Yemi Alade reveals untold stories of growing up
Sensational Nigerian singer Yemi Alade bared her soul recently in a heart-to-heart conversation on the latest episode of Tea with Tay Podcast, speaking about the uniqueness of her multicultural upbringing.
With a radiant smile, the artiste painted a vivid picture of her childhood, growing up in a blended family with a Yoruba father and an Igbo mother.
For Yemi, the concept of home was simple and familiar, with her parents being just “mum and dad.” In a warm tone, she recounted the days of her youth spent in what she described as a “shielded” environment. Surrounded by uncles, aunties, and cousins, her father’s welcoming nature turned their home into a bustling haven.
“I didn’t know that there was a difference growing up. First of all, I just had my mum and my dad. We were one of those families that had uncles, aunties, and cousins living with us. My dad was that kind of person, so we had people around,” Yemi shared
However, the singer admitted that it wasn’t until later that she became aware of the cultural disparities between her parents. She recounted instances where people outside their close-knit circle tried to pigeonhole her into specific ethnic groups, and not always in the most pleasant manner.
“I was not aware of the cultural differences until later, especially when people started arguing if I was Yoruba or Igbo. Some people would say ‘Omo Yoruba’ or ‘Omo Igbo,’ and it wasn’t said as a compliment. That’s when I noticed that there was a difference in cultures, and being born into a Yoruba and Igbo family isn’t so common,” the singer revealed.
Despite the challenges of being caught in the crossfire of ethnic categorization, Yemi found solace in one remarkable aspect of her multicultural family – the diverse culinary experiences. “But one thing I got to enjoy about being in a multicultural family is the food. I get to eat both Igbo and Yoruba delicacies,” she added with a hearty laugh.
The singer went on to credit her deep appreciation for cultures and Africa as a whole to the rich tapestry of her blended home.
As fans eagerly await more revelations from Yemi’s life, her candid storytelling has undoubtedly added a harmonious note to the ongoing symphony of her illustrious career.