What I Say to Those Calling Me 'International Garri Seller' - Yemi Alade

Nigerian singer Yemi Alade is one artiste who has made it her job and mission to promote everything Nigerian and African through her music. From her first breakout hit "Johnny" which had its music video set in a village, to her naming her second album and coining herself 'Mama Africa', Yemi Alade has been unwavering in her push to promote and celebrate Africa and Nigerian culture through her music, style, and live performances. Although this dedication to culture is admired by some, there are many people who bash the singer for this saying that she has pigeonholed herself and has become an "international garri seller" because of the kind of music and aesthetic she presents.

Well, during an interview with Marie Claire Nigeria, Yemi Alade opened up about how the negative comments around her and her image make her feel, and explained why it is something that is very important to her to keep on doing. Here is what Yemi Alade said.

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Speaking about being called names like "international garri seller" because of her love of spreading Nigerian and African culture, Yemi Alade said:

YEMI ALADE: I have been called many names, both directly and indirectly, and most of it is because of how unapologetic I am about my commitment to wholeheartedly love and champion Africa. I have this favourite name that I’ve been called; ‘international Garri Seller’. But I always say, garri no dey do advert, but e dey sell pass for market. You know what I mean? So, yeah, having been called names, I have also been criticised for being young and portraying such an older persona. But that is because I am carrying generations before me and making the way clear for generations after me.

Representation is very fundamental in the world. I know how I feel when I arrive at international airports and see a model that looks like me, with my big broad forehead and beautiful melanin skin. I feel better about myself when I see these features being put up there, even for one or two seconds. So I take every opportunity to put that kind of positive representation into the world.

What do you think about what Yemi Alade said? Also, what do you think about Yemi Alade's unrelenting push of Nigerian and African culture and heritage in her work? Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment either below or on my Jide Okonjo Facebook post.

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