hardworking upcoming Nigerian artiste out there has
dreams of becoming a super star. Luckily for her, the
half Yoruba half Igbo chic is gradually garnering
attention with her music.
In this interview conducted during a recent visit to
NET, Yemi talks about her early beginnings, her respect
for the top Nigerian female act and why her blowing up
is inevitable. Read below…
What have you been up to in the last couple of months?
I embarked on a nationwide media tour and just got back.
The tour was to promote my two new singles 'My head'
and 'Birthday song' and I decided to take a hundred cakes
to the media houses.
While on tour in Enugu I recorded a song called 'Johnny'
with Selebobo. The song has quite a nice storyline attached
to it and we've been promoting it since we got back. I was
recently nominated for Exquisite Lady of the Year
(ELOY) awards although I didn't win.
I intend participating in the awareness for breast and
cervical cancer and HIV/Aids this December. Uti
Nwachukwu would be taking a couple of celebrities on a
trip to the orphanages on the 20th of this month. I would
also be involved in a programme with Peak Milk; they just
made me one of their ambassadors. In January by the
special grace of God we are going to schools to encourage
kids to stay in school and live their dreams. Even after
winning the Peak Talent Show I was still able to stay back
in school and get a degree in Geography.
When did you decide to go into music professionally?
I have been doing this music thing for like seven to eight
years now; I was in a girl group called Naughty Spices and
my stage name then was Ginger (laughs) but I kicked off
my career three or four years ago, just after winning the
Peak Talent Show.
If you hadn't won the Peak Talent Show would you still
be singing?
I would have deviated to be sincere with you, because I
wasn't 100 per cent keen on dong music professionally. But
emerging as winner opened my eyes and made me realise
that I have to make something out of this talent.
What inspires your kind of music?
Everything I do comes from the heart. I always try to make
sure that a piece of me reflects in all my songs. Secondly
the producer has to lace a perfect beat that gives the song
the direction I want; if it's a club joint, I give it the club
banger approach and if it's a 'silky sheet' beat I would give
the beat the pillow case and all that's needed to go with it.
Inspiration is from my environment and experiences.
Do you think that in terms of vocals you should be
ranked in the same category with Waje, Tiwa Savage
and Omawumi?
Those that have witnessed the strength of my vocals can
attest to the fact that I am a great vocalist and since my
talent is God given and can't go anywhere then it's just a
matter of time. When you open your eyes you open them
that is all I can say.
Why hasn't Yemi Alade gotten that big breakthrough
despite the fact that you've been in the industry for like
four years?
It would be four years by next year. I believe that's what
my team and I have been working on and the only thing
that can bring the breakthrough on a major scale is time
and chance and this is only made available by God. I know
that where I was last year and where I am this year are two
different places and for some big shots to recognise me
means I'm doing something right. I mean I'm just 23 years
old and Waje and the rest are way ahead of me. When I
knock on the door, open the door for me abeg.
Who are your role models or people that inspire you to
sing more or even help lift your mood?
My role model playlist is quite long. I listen to the powerful
three like you said earlier; Waje, Tiwa and Omawumi.
Waje is a classic example of a perfect RnB diva, Omawumi
is Afro, Tiwa is a perfect Afro Pop singer. But outside the
shores of Nigeria I listen to Maria Carey; her voice is like
a projection for me, I always try to match her. I love
Beyonce's stage craft but I still take it back to Whitney
Houston. I also listen to Etta James. I love listening to old
songs so yes my playlist is long.
What are the recently played songs on your iPod right
now?
You will find 'Seun Rere' by Christy Essien Igbokwe. I
recently performed the song at her memorial and then
Coldplay's 'Fix you'?
Apart from the 'Power Three', how competitive is the
market amongst yourself, Seyi Shay, Zaina and your
other peers?
I believe all the ladies in the industry are really trying,
every day we have to look prim and proper and it takes a
lot of effort. But I really think that I am my biggest
challenge. I'm the one that can hold myself backward or
push myself forward, it all depends on me.
When you first started you had a tomboyish look,
comparing that to your new sexy look, you've
considerably changed. Was the transformation as a
result of you growing up or your team's decision to get
you a wider fan base?
(Laughs) They say if you have it flaunt it, but on a more
serious note I'm still the tomboy till now. It has a little to
do with my team though. I'm a chameleon; if you notice
me very well I change my hairstyle regularly and in my
videos as well. If you don't know me very well you might
be confused as to the Yemi Alade singing. So I guess my
style is always changing.
When would you start headlining major events
alongside other big names?
Well we are getting there, my new single 'Johnny' has been
getting massive airplay and love. It's just about two months
old and there's no telling where it would be in the next
couple of months. It's already been compared to Wizkid's
'Caro' and that's quite positive so let's just say in no time
we would be on all those major shows.
Via: Thenet
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