Grammy Award nominee Yemi Alade has once again proven her versatility beyond music, captivating social media audiences with a humorous cooking video showcasing her preparation of what she playfully dubbed “angry ogbono soup.” The Nigerian songstress, known for hit songs like “Johnny” and her energetic performances, demonstrated unexpected culinary prowess while maintaining the vibrant personality her fans adore.
Shared across her social media platforms, the video features Alade guiding viewers through her cooking process with characteristic flair and enthusiasm. From the meticulous seasoning of meat and fish to combining the signature ingredients that define traditional ogbono soup, the singer transformed what could have been an ordinary cooking demonstration into entertaining content that has generated thousands of reactions.
When life gives you lemons, Make Angry Ogbono,” Alade captioned the video, injecting her signature humor into the culinary adventure. The clip concludes with the artist joyfully holding a generous portion of eba (a Nigerian staple made from cassava flour) while savoring her creation, her animated expressions adding comedic value to the demonstration.
The video has sparked diverse reactions from fans and followers, with many commenting on both the apparent richness of the dish and Alade’s entertaining approach to cooking. User @Gentleiyke7914 noted the abundance of ingredients: “There’s definitely a huge difference between a rich person’s pot and a poor person. Kaii, God see proteins. God abeg help me make I for chop like this.” This observation highlights the generous use of meat and fish in her preparation, which some viewers interpreted as a display of affluence.
Others focused on Alade’s culinary techniques and ingredient choices. @sogwason_ questioned: “Is Meat not too much in that pot of soup? Aidan seed and Uda seed in Ogbono soup? How will it taste? You are definitely not a chef.” This comment reflects the passionate debates that often emerge around traditional recipes, where regional variations and personal preferences can lead to differing opinions about “authentic” preparation methods.
The term “angry ogbono” itself became a subject of fascination, with @AyobhamiGeorge commenting: “Angry Ogbonor? Flesh and blood did not reveal this one to you.” The creative naming captured viewers’ imagination, though Alade did not explicitly explain whether the “angry” descriptor referred to the soup’s spiciness, her mood while cooking, or was simply a playful marketing term.
Ogbono soup, traditionally made from ground ogbono seeds (African bush mango seeds), is a popular Nigerian dish known for its viscous, somewhat slimy texture. It’s typically prepared with palm oil, various proteins, vegetables, and spices. The dish holds cultural significance across different Nigerian ethnic groups, though preparation styles vary by region.
Beyond culinary critiques, some viewers used the opportunity to comment on Alade’s personal life. User @vis_alberto wrote: “Alade you’re going to make a good wife, how much is your bride price?” while @giacomopadova observed: “She’s ready to settle down. But men scare.” These comments reflect the persistent tendency to link women’s cooking abilities with marriage prospects, a cultural association that remains strong in many Nigerian communities despite evolving gender roles.
Other fans simply celebrated seeing a different side of the artist. @PoloM77 commented: “She is rich, She can cook, She is fine. She is known, My Yemi,” appreciating the multifaceted talents of the performer beyond her musical abilities.
The video arrives at a time when content diversification has become increasingly important for musical artists. With social media platforms rewarding varied content that showcases personalities beyond their professional talents, many performers are exploring cooking, fashion, fitness, and lifestyle content to maintain engagement with their audiences between musical releases.
For Alade, who has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most prominent female artists with numerous awards and international collaborations, the cooking video represents strategic content diversification while maintaining authenticity. Her natural comfort in front of the camera, whether performing on stage or cooking in a kitchen, demonstrates the charisma that has contributed to her staying power in the competitive music industry.
Cultural commentators have noted that the video also celebrates Nigerian culinary traditions at a time when African cuisines are gaining more international recognition. By showcasing ogbono soup, Alade subtly promotes Nigerian food culture to her global audience, many of whom may be unfamiliar with the dish.
The timing of the video also coincides with growing interest in celebrity cooking demonstrations, which surged during the global pandemic and have remained popular content formats. From professional chefs to entertainers sharing family recipes, cooking content has proven to be universally engaging across different demographics.
Not all reactions were positive, however. User @ijobaice questioned: “Which type of Igbo they give you today Yemi? No lie ooo Because I know you as a quiet babe,” suggesting the performer was unusually animated in the video. This comment reflects how fans often develop fixed perceptions of celebrities’ personalities and can be surprised when they deviate from expected behavior.
As the video continues to circulate online, it adds another dimension to Alade’s public persona. Beyond her accomplishments as a multiple award-winning artist who has represented African music on global stages, she now presents herself as someone relatable who enjoys cooking traditional dishes—albeit with her own creative spin.
Whether the “angry ogbono” becomes a signature dish for the star or remains a one-time social media moment, the video has successfully engaged fans and sparked conversations about cooking, culture, and celebrity. For Yemi Alade, whose career has been built on blending traditional African elements with contemporary stylings, bringing that same fusion approach to the kitchen seems perfectly on brand.
