Renowned Nigerian singer Yemi Alade recently shared her early career experiences. She recounted frequent sexual harassment. This often happened during meetings and studio sessions with music executives.

Alade stated that sexual harassment was a major hurdle. Despite this, she remained resolute. She was determined to work hard and avoid any compromise.

The singer found success in the industry. This came after a key realization. She understood she had to “stop walking through the doors.” Instead, she needed to “start breaking down the walls.”

Early Career Obstacles and Resilience

She recalled her initial thoughts. “In those beginning days,” Alade explained, “I believed only my talent was needed.” She added, “I didn’t have a bank account full of money to sponsor myself.”

Alade stated, “I possessed talent and zeal.” She had made a promise to herself. She also believed God made a promise to her. “So, I always tried to show up,” she said. She was advised to work harder. She did so, but it wasn’t enough. “There were doors I needed to approach,” Alade continued. “When I reached these doors, they didn’t seek my talent. They wanted something else entirely.”

She recounted specific instances. “This happened many times,” she explained. “From business meetings to studio sessions, even after winning awards.” She would meet executives. They would try to rub her thighs under the table. “I was just a teen then,” Alade stated. “It felt like my grandpa was rubbing my legs. I couldn’t speak. I was in complete shock.”

Alade questioned, “We are having an actual business meeting. Why are you touching me?” She had a difficult internal conversation. She debated if music was her true path. The sexual harassment had become too common. “But something within me,” she confessed, “urged me to keep pushing my talent.” She persevered. “If a door was open, I would enter,” she explained. “If it was shut, I would simply walk away.”