Nigerian music sensation Yemi Alade has levelled serious accusations against the popular radio station Cool FM Nigeria and CloutAfrica FM, alleging that they have blacklisted her music for nearly a year after her absence from a December 2023 event.
In a candid post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the 35-year-old star revealed that she had received an invitation from Cool FM to perform at their event scheduled for December 2023.
Unfortunately, due to unavoidable commitments, she was unable to attend. Following her absence, Alade reached out to the station to convey her apologies, but she claims that her attempts to reconnect were met with silence and indifference.
To her surprise, Alade soon discovered that her absence had not gone unnoticed by the management of both radio stations.
She alleged that they chose to hold her absence against her, leading to the decision to blacklist her music from their platforms.
This sweeping action has meant that her extensive catalogue, which includes numerous hits and fan favourites, has been stripped from their playlists.
Alade did not mince words in her response, addressing her grievances directly to the station executives.
“Mr. Serge and Mr. Joseph, this life is not hard like that. WE SEE YOU… I SEE YOU @cloutafrica @CoolFMNigeria. This world is a small village. My God will fight for me… Una dey forms gatekeepers in 2024,”
she asserted in her post. The impact of this blacklisting extends far beyond mere frustration for the artist.
Alade expressed her disbelief and disappointment at the total removal of her music from the stations, emphasizing that it meant no one associated with Cool FM or CloutAfrica FM could play her songs whether they were new releases or established hits.
“Since December 2023, I reached out in January. You are still refusing to play my music and giving my team a hard time. You’re not gatekeepers, and you are not God, Mr. Serge Noujaim and Mr. Joseph Adamu,” she added, echoing her feelings of being unjustly targeted.
In her multiple statements, Yemi Alade further accused the radio stations of intimidation and of attempting to wield excessive power within the music industry.
She criticized their management for failing to display basic decency, particularly when it comes to resolving misunderstandings.
“The common decency to reach out and clear up any misunderstanding caused by sheer carelessness on your part for a whole year, and your next move is to place an embargo on my songs? Remove my whole catalogue,” she continued passionately in a follow-up tweet.
The situation has sparked a wave of discussions among fans and industry observers, raising questions about the ethics of radio station practices and the extent to which an artist’s absence from an event could lead to such consequential actions.
Alade is not just a prominent voice in the Nigerian music scene, but an influential figure with a significant following.
Her allegations have resonated deeply with many who see her as a victim of unjust practices by powerful entities within the industry.
As these events unfold, Yemi Alade’s controversy reflects broader issues of access and representation in the entertainment world.
In an age where social media gives artists a platform to voice their concerns, it remains to be seen how Cool FM and CloutAfrica FM will respond to the allegations levelled against them.
The coming days may yield more revelations as the situation develops, particularly regarding the repercussions for Alade and the response from her fan base.
Yemi Alade is well-known for her uplifting music that often celebrates African culture, and as she grapples with this troubling episode, her fans remain hopeful for a resolution that will allow her music to once again be featured on these popular stations.
The singer’s resolve in the face of adversity signals her determination not only to reclaim her spot in the industry but also to stand up against practices that undermine artists’ rights.
The unfolding story is not just about one singer’s fight but also a broader call for fair treatment throughout the music industry.
Yemi Alade’s plight serves as a potent reminder of the challenges artists face, but also their strength in advocating for their rights.
