Yemi Alade Opens Up on Age Lie, Loneliness and Quitting Smoking for Music

Afrobeats powerhouse Yemi Alade has revealed that she claimed to be 22 years old for three consecutive years, admitting that her intense focus on music and isolation from the outside world made her lose track of time.
The singer said that when she first entered the music industry, she quickly realised that the space was not as friendly as she had expected, prompting her to withdraw socially and concentrate solely on her craft and her team.
According to Alade, her dedication to work became so consuming that she repeatedly told people she was 22, even though she was already 25 at the time.
“I was just by myself and with my team. I wasn’t bothered about anything else,” she explained, adding that she hardly noticed how fast time was passing.
The Johnny crooner also disclosed that she rarely attends social events or parties unless she is formally invited, noting that she keeps a small circle and does not have many friends.
“I don’t go where I’m not invited,” she said, stressing that her lifestyle is shaped by her preference for privacy and focus.
In the same conversation, the singer opened up about a brief struggle with cigarette addiction during her university years. She said she made the decision to quit after discovering that smoking was negatively affecting her health and, more importantly, her vocal performance.
Alade explained that protecting her voice became a priority, leading her to abandon the habit and recommit herself fully to her music career.
The revelation has sparked conversations among fans about the pressures of the entertainment industry, personal sacrifices and the discipline required to sustain longevity in music.