Yemi Alade honoured to be performing at AFCON after ‘praying for 7 years’

Yemi Alade, the Nigerian singer, says she is honoured to be performing at the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after “praying for 7 years”.

In December, the singer revealed that she will be recording ‘Akwaba’, the theme song for AFCON.

Alade said the anthem features Magic System, an Ivorian music group and Mohamed Ramadan, the Egyptian singer.

But in a post via X on Thursday, the singer disclosed that she had been desiring to perform at football ceremonies since 2016.

She emphasised the importance of “prayer and speaking into existence your heart desires”, adding that she is honoured to perform at AFCON.

Alade also described the feat as “a dream come true”.

“I cannot buttress the importance of prayer and speaking into existence your heart desires,” she wrote.

“Since 2016, I have desired to perform at the stadium for football ceremonies surrounded by 100’s of dancers and millions of people.

“A lot of calls came in almost every year when football championship preparations were made, but none was favourable.

“I never said this, but at some point i started feeling like my team was chasing them away but something told me to let them do their job.

“7 years after, I’m performing at AFCON. It’s indeed an honour and a dream come true. It’s just the beginning! God bless my team.”

I can't buttress the importance of prayer and speaking into existence your heart desires. Since 2016, I have desired to perform at the stadium for football ceremonies surrounded by 100's of dancers and millions of …

— ✊🏾 yemialade (@yemialadee) January 11, 2024

The 34th edition of the AFCON will be held in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11.

Alade is arguably one of the top female artistes in the country. She gained fame with the release of ‘Johnny’, her 2014 single.

The songstress is known for delivering her songs in English, Yoruba, and French languages.

She won the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs) for Best Female in 2015 and 2016.