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Lade (singer)

Lade (born Oluwafunmilade Ayomide Oyapero on October 13, 2002) is a Nigerian-Canadian singer-songwriter, communications strategist, and business leader. Known for her bold fusion of R&B, Afrobeat, Soul, and Alternative genres, Lade’s music explores themes of vulnerability, womanhood, spirituality, and self-expression. Her debut EP RedEye (2024) introduced her as an emerging voice in North America’s alternative R&B scene, followed by her sophomore project Auburn, released on November 9, 2024. She is recognized not only for her vocal talent and storytelling, but also for her leadership in founding the BIPOC Business Society and her extensive work in public relations.

Early Life and Background

Oluwafunmilade Ayomide Oyapero was born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in a faith-driven household. She began singing at the age of four, inspired by gospel influences and early church performances. Her vocal gifts became apparent in her teenage years, and by age 12, she began formal vocal training at the Ontario Conservatory of Music, participating in recitals and competitions across Ontario.

At 15, she won the God’s Children Got Great Gifts (GCGGG) competition hosted by her local Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) chapter, affirming her talent in live performance and gospel music. At 17, she entered the world of entrepreneurship, winning the Ontario Make Your Pitchcompetition for her beauty business, Goddess Girl Cosmetics.

After immigrating to Canada, she enrolled at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management, graduating in 2025 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op). During her undergraduate studies, she founded the BIPOC Business Society (BBS) — writing its constitution, building the executive team, and mentoring its leadership to this day.

Career

Music

Lade’s professional journey into music began with immersive Creative Spaces songwriting camps in New York and Miami. These camps introduced her to a network of producers, sparking the start of her sound as a multi-genre artist.

Her debut EP RedEye was released on May 29, 2024, blending themes of heartbreak, spirituality, femininity, and self-reflection. The project was recorded at Audio Valley Recording Studios(Ottawa), Secret Weapon Sound (Toronto), and Engine Room Studios (New York City).

Her sophomore project, Auburn, released November 9, 2024, explored deeper emotional terrain with more experimental production. The title referenced both color and feeling—symbolizing maturity, grief, and growth.

Lade has performed in both Canada and the United States, including a May 2024 show at Sour Mouse NYC, where she debuted tracks from RedEye and Auburn. Her performances are characterized by expressive vocals, minimalist stage presence, and emotionally vulnerable delivery. She has since been invited back to songwriting intensives in both Miami and New York, continuing to develop her catalog.

Public Relations and Strategy

Lade balances her music career with her professional background in public relations and operations. She interned twice at Ernst & Young (EY) in Project Management and Financial Transformation, contributing to multi-million-dollar projects and process optimization workstreams.

In 2024, she joined the Ottawa Board of Trade as Special Projects Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the CEO, where she led key initiatives in strategic communications, advocacy campaigns, board reporting, and event logistics. Her work included the citywide Build Up Ottawa narrative campaign and direct collaboration with CEOs and political stakeholders.

Discography

Extended Plays

● RedEye – Released May 29, 2024

● Auburn – Released November 9, 2024

● Sunshine – Scheduled for October 1, 2025

Notable Performances

● Sour Mouse NYC

New York City, NY

May 30, 2024

Debut New York performance showcasing songs from her RedEye EP. Presented as part of an independent artist showcase highlighting emerging R&B voices.

● RAW Artists Canada – Parkdale Hall

Toronto, Ontario

December 7, 2024

Featured performance at RAW Toronto’s multi-disciplinary showcase. Lade represented the fusion of Afrobeat and alternative R&B on a stage shared with local creatives across fashion, visual arts, and music.

● Sanger Hall

New York City, NY

February 28, 2025

Return to New York for an intimate set previewing selections from her sophomore project Auburn and unreleased music from her upcoming EP Sunshine.

● RAW Artists Nashville – The Cowan at Top Golf

Nashville, Tennessee

March 5, 2025

Nashville debut as a featured music act for RAW Artists' curated music and arts showcase. Setlist included hybrid R&B and Afro-inspired tracks from Lade’s discography.

● The Virgil

Los Angeles, California

July 19, 2025

One-night-only performance in Los Angeles, featured on a lineup of independent R&B and soul artists. The event was hosted at The Virgil, known for its intimate performance space and curated underground music nights.

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Awards and Recognition

● Winner – Ontario Conservatory of Music Competitions(2012–2015)

● Winner – GCGGG RCCG Competition (2017)

● Winner – Ontario Make Your Pitch (Goddess Girl Cosmetics) (2019)

● Valedictorian & AP Honours Graduate

● Full-Ride Post-Secondary Scholarship – Pinball Clemons Foundation

● University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarship Recipient

Publications and Media

● Startup Here Toronto: “High School Student Making a Business Out of Beauty” (2018)

● Newswire: “Winners of Ontario’s Make Your Pitch” (2019)

● Rogers Communications: “Funmi Oyapero Knows Nothing is Impossible” (2021)

External Links

● Music Portfolio: vizzy.com/@funmioyapero

● LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/funmi-lade-oyapero-0a10a7164

● Instagram: @lade.music

● Email (Music & PR): itslademusic@gmail.com