Yemi Alade recently revealed personal aspects of her life on the Tea with Tay Podcast. The singer shared her experiences of growing up in a multi-cultural household, where her father is Yoruba, and her mother is Igbo. Despite the cultural diversity, Alade emphasized that, as a child, home was just home, and her parents were simply “mum and dad.” She acknowledged that her upbringing shielded her from recognizing the cultural distinctions between her Yoruba and Igbo heritage until later in life. The singer discussed these insights with a smile, reflecting on the unique environment in which she was raised.
She reminisced, “Growing up, I didn’t perceive any distinction. It was just my parents – my mum and dad. Our household was the type where uncles, aunties, and cousins were an integral part. My dad welcomed everyone, creating a lively environment with extended family.”
Reflecting further, Yemi Alade shared instances where people outside her family tried to categorize her into specific ethnic groups, sometimes in less-than-flattering ways. “I became aware of cultural differences later, especially when debates arose about my ethnic identity, whether I was Yoruba or Igbo. Some remarks were not complimentary, like ‘Omo Yoruba’ or ‘Omo Igbo.’ That’s when I realized the cultural disparities, as being born into a Yoruba and Igbo family wasn’t commonplace. However, a delightful aspect of my multicultural family was the diverse culinary experiences. I enjoyed the richness of both Igbo and Yoruba cuisines,” she added.
The singer attributed her profound appreciation for diverse cultures and Africa to her upbringing in a blended family.
