Yemi Alade has addressed critics who questioned her decision to share a photo of her Grammy nominee medal, insisting that many people misunderstand how the Recording Academy operates.
Speaking on Chude Jideonwo’s YouTube show which was monitored by MyNewsGh, the singer said reactions to her photo exposed how little some people know about the process.
She explained, “Someone commented ah this one go organize photo shoot for Grammy medal. And in my head I’m like look at you.
“Grammy is the one that organized this. You don’t know anything.” She added that several people outside the industry make assumptions without understanding how nominees are treated. “When you’re not in the situation, it’s very easy to just jump to conclusions,” she said.
Alade noted that the moment remained significant for her despite the criticism. “That was a huge one for me. Still is,” she said.
She pointed out that some African artists often try to distance themselves from the continent while pursuing global acceptance. “We want to be bigger, beyond, above. Put Africa beneath us,” she remarked.
She stressed that her achievement did not follow common predictions or the so-called required path.
“They said that you have to have some kind of western collaboration. You have to be signed to the major leagues of record labels. You have to look a certain way. And of course sing a certain way,” she said.
Alade emphasized that her success defied those expectations. “I did it the other way around. African proud. No collaboration. Just this girl who decided to take a chance on herself and sing another song,” she said.
