Ifeoma Ononye 
Since Friday midnight, the media has been abuzz about Yemi Alade’s latest song, ‘Fake Friends’. For a while, it seemed the Afropop queen has been busy with other endeavours related to music and business. For the past 10 days, the singer has been hinting on releasing the latest single, which she says is from her seventh album.
Now that it is here, many of her fans cannot help but wonder if the ‘fake friends’ song is directed to anyone or group of people in particular. The Afropop and Highlife catchy groove has a deeper meaning, touching on human connections and the result of fake love or friendship.
With this new relatable single, Yemi celebrates true friendships and puts fake friends at bay. ‘Fake Friends’ (Ore Iro) is the first single off Yemi’s upcoming seventh body of work set for release in 2023. Yemi Alade gives an exclusive glimpse into the project, saying that, “this upcoming project is a representation of my thoughts, needs, experiences, stories, ideas and my desire to connect with every listener on each song.
Every song is potent with stories.” ‘Fake Friends’ lyrics take Yemi back as she reminisces on humble beginnings. She sings, “Shey you go dey..If money no dey my pocket ooo..Back when I dey live my life on a low budget oooo..I no dey pick your call..You dey vex for me.. When I dey knock your door you dey form for me..”
Knowing full well how controversy, gossip and slander thrives in the entertainment circle, Alade’s new song is already under the radar of music lovers. This, just like her other songs, which have been huge success in the past, may be another grand entry to a bigger success.
Yemi Alade is a heavy-hitter when it comes to orchestrating global hits that spark viral trends and acclaim. Her electrifying stage performance is one of the qualities that set the singer apart from other female music artistes. A reason she is always on music tour.
A fan once said, ‘When you experience Yemi Alade, you won’t know what hit you’. ‘Fake Friends’ follows the success of her 2023 singles ‘Pounds & Dollars’ featuring Phyno, ‘Baddie’, ‘Jojo’ feat. Bisa Kdei and ‘Bright Future’ with Mr Vegas. These releases have cumulatively surpassed 17 million views on YouTube alone.
In May 2023, Yemi was featured on the first cover of Nigeria’s Marie Claire magazine. Beyond the studio, Yemi continues to make an impact in the entertainment world, donning titles such as composer, actress, and producer. She recently announced her new role as the first global ambassador of Win- Fund.
She is also a coach and judge on the ongoing season one of The Voice Africa. Yemi continues to command the stage alongside The African Train Band with electrifying performances , enthralling thousands of revelers and her fans with her extensive AFRICAN BADDIE WORLD TOUR ‘23 making stops in America and Europe.
Yemi Eberechi Alade is one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s biggest female musicians. As an Afropop singer, song- writer, actress and activist, Alade has done well in her career. She sings in English, Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French, Swahili and Portuguese.
Her music has been of influence in many African countries and the world as she is acclaimed “Mama Africa” for her versatility in using different African languages and at- tires in her songs and music videos. Alade’s father was a police commissioner of Yoruba descent, while her mother is of Igbo descent.
In 2022, Yemi Alade bagged a Grammy certificate, courtesy of her collaboration with Beninese-American mu- sic icon, Angelique Kidjo, on the Mother Nature album. In 2022, The Scoove Africa ranked Yemi Alade The Best Stage Performer in Nigeria to date.
As it stands, it will be a blessing for this young Mama Africa music star to also grab a Grammy award for the hardwork she has put into showcasing the African heritage to the world.
