Afrobeat sensation Yemi Alade, also known as Mama Africa, has shed light on her struggles with winning awards in the music industry, attributing it to the challenges she faces as a woman.
Alade disclosed that early in her career, she encountered pressure from men in the industry who sought inappropriate advances, and her refusal to comply may have affected her recognition in award ceremonies.
Expressing her frustration, she noted instances where she’s been overlooked for nominations, emphasizing the influence of men in the decision-making process.
Despite being one of Nigeria’s most-watched and subscribed female artists on YouTube, Alade expressed bewilderment at her consistent omission from award categories.
In February 2024, Alade made headlines for confronting an unnamed colleague for perceived disrespect, cautioning against assuming equality based on social media presence. However, she did not specify the recipient of her message.
Earlier, in January 2024, Dr. Penking described Alade as a savvy artist who strategically aligns herself with events like the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to maximize her exposure and opportunities. He highlighted her knack for releasing songs celebrating Africa before major events like AFCON, which earns her recognition and headline performances.