BY BOLAJI OKUNOLA
Afro pop singer and 2016 MTV base award winner for Africa female artist of the year, Yemi Alade in an exclusive interview with Weekend Sporting Sun reveals her passion for football, things she do while growing up on the street of Lagos and her feelings for John Obi Mikel, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho.
As a prominent artist from, can you tell us little about your upbringing?
I am a daughter of former Commissioner of Police. I never believe I could end up being a musician. I studied Geography in the University of Lagos. While I was still a little girl I wished to follow my dad ambition by becoming a surgeon, an aeronautical engineer or a lawyer because I could not afford to annoy my dad. But here I am, being the best female Afro hip-hop artist in Africa.
Did you play football in your childhood days?
I never did. I would have loved but I was scared with the way footballers get injured. I am a very soft lady that hate to be injured and you know football is a physical game which contains a lot of cracker and hard tackles but not withstanding I still love the game.
You are a Shell ambassador of the first kinetic football pitch to be built in Africa. What inspired you to sign such contract since you don’t play football?
Smile! It’s not compulsory you are a footballer before stepping on the pitch. I got passion for the round leather game and I was inspired with Shell’s building a kinetic football pitch for Lagosians. I was thrilled by the way footballers run after world music star, Akon during the lunching of the pitch sometimes around last year and I am happy I was given such opportunity as a lady to also unveil my plan and love for the round leader game.
When will you sing for the national team?
Music deals with inspiration. If am inspired I will sing for them. Although they are currently doing well unlike before when people were sad about their performances. Should they qualifier for the 2018 World Cup in Russia I will definitely love to sing for them. I remember a whole lot of artist love singing for the Super Eagles because football unites the nation. I won’t hesitate to also do so if we qualifier for the World Cup.
Which Nigeria footballer do you like most?
Presently I like the captain, John Obi Mikel; he has been fantastic in his role for the senior national team. While I was young I see him as a future star and a lucky one that will never betray Nigeria. I also love the due of Man City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho and Arsenal starlet, Alex Iwobi in short I love any body who comes out to represent Nigeria in all activities.
Which foreign footballer do you love to see?
I have really love the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and the host of others. Although I hardly sit and watch them but I read about them in newspapers and magazine and I am amaze with the pride and money football has brought them.
Any advice for the Nigeria government on how to empower talented youths on the streets?
Yes! Nigeria streets got talent. Not only in football, we’ve got talents in music, comedy and other sports. If government can invest more on physical materials that will empower youths just as Shell Petroleum just did, I bet you we will produce the best in terms of everything. I can use myself as an example. I got to limelight in 2009 and ever since then I have been doing well. I want the government to encourage private bodies to bring out the best in Nigeria youths.