Nigerian singer and songwriter Yemi Alade has shared her personal experience with depression, revealing that she once lost track of her age during a busy period in her music career. The Afro-pop star made the emotional confession during an interview with media host Chude Jideonwo, where she discussed the mental challenges that came with success and fame.

In the conversation, the award-winning artist explained how she spent years deeply focused on her work, rarely pausing to check in on herself. During that period, she kept telling people she was 22 years old, only to later discover she was already 25.

“There was a time someone asked me my age and I realised I had been saying I was 22 for three years,” Yemi said. “When I checked my phone to do the maths, I was shocked to find out I was actually 25.”

She said the realisation triggered a wave of sadness and disbelief. “I was depressed for a few days,” she admitted. “My mind wasn’t considering that years had passed. I was so invested in my world that I lost track of time.”

Fame, pressure and finding balance

The “Johnny” hitmaker also revealed that her intense schedule had distanced her from her personal life. Constant touring, recording sessions and media appearances left little room for self-reflection. She noted that the moment she discovered her first grey hair gave her a similar feeling of time slipping by too quickly.

“When I saw my first grey hair, I felt the same shock. I couldn’t believe how much time had passed,” she said.

Yemi Alade, who recently received international recognition for her contributions to African music, added that the experience taught her the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles, even in the entertainment industry. She said her battle with depression made her more aware of how easily success can mask emotional exhaustion.

Fans across social media have praised her openness, describing it as a brave moment that sheds light on the unseen struggles of artists.

For one of Africa’s most celebrated performers, the revelation marks a rare glimpse into the emotional weight behind the spotlight and how even the brightest stars can face quiet battles off stage.