Many years later, critics still feel that Nigerian singer Yemi Alade has no business with the “Mama Africa” title.
A Facebook user expressed outrage on a post where the title was used to announce Yemi Alade’s presence at the 2025 Grammys, for which she was a nominee.
And we ask, to what end?
The moniker “Mama Africa” has long been synonymous with the legendary Miriam Makeba, a trailblazing singer and activist who embodied the spirit of African resilience and creativity.
While some may argue that giving this revered title to an artist such as Yemi Alade is an insult to Makeba’s legacy, I feel that Yemi Alade’s contributions to African music and culture make her worthy of this title.
Firstly, let’s consider the fact that legacy is not static; it evolves. When a king passes on, a new ruler assumes the throne, carrying the mantle of responsibility and leadership.
Similarly, as Miriam Makeba’s remarkable life and career have come to an end, it is only fitting that another talented artist emerges to carry the torch of African excellence.
Yemi may not necessarily mirror Miriam Makeba’s life journey and her anti-apartheid struggle, but they share a common legacy of fiercely championing the authenticity of African sound and culture, refusing to compromise to Western standards.
I think the problem is critics just want Yemi to be a conscious singer before they can deem her worthy.
The argument has always been that she makes bubble gum dance songs with male-glorifying lyrics in songs like Johnny, Number One, and Marry Me.
However, anyone who’s followed her musical journey knows that she aims to create music that Africans generally enjoy without pretending to be something she’s not or trying to project a fake conscious image.
From the African theme of her music videos to her electrifying performances around the continent, it is glaring that she aims to connect with different cultures via music. This, she has done to this point by selectively speaking their languages on songs.
This woman has made versions of her songs in Igbo, Pidgin, Yoruba, French (Kissing French Remix), Swahili (Na Gode), and Portuguese (Nakupenda). She serves as an inspiration for a new generation of young Africans to take pride in their roots.
Yemi Alade’s passion for cultural representation is evident in her bold fashion choices, which showcase the vibrant colours and intricate patterns of African textiles.
On the world stage and at events like the Grammys, she is unapologetically African in appearance. She teams up with African designers and stylists who use their art to tell rich cultural stories through wrist, neck and head beads and different Afrocentric hairstyles.
Talk about CONSISTENTLY showcasing African pride. Talk about providing a platform for African creatives to shine.
Interestingly, Yemi Alade herself has acknowledged the weight of the Mama Africa title and the legacy of Miriam Makeba. In a 2016 interview on her album titled ‘Mama Africa’, she told Nigeria Hip Deep series, “Everywhere I go, I know in my heart that the ultimate Mama Africa is Miriam Makeba… She was someone powerful.” Yemi also humbly acknowledged that she can never fill Miriam’s shoes, but instead, sees herself as a continuation of the legacy, spreading the good news of Africa and African goodness.
Critics overlook the fact that African culture is diverse, with numerous languages, traditions, and artistic expressions.
I guess the same critics may not know that Yemi Alade has demonstrated that she’s more than just an entertainer.
As a United Nations Development Programme ambassador, Yemi Alade has used her platform to advocate for African women, youth, and economic growth.
Yes, Miriam Makeba will forever be revered as a legendary figure in African music and history. At the same time, Yemi Alade’s remarkable achievements and dedication to African culture make her a deserving recipient of the Mama Africa title.
As we celebrate her contributions to African music and culture, we also honour the legacy of Miriam Makeba, recognizing that the spirit of Mama Africa lives on through the talented artists who continue to uplift the continent.
