Actress and TV host Nancy Isime has reflected on the early years of her career, expressing heartfelt gratitude to singer Yemi Alade for showing her kindness during her struggling days.
The 33-year-old shared photos of herself and Yemi on Instagram on Tuesday, wearing matching Yoruba traditional attire, including iro, buba, and gele, and used the moment to recount a significant part of their shared past.
“Story Story…” Nancy began in the caption of her Instagram post. “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 😅.”
She narrated how she started working at 17 as an usher and model, often finding herself stranded after late-night jobs because her family lived in Ikorodu while most events happened in town.
“I’d have to ask any of my co-workers then if it was okay to crash at theirs till morning, and when there’s enough people staying back with me at the venue, I’d sleep on chairs joined together or the ground/rugged area till it was bright enough to get a bus home,” she wrote.
Nancy said those years were marked by constant struggle for a safe place to sleep, sometimes trekking home in the early hours of the morning while her father and brothers worried for her safety.
“My dad was worried but I am a dangerous gyal🤣 and it’s best to let me figure out life my way…else! The rebellion is quite rebellious I must confess 😂,” she added.
She then recounted how Yemi Alade, who was an acquaintance at the time, offered her a place to stay when she asked.
“I asked her over the phone one day if it was okay to stay at her off campus accommodation for a bit and she immediately said Yes! Fam, I stayed for weeks and this woman NEVER EVER complained! Infact the peace was too much, I had to leave when I wasn’t ready to 🤣,” she wrote.
Nancy said she later secured her own space in the same building after gaining admission into the university and their friendship deepened.
“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.
Nancy ended the post with a promise: “My Padi @yemialade, I dey for you for Life!!💕”
Nancy Isime has become a TV host and actress, while Yemi Alade has built a global music brand known across Africa and beyond.
