Yemi Alade unlucky to lose out on award

Yemi Alade is a class act. That cannot be disputed in today’s Nigerian music industry. But at the 2014 Headies which held on Sunday, November 14, she failed to pick up any award.

Yemi Alade was nominated in 3 categories with her smash hit song, ‘Johnny’ forming the base mentions in the Best Pop Single, Next Rated, and Song Of The Year groupings. She lost out to ‘Dorobucci’, Patoranking, and Davido’s ‘Aye.

Yemi Alade’s disappointment at The Headies 2014 isn’t one necessitated by a bad year. In contrast, Yemi Alade is currently having the best year of her life. Dropping her ‘Johnny’ hit song late 2013, which went on to put her on the map on a continental scale. Yemi Alade also released her debut album, ‘King Of Queens’ in October 2014.

She was on a fast rise and her nominations in this year’s Headies can attest to that.

But when push came to shove, she fell short. Her problem was none in which she had no hand. There’s only as much an artiste can do when faced with Patoranking’s fire, Don Jazzy’s brilliance and the power of Davido.

Simply put, she failed to pick up an award because her competitors had more colour, and standing within the entertainment industry. Johnny can match Dorobucci and Aye, when placed side by side. Yemi Alade and Patoranking rank the same in popularity ratings. But what was lacking?

Many analysts and social media commentators have screamed over her failure, screaming indignation, but when analysed in depth, she was just a victim of circumstances.  Yemi Alade was unlucky.

Next year is another opportunity for the ‘King of Queens’ to  ome out blazing with her classic positive energy, stage presence and bright personality. She already has broken through into the mainstream, what remains now is for her to maintain the momentum, and go on to become a truly great in African music.

The Headies 2014 has come and gone. Bring on 2014. Bring on Yemi Alade.