Nigerian music star Yemi Alade has opened up about one of the most difficult times in her life, sharing that she once struggled with depression so deeply that she lost track of her real age. In a recent interview, the singer revealed that she kept saying she was 22 for three years, only to realize later that she was already 25. The realization, she said, hit her hard and made her pause to reflect on how much time had passed while she was caught up in her emotional struggles and career demands.
Yemi described that period as one of her darkest phases, where she became isolated and devoted herself entirely to work. According to her, she barely saw family or friends and had no time for rest. The award-winning “Johnny” crooner said she didn’t realize how detached she had become until she noticed her first grey hair, which made her emotional. It was then she began to acknowledge how much the pressure of fame and constant work had taken from her personal life.
Beyond her personal revelation, Yemi Alade also touched on challenges within the music industry, accusing some major radio stations of blocklisting her songs after she declined to perform at one of their events. The singer claimed that her entire catalog was removed from their playlists for nearly a year, a move that affected her airplay and audience reach.
Her honesty has sparked conversations about the pressure artists face while trying to balance mental health and career success. Yemi’s story shows that fame often comes with hidden struggles. Still, her openness proves that being real about challenges can be a sign of strength, and in any business, authenticity is always valuable.
For more stories like this visit naijabeats.com
