Internationally acclaimed Nigerian singer Yemi Alade has publicly called out CoolFM Nigeria and Clout Africa for allegedly blacklisting her music catalog, revealing a year-long tension stemming from her absence at a December 2023 event.
The Grammy-nominated artist took to social media to express her frustration, detailing how what began as a missed appearance has evolved into a prolonged dispute with one of Nigeria’s leading media stations. According to Alade, her attempts at reconciliation, including personal apologies and direct communication with management, have been met with silence and continued hostility.
Take down my whole catalog from your stations,” the singer challenged in her impassioned posts, expressing defiance in the face of what she perceives as an abuse of power. God go still give me food. You’re beefing an artist for 1 full year, over your event.”
The controversy has brought to light broader questions about the relationship between media platforms and artists in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Alade, who has achieved significant international recognition throughout her career, specifically named Mr. Serge Noujaim and Mr. Joseph Adamu in her posts, accusing them of wielding their influence inappropriately.
In her emotional statement, the “Johnny” hitmaker emphasized her global standing, noting her interactions with world leaders and presidents. “My team and I have traveled round the world, met with Presidents and many important people… if there is a problem we resolve,” she stated, highlighting the contrast between her international diplomatic experiences and the current impasse with the Nigerian media outlets.
The situation has particularly resonated within the Nigerian entertainment community, as it comes at a time when Alade’s career has reached new heights with her first Grammy nomination. The artist’s frustration appears to stem not just from the music ban itself, but from what she describes as a dismissal of her peace-making efforts.
“I personally reach out in January… still, you are refusing to play my music and give my team a hard time,” Alade revealed, suggesting that the dispute has persisted despite her attempts at professional resolution. Her use of both English and Pidgin English in her statements underscores the raw emotion behind her grievances.
The controversy has sparked discussions about gatekeeping in Nigeria’s music industry and the power dynamics between media platforms and artists. Alade’s declaration that “MY GOD BE MY LABEL AND MANAGEMENT” suggests a stance of independence and spiritual resilience in the face of institutional challenges.
As the situation continues to unfold, Alade’s passionate response has resonated with many in the industry who see it as a reflection of broader systemic issues. Her assertion that “life is a marathon, not a sprint” suggests a long-term perspective on the dispute, even as she maintains her position against what she perceives as unfair treatment.
The controversy comes at a particularly significant time in Alade’s career, as her recent Grammy nomination has further cemented her position as one of Africa’s leading musical exports. Whether this public confrontation will lead to resolution or further escalation remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked important conversations about power, reconciliation, and professional ethics in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Neither CoolFM Nigeria nor Clout Africa had publicly responded to Alade’s statements at the time of reporting, leaving the industry and fans watching closely for potential developments in this unfolding situation.
