hotel room number so as to take a selfie with me. He said, ‘what’s your room number, I want to take a ‘selfie’ with you in your room.’ I was caught off guard and embarrassed by the request.
WM: What project are you working on at the moment?
Alade: I am working on many projects. I am currently touring, working on some business ventures and also trying to complete my second studio album which will hit the stores in months, hopefully. I am also working on a number of charity projects to give back to the society and empower females and the youth.
WM: Which has been your most challenging role to fulfill and why?
Alade: The most challenging role has to be finding balance between work and my personal life.
WM: Where do you see yourself in another one year?
Alade: Alive, performing, entertaining and inspiring individuals across the globe with a Grammy in my curriculum vitae. (Laughter) I am working hard at it, I tell you.
WM: Who are you looking to work with and why?
Alade: Definitely P-Square. I admire their music, drive, zeal and work ethics and they have lasted over a decade in the music industry yet they are still grinding like they are newbies.
WM: Who were your music icons growing up and who in the industry do you admire most and why?
Alade: Music icons growing up were Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Usher, R. Kelly, Etta James and other great artistes like them. I admire P-Square locally and Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj internationally.
WM: Is there any kind of movie you would like to act?
Alade: I would love to star as a lead in kick-ass action blockbuster movie.
WM: What does music mean to you?
Alade: Music is therapy for me; it keeps me going; most times it sets the mood for me.
WM: Who is the special man in your life? And please don’t say your dad or your brother…
Alade: (Laughter) Hmm special man… none!