Showbiz
Most People Don’t Know I’m an Introvert Despite My Energy—Yemi Alade
By Dipo Olowookere
Talented award-winning Afrobeats singer, Yemi Alade, has disclosed that despite the energy she exudes on stage, she is an introvert.
She said this in an interview with Spotify, which named her as its EQUAL Africa’s Artiste for September, a platform designed to celebrate female artists on the continent.
“One surprising thing my fans don’t know about me is that despite this energy I exude I’m an introvert. Some would say I’m an introvert who likes to go out just to eat food! How would we call that? A food-trovert maybe?” she said.
Yemi Alade, who is fondly called Mama Africa by fans for her dedication to championing African culture and music, continues to make her mark on the global stage.
With a career that has spanned over a decade, the Nigerian musician, who burst into the limelight in 2010 after winning the Peak Talent Show, has undoubtedly established herself as one of the most prominent and influential female artists in the Nigerian music industry, earning a dedicated fanbase both at home and internationally.
Speaking on how she knew music was her line, she said, “I’ve always loved music but I realised that I always knew that my voice had an effect on people and I loved that effect because it meant that I could connect with them even without touching them, without speaking directly to them.
“I felt a vibration that I enjoyed. It became a career after I won a talent show in 2010 and since then my life has been on the road chasing music and making music.”
She described her music as a “perfect blend of a high-life pop, R’n’B, and afrobeat. It’s a beautiful blend that is inspired by a bit of jazz or blues here and there. If you listen closely you’ll pick the tones.
“I don’t like to be in a box but I know that my music is a fusion of African sounds, and the core of my music is African rhythm.”
No wonder she is loved by many music lovers because her electrifying performances and powerful voice have earned her recognition worldwide, allowing her to represent African music on international platforms.
Her undeniable talent and powerful voice have captivated audiences across continents. She has collaborated with global superstars such as Beyoncé, Angélique Kidjo, and Awilo Longomba to name a few. She has also toured the world, showcasing the richness and beauty of African music, captivating audiences across continents and cultures.
Yemi Alade said her exposure to different genres of music while growing up shaped her into a good singer.
“As a kid, I was blessed to grow up in a big family and the age ranges of the family members were far and wide so I got the opportunity to listen to music that was even older than my age range.
“I fell in love with music from the likes of Sunny Adé King, Shina Peters, Onyeka Onwenu, and Christy Essien.
“There’s a long list of African artists I was listening to at a very young age and that opened my palette to the huge range of music that we have,” she said.
Explaining the rationale behind her choice for Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme, the Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa for Spotify, Ms Phiona Okumu, said, “Yemi Alade exemplifies the calibre of talent the program aims to support.”
“Spotify is proud to be associated with Yemi Alade and will continue to use the EQUAL Africa program to provide support for women in music, amplifying their voices and helping to showcase their incredible talents to a global audience,” she added.
The popular audio-streaming chief noted that, “Spotify’s EQUAL Africa program is dedicated to empowering female voices in Africa, spotlighting artists who continue to push boundaries with their artistry.”
Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.
These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.
The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.
Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award, it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.
This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.
As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.
This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.
Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.
The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.
The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.
More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.
“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.
“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.
“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.
Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.
InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.
They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.
The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.
The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.
This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.
“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.
“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.
As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.
An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.
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