Yemi Eberechi Alade (born 13 March 1989), simply known as Yemi Alade, is a Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter. She gained prominence after winning the Peak Talent Show in 2009, and is best known for her hit single “Johnny”.

Early life
Yemi Eberechi Alade was born in Abia State, Nigeria, to James Alade and Helen Uzoma. Her father is a police commissioner of Yoruba descent while her mother is of Igbo descent, resulting in her being referred to as the Yoruba-Igbo girl. A native of Ondo State, South West, Nigeria, Alade is the fifth born of seven children in her family. She went to St. Savior British Primary School and later attended Victory Grammar School in Lagos. Alade studied Geography at the University of Lagos.

Music career
2014–2016: King of Queens and Mama Africa
Alade’s debut studio album King of Queens was released on October 2, 2014, by Effyzzie Music Group. Alade collaborated with producers such as Selebobo, Sizzle Pro, Shady Bizniz, Philkeyz, Young D, GospelOnDeBeatz, DIL, OJB Jezreel, Mr Chidoo, Fliptyce, EL Mcee and Beat Nation.

The album was preceded by three singles: “Johnny”, “Tangerine” and “Kissing”. It features guest appearances and skits from Bovi, R2Bees, Phyno, Chidinma, DIL, Selebobo and Diamond Platnumz. Alade promoted the album by touring several African countries, including Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. The deluxe edition of King of Queens was released in November 2014, and contains French versions of songs originally performed in English.

Its cover art was unveiled on 21 October 2014. According to the music platform, A Nation of Billions, King of Queens sold over 100,000 copies.

Alade’s second studio album Mama Africa was released on March 25, 2016, by Effyzzie Music Group. The album is the follow-up to her debut studio album King of Queens (2014). It features guest appearances from P-Square, Sarkodie, Sauti Sol, Flavour N’abania, Rotimi Keys, DJ Arafat and Selebobo. The album was produced by GospelOnDeBeatz, DJ Coublon, Selebobo, Philkeyz, BeatsByEmzo, Masterkraft, Rotimi Keys and Mr. Chidoo. It was supported by six singles: “Na Gode”,

“Do As I Do”, “Ferrari”, “Kom Kom”, “Africa” and “Tumbum”. Mama Africa was made available for pre-order on iTunes a week before its official release. Alade announced that proceeds from the sale of the album will go to the Feed a Child charity initiative.

The deluxe edition of the album was released on April 6, 2016, and features guest vocals from South African musicians Bucie and AKA.

2017–present: Black Magic and Woman of Steel

Alade’s third studio album Black Magic was released on December 15, 2017. The album features collaboration with artists such as Olamide and Falz. Its production was handled by V-Tek, Krizbeatz, Young D, Sess, Fliptyce, I Am Beatz, Philkeyz, 2Kriss, Sarz, Echoand and DJ Coublon. The album was made available for streaming on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, YouTube and other digital platforms.

In July 2019, Alade became the first African female artist to reach one million subscribers on YouTube. Her song “Johnny” currently holds the YouTube record for the most watched African Female music video of all time. Alade was featured on “Don’t Jealous Me”, a track from Beyoncé’s soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift. She appeared on the track alongside Mr Eazi and Tekno. Rolling Stone magazine revealed that Alade also recorded a verse for an earlier version of “My Power” in June.

Alade released her fourth studio album, Woman of Steel, in 2019. It features guest appearances from Rick Ross, Angélique Kidjo, Funke Akindele and Duncan Mighty.