Nigerian singer Yemi Alade’s refusal to give in to sexual demands in a bid to win awards and get “deals” has earned her praise from Nigerians.
In a statement on Instagram, Yemi Alade accused men of being the reason she does not win awards in the music industry.
The ‘Iro Ore’ crooner noted that she made decisions not to “engage in sexual activities for money” in the industry.
She bemoaned how she lost various opportunities and deals because she refused to give in to the sexual advances of awards and show promoters.
“There was a time in the industry when everyone wanted to sleep with me,” she said, “and it was like, Yemi if you don’t do this, you won’t have that,” she added.
“Today, men are the reason I don’t win awards in Nigeria. Going down with men was like a bridge I had to cross to get on some platforms, get some deals, and even get awards.
“When I made my decision never to engage in sexual activities for gain, lots of opportunities were automatically blocked for me.
“Ask yourself why Yemi Alade, who is the most viewed and most subscribed Nigerian female artist on YouTube, gets almost no recognition from award shows year after year.
“Even during Twitter debates, no one mentions Yemi Alade as one of the biggest female artists in Nigeria.
“They blocked everything for me. But I’m glad because I have my dignity, I have my life, and I’m making cool cash, and above all, I have fans who love me so much,” Yemi Alade stated.
Reacting to her statement, Nigerians praised her for carving a niche for herself without having to sleep with men to get to where she is today.
Describing her decision as the “best and nicest decision ever,” Obi Alexander urged the singer not to compromise on her good virtues.
Alexander said, “Don’t worry; at the due time, God is going to disappoint them all, and He will announce you for good. Just keep doing what you know is right, and heaven will recognize you very soon.”
“This is so beautiful, my sister. I love you for that. You always respect yourself, and they will value you soon; they will start discussing how responsible you are,” Victor Montana extolled the singer.
Olami Jerry praised the musician for being an example worth emulating.
For Jessy Monday, he said, “Up, Yemi Alade, you’re a champion; I respect your tenacity and integrity; more wins, my sister.”
“You are a good example to be imitated in the industry; maintain your stand and don’t look back on doing your very best; God will lead you through,” Jerry stated.
Buttressing Jessy’s point, Ainadare Richards urged upcoming female artists to take a leaf off her pages.
“Best decision. That’s a lesson for upcoming female artists to stand their ground against “come to bed with me, get promotions,” Richards noted.
Fred Lucky berated men for demanding sexual gratification from women before helping them.
Lucky said, “She’s telling the truth. Some members of my gender are not trying at all. They’re not nice in that aspect even in universities, some companies, and other businesses.
“They deny some qualified and intelligent women their opportunities to work or achieve something because of sex.”
