Nigerian music star Yemi Alade has recently spoken out about the challenges faced by women in the country’s entertainment scene, specifically addressing the issue of sexual harassment and its impact on career recognition.
Alade asserted that her refusal to engage in sexual activities with men in the industry has led to her being overlooked for awards and opportunities.
In her candid statement, Alade highlighted the pervasive nature of sexual advances in the Nigerian entertainment sector, stating, “There was a time in the industry when everyone wanted to sleep with me, and it was like, ‘Yemi, if you don’t do this, you won’t have that.’ Today, men are the reason I don’t win awards in Nigeria.”
The artist went on to explain that she made a conscious decision to prioritise her dignity and integrity over compromising her principles for professional gains.
This choice, according to Alade, resulted in numerous missed opportunities and a lack of recognition from industry award shows.
“going down with men was like a bridge I had to cross to get on some platforms, get some deals and even awards. When I made my decision never to engage in sexual activities for gains, lots of opportunities were automatically blocked for me.
“Ask yourself why Yemi Alade who is the most viewed and most subscribed Nigerian female artiste on YouTube gets almost no recognition from award shows year after year. Even during twitter debates, no one mentions Yemi Alade as one of the biggest female artistes in Nigeria.
“They really blocked everything for me. But I’m glad coz I have my dignity, I have my life, I’m making cool cash and above all, I have fans who love me so much,” Yemi Alade stated.
Despite these challenges, Alade remains resilient and grateful for her devoted fan base, acknowledging that while some doors may have closed due to her stance, she values the support and love she receives from her fans.
The acclaimed singer’s remarks shed light on a broader issue within Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, prompting discussions about the treatment of women and the importance of merit-based recognition in the industry.