Nigerian singer and Afrobeats star Yemi Alade has revealed the difficult experiences she went through as a young, struggling female artiste trying to break into the music industry.
The “Johnny” crooner disclosed that sexual harassment was one of the biggest challenges she faced in her early years. She explained that as a teenager navigating the industry, music executives frequently harassed her during meetings and studio sessions.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Swift Conversations Podcast, Yemi Alade said:
“In those beginning days, all I thought I needed was my talent because that’s what I had. I didn’t have a bank account full of money to sponsor myself.”
She continued, explaining how she showed up to every opportunity despite lacking resources, believing in her talent and divine purpose. But instead of support, she was often met with inappropriate behavior.
“There were doors I walked up to and when I did, they didn’t want my talent they wanted something else,” she said.
The award-winning singer recounted several disturbing encounters:
“Many times, from business meetings to studio sessions to even winning certain awards, you meet executives trying to rub your thighs under the table. And I was just a teen.
My grandpa is rubbing my legs and I can’t speak because I’m in shock. We are having a business meeting
She admitted that the rampant harassment made her question whether she should continue in music, but her determination pushed her forward.
“Something in me told me to keep pushing my talent. If the door was left open for me, I walked in. If it was shut in my face, I walked away.”
“I had to stop walking through doors and start breaking down walls”
Yemi Alade said her breakthrough came when she changed her mindset and decided to create her own opportunities rather than wait for gatekeepers.
“I became successful when I realised I needed to stop walking through doors and start breaking down the walls.”
Her story has since sparked conversations about the challenges women face in the entertainment industry and the importance of creating safe spaces for young talents.
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