Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer and songwriter, Yemi Alade, has candidly spoken about a period of depression she experienced after realizing she had been misrepresenting her age for three years.

The award-winning Afropop star shared her story during an emotional conversation with media personality Chude Jideonwo, revealing how the incident left her struggling with self-acceptance and identity for days. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

“I Said I Was 22 for Three Years” — Yemi Alade Confesses

In the viral interview clip, Yemi Alade explained that, at one point in her early career, she repeatedly told people she was 22 years old for three consecutive years. It wasn’t until she recalculated her actual birth year that she realized she was already 25.

“I kept saying I was 22 for three years,” she said with a laugh tinged with emotion. “When I finally realized I was actually 25, I was depressed for a few days.”

The singer said the realization triggered deep reflection about time, expectations, and self-worth, especially in an industry where youth and image often shape opportunities and public perception.

The Hidden Pressure Behind Stardom

Yemi Alade’s revelation sheds light on a common but rarely discussed reality in the entertainment industry — the pressure to appear younger or fit certain beauty and age ideals.

Mental health experts say that celebrities often struggle with maintaining authenticity while navigating fame, online scrutiny, and unrealistic expectations from fans and brands.

Yemi’s openness, however, has earned her praise from fans who commend her for breaking the silence on how mental health can affect public figures.

“She’s one of the few celebrities being real about how fame affects you mentally,” one fan commented on X (formerly Twitter). “We love her honesty.”

Past Industry Conflicts and Media Blacklisting Claims

This isn’t the first time Yemi Alade has made headlines for speaking her truth. In November 2024, the “Johnny” crooner accused Cool FM Nigeria and Clout Africa FM of allegedly blocklisting her music after she declined to perform at their end-of-year concert in December 2023.

According to Yemi, the media outlets stopped playing her songs for nearly a year, even after she apologized and tried to resolve the misunderstanding.

“Even after I reached out, they didn’t lift the ban,” she said at the time. “It hurt, but I learned that sometimes doing what’s right means losing people who never supported you in the first place.”

Her claims sparked discussions about gatekeeping in the Nigerian music industry, with fans calling for greater fairness in media promotion and artist relations.

Clarifying False Rumors and Standing Her Ground

Yemi Alade has also had to confront false allegations circulated online, including rumors of sexual harassment that she firmly denied.

In a statement shared on her social media platforms, she described the false claims as “stupidity at its peak,” calling on fans to verify information before spreading damaging narratives.

“People don’t realize how much emotional pain false stories can cause,” she said. “It’s not just gossip — it’s someone’s life, reputation, and peace of mind.”

The singer has since used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and respectful dialogue online, encouraging young fans to value self-acceptance and emotional balance over perfection.

Using Her Platform to Inspire Others

Beyond her musical success, Yemi Alade continues to share motivational reflections on social media. Her posts often focus on self-growth, boundaries in relationships, and emotional intelligence, inspiring followers across Africa and beyond.

“Conflict is part of life, but understanding and communication are key,” she wrote in one of her recent Instagram stories. “Protect your peace, even when it means walking away.”

Fans say her message resonates deeply, especially among young women navigating relationships, work, and societal pressure.

Yemi Alade’s openness about her struggle with depression and self-realization offers an authentic glimpse into the challenges behind her glamorous public image.

Her courage in discussing age, mental health, and career pressures underscores a growing shift in Nigeria’s entertainment industry — one where vulnerability and truth are beginning to replace stigma and silence.

As she continues to evolve as an artist and role model, Yemi Alade proves that even the most celebrated stars face real battles — and that healing begins with honesty.