Nigerian Afrobeats star Yemi Alade has made a candid revelation about a period in her life when lying about her age led her into depression.
Speaking in a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the award-winning singer recounted how she spent years telling people she was younger than her actual age, only to later realise the truth.
According to the “Johnny” crooner, she spent three years claiming to be 22, even though she was already 25 at the time. The realisation, she said, left her mentally unsettled and emotionally drained.
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“There was a time someone asked me how old I was, and for about three years I kept saying 22,” Yemi Alade shared. “Then one day I calculated it and realised I was already 25. I was depressed for a few days because my mind couldn’t process it. It was mental, for three years, I didn’t know my age.”
Yemi explained that the experience made her realise how self-deception can take a toll on one’s mental health. She admitted that during that period, she became disconnected from reality, as she was constantly trying to live up to a false identity.
“It sounds funny now, but at that time, it really affected me. It taught me how powerful the mind is and how living in denial can mess with your sense of self,” she said.
The singer added that the episode became a defining moment in her personal growth, helping her embrace honesty and self-acceptance as core values in her life and career.
Since breaking into the music scene after winning the Peak Talent Show in 2009, Yemi Alade has grown to become one of Africa’s most influential female artists, known for her energetic performances and bold expression of African culture.
Reflecting on her journey, she urged young people, especially those in the entertainment industry, to embrace their true selves instead of succumbing to societal pressure to appear younger or more perfect.
“The entertainment world makes you feel like you have to be a certain age to stay relevant,” she said. “But the truth is, your talent, your energy, and your purpose are what truly matter.”
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Yemi Alade’s revelation has sparked admiration from fans online, many of whom praised her for speaking openly about mental health and the pressures of fame.
Her story, she said, serves as a reminder that authenticity and self-awareness remain key to long-term happiness, both in music and in life.
