Yemi Alade Graces African Voices Changemakers’ Special Edition

Ferdinand  Ekechukwu

For the very first time, a special edition of African Voices Changemakers was recorded in Lagos, having a wonderful live audience witness the filming to celebrate 15 years of the show on CNN. Sticking to the theme of the event, the invitees reciprocated, reflecting the dress code: Business Casual.

The special episode, which had a mix of audience from the corporate, media, and entertainment world, featured multi-award winning singer, songwriter and performer, Yemi Alade. She was warmly cheered within the ambience by the exclusive audience having top staff of Globacom, eliciting rounds of applause intermittently as the recording progressed.

The choice of Yemi Alade as a special guest merits the African Voices as it brings changemakers stories from Africa’s best characters, highlighting the continent’s most dazzling trendsetters who create their own subcultures in areas such as travel, fashion, art, music, technology and architecture.

One of Nigeria’s most beloved artistes, Yemi Alade during the live interview session with CNN’s Larry Madowo shared some interesting stories of her life, her career and experience navigating the music industry, how she evolves into different versions of herself through time, and how she stays authentic to herself, her brand and more.

“Our guest for this special show falls into that category,” remarked Madowo while welcoming the Grammy nominee on stage. A household name and global ambassador, the ‘Johnny’ crooner told Madowo that “it feels surreal, it feels like a miracle to be nominated” for the 67 Grammys in the Best Music Performance Category.

The song which earned her the nomination is “Tomorrow”, off her 6th studio album, Rebel Queen released on May 17, 2024. “Rebel Queen”, a body of work that exudes jubilation through what is traditionally known to be afrobeats sound, with influences from highlife, reggae and amapiano.

Wrapping up the anniversary edition of the African Voices Changemakers which will be aired next month, sponsored by Globacom, Yemi Alade gave a rendition of the song ‘Tomorrow’, dedicating it to everyone who has put together the occasion to celebrate her and the African Voices. “Because literarily nobody knows tomorrow,” she said.

The celebration had distinguished personalities including Vice Chairman Globacom, Bella Disu, other top executives of the telecom brand, and Sales Director CNN International Commercial, Africa Region, Zara Driss, and Executive Vice President, CNN International Commercial, Phil Nelson at the venue.