Yemi Alade Opens Up on Industry Pressures and Staying True to Herself In a candid revelation, Nigerian music powerhouse Yemi Alade spoke out about the pressures she faced in the industry, where some insiders suggested she’d need to exchange favors for opportunities. She shared how choosing to keep her integrity intact came at a cost: “There was a time in the industry when everyone wanted to pressure me, saying, ‘Yemi, if you don’t do this, you won’t have that.’ Going down with men was like a bridge I had to cross to get on some platforms, deals, and even awards.” Yemi’s refusal to compromise her values meant facing challenges, missed awards, and limited recognition, despite being the most-viewed and most-subscribed Nigerian female artist on YouTube. “They really blocked everything for me,” she explained, noting how her contributions are often overlooked during discussions of Nigeria’s biggest female artists. Yet, Yemi remains resolute. “I’m glad because I have my dignity, my life, I’m making cool cash, and, above all, I have fans who love me.” Yemi’s journey stands as a testament to resilience and self-respect in an industry where those qualities can often be tested.