Nigerian Afrobeat star Yemi Alade has revealed that falsifying her age for three years took a toll on her mental health, admitting that the experience led her into a brief period of depression.
The singer made the confession during a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo.
She recounted how she spent several years claiming to be 22, only to later discover she was already 25.
“There was a time someone asked me how old I was, and for about three years I kept saying 22. Then one day, I calculated it and realised I was already 25. I was depressed for a few days because my mind couldn’t process it. It was mental for three years; I didn’t even know my real age,” Yemi said.
The Afro-pop star said the realisation left her shaken, forcing her to confront how easily self-deception can harm one’s mental health. She explained that it was not about vanity, but rather about the social and industry pressures that subtly encourage artistes to appear younger to remain relevant.
“I think we sometimes don’t realise how much pretending can affect us. It starts small, maybe lying about something like age, just to fit into people’s expectations, and then it becomes something that eats you up slowly,” she added.
Yemi, who has maintained a successful career spanning over a decade, said the experience taught her the importance of living truthfully. The singer emphasised that being honest with oneself is vital to mental well-being, especially in an industry that thrives on image and perception.
She also pointed out that many celebrities struggle with authenticity due to public pressure.
“When you’re constantly in the public eye, people expect you to be perfect. But at the end of the day, we are all human beings. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be flawed, to be real, and to make mistakes,” she said.
Yemi’s revelation comes amid increasing discussions about mental health in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Over the past few years, several celebrities have spoken about depression, anxiety, and the emotional toll of fame.
Her honesty about self-deception also mirrors the experiences of other public figures who have either admitted to lying about their age or been accused of doing so.
The obsession with youthfulness in show business has led many performers to falsify their ages for roles, endorsements, or branding purposes.
Cultural analyst Femi Oke said that Yemi Alade’s admission is a refreshing sign of self-awareness.
“When someone of Yemi’s status openly speaks about something so personal, it encourages others to reflect on the cost of image pressure. It’s a reminder that mental health matters more than public approval,” Oke said.
