Popular Nigerian singer Yemi Alade has broken her silence on the disturbing culture of sexual harassment that nearly ended her music career before it even began.
The Shocking Revelations on Swift Conversations Podcast
During a recent appearance on the Swift Conversations podcast, the Johnny hitmaker shared traumatic experiences she endured as a teenage artist trying to make her mark in Nigeria's competitive music industry. Alade revealed that sexual harassment represented her biggest challenge during those formative years.
The artist recalled how recording executives and industry figures routinely harassed her during business meetings and studio sessions, despite her being just a teenager at the time. She described arriving at meetings with nothing but her talent and determination, only to discover that industry gatekeepers wanted something entirely different from her.
Traumatic Encounters with Industry 'Grandpas'
In one particularly disturbing account, Alade described how senior industry figures would make inappropriate physical advances during what were supposed to be professional meetings. Many times, from business meetings to studio sessions to even winning certain awards, you meet maybe the managing director or any other executive, and they are trying to rub your thighs under the table, she revealed.
The singer expressed her shock and confusion at these encounters, noting that these were men old enough to be her grandfather. My grandpa is rubbing my legs, and I can't speak because I'm in shock, she recounted, highlighting the power imbalance and vulnerability she experienced as a young artist.
The harassment became so pervasive that Alade seriously considered abandoning her music dreams altogether. She admitted to having internal conversations about whether to continue pursuing a career that came with such personal costs.
Breaking Through the Barriers
Despite the traumatic experiences, Alade found the strength to persevere. She explained that something inside her urged her to keep pushing her talent forward. Her strategy shifted from trying to walk through open doors to breaking down walls that stood in her way.
This change in approach ultimately led to her breakthrough success in the music business, making her one of Africa's most recognized female artists. Her journey serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration for aspiring artists facing similar challenges.
The timing of Alade's revelations is particularly significant, coming shortly after fellow superstar Tiwa Savage shared her own experience of losing an endorsement deal for refusing to sleep with a company owner. These accounts from top female artists highlight systemic issues within the entertainment industry that continue to affect women's careers.
In a positive development, recent footage showed Alade and Savage reconciling after years of reported tension, with Alade publicly acknowledging Savage's role in paving the way for other female artists in Nigeria.
