Nigerian music star Yemi Alade has shared a deeply personal story about the challenges she faced as a young woman trying to break into the entertainment industry. In a recent episode of the Swift Conversations podcast, the “Johnny” hitmaker revealed that sexual harassment was one of the biggest battles she fought as a teenage artiste.

Yemi explained that when she began her career, all she had was raw talent, passion, and big dreams. She had no financial backing — only belief in herself and faith in God. She quickly learned that talent alone wasn’t enough to open doors.

According to her, many of the music executives she met in those early years weren’t interested in nurturing her potential. Instead, they demanded what she did not bargain for.

She recalled walking into business meetings and studio sessions expecting professional support, only to find herself harassed by those in positions of power.

“There were times when we were having actual business meetings and these men would start rubbing my thighs under the table,” she said.
“I was just a teenager. I couldn’t even speak because I was in shock.”

Yemi described the experience as confusing and painful, especially because she genuinely believed that hard work and talent would be enough. The constant harassment made her question whether she still wanted a career in music.

But despite the emotional toll, she refused to give up.

Something inside her pushed her to keep going — to keep walking into rooms that welcomed her and to walk away from those that didn’t. Over time, she discovered that she didn’t always have to rely on “doors” being opened for her.

Instead, she learned to break down walls.

Her resilience paid off. Today, Yemi Alade is one of Africa’s biggest music exports, known globally for her powerful voice, electrifying performances, and unwavering strength.

Her story is not just about what she survived, but about how far determination can take you — even when the world tries to dim your light.