Grammy-nominated singer, Yemi Alade, has candidly opened up about her battle with depression, which she says was triggered by a personal struggle involving the misrepresentation of her age over several years. The talented Afro-pop star spoke about the emotional and mental toll this period had on her during a heartfelt interview with renowned media personality, Chude Jideonwo.
Yemi Alade disclosed that for three consecutive years, she had claimed to be 22 years old, despite actually being 25. The realization of her true age led to a period of self-reflection and emotional distress, resulting in several days of depression. She stated emphatically, “I kept saying I was 22 for 3 years and when I realized I was 25, I was depressed for a few days.” This revelation highlighted the intense pressure artists and public figures can sometimes place on themselves regarding public perception, image, and age, and how these pressures can impact mental health.
Impact of Age Misrepresentation on Mental Health
The singer reflected on how minor-seeming issues like age can significantly affect one’s mental well-being. Yemi explained that societal expectations and industry pressures often make artists feel that they need to conform to certain standards, which can inadvertently create feelings of inadequacy, confusion, or depression when personal truths come to light. Her openness aims to encourage fans and followers to acknowledge and address their own mental health struggles without shame.
Past Challenges With Media and Music Blocklisting
In addition to her age-related depression, Yemi Alade recounted earlier professional challenges, including an incident in November 2024, when she accused Cool FM Nigeria and Clout Africa FM of blocklisting her music for nearly a year. She explained that this action followed her decision to decline an invitation to perform at their end-of-year event in December 2023. Despite offering a public apology, the singer claimed that the stations refused to reinstate her music, further highlighting the pressures and challenges artists face within the entertainment industry.
Addressing False Allegations
Yemi Alade has also publicly addressed false reports of being sexually harassed, which she firmly denied. She described the rumors as “stupidity at its peak,” emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll such misinformation can have on individuals. She stressed the importance of truth, accountability, and the need to protect oneself from negative narratives that can affect mental health and professional reputation.
Promoting Awareness and Wisdom
Beyond her personal struggles, Yemi Alade has been active on social media, using her platform to share insights on mental health, conflict resolution, and understanding boundaries in relationships. She has encouraged her audience to prioritize emotional well-being and self-awareness, highlighting how critical it is to recognize one’s own mental and emotional limits and to seek support when necessary. Her candid discussion about age, depression, and industry pressures serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration for fans navigating their own personal and professional challenges.
Yemi Alade’s willingness to share her story underscores her commitment to mental health advocacy, particularly within the entertainment industry, where pressures and public scrutiny can significantly affect artists’ emotional well-being.
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