Popular actress and TV host Nancy Isime has publicly expressed deep gratitude to Afropop star Yemi Alade, sharing a heartfelt story from the early days of her career when the singer showed her unexpected kindness.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the 33-year-old media personality posted stunning photos of herself and Yemi Alade dressed in matching Yoruba traditional outfits — iro, buba, and gele — and used the moment to reflect on their shared past.
“Story Story…” Nancy began, promising to always share this particular memory. “I’ve told this story before and I’m sure Yemi is probably rolling her eyes right now but Yemi, I meant it when I said I’ll tell this story every chance I get.”
Nancy recalled how she started hustling at just 17, working as an usher and model to make ends meet. Her biggest challenge, she said, was always finding a place to sleep after late-night gigs, as her family home was far away in Ikorodu.
“I’d sleep on chairs or the floor at event venues, or beg coworkers for a place to crash, just so I could stay safe until morning,” she revealed.
One day, out of desperation, she reached out to Yemi Alade, who was still an acquaintance at the time, and asked if she could stay at her off-campus accommodation. Yemi said yes without hesitation — and let Nancy stay for weeks, without ever complaining.
“The peace was too much, I had to leave when I wasn’t ready to,” she joked.
Nancy later secured her own place in the same building when she gained university admission, and their bond deepened from there.
“Many years later, I still have the softest spot for Yemi and will eternally be grateful to her for being one of the bookmarks of kindness and generosity in my life,” she wrote.
Ending her emotional tribute, Nancy added: “My Padi @yemialade, I dey for you for Life!!💕”
Today, Nancy Isime is one of Nigeria’s most sought-after TV hosts and actresses, while Yemi Alade has become a celebrated music star known across Africa and internationally.
