Veteran Nollywood actor and producer, Yemi Ayebo, popularly known as Yemi My Lover, has called out Nigerian music star Olamide for allegedly ignoring his calls despite using his name in a song.
The actor accused during a recent video interview that circulated on social media. He expressed disappointment that the singer and other entertainers have used his name in their songs and comedy skits without offering him any form of appreciation or compensation.
No payment, no recognition from Olamide
Yemi was asked whether artists and content creators who use the phrase Yemi My Lover have ever paid him or acknowledged him for popularising the name. He responded with a firm “no,” adding that he has never received any financial reward or even a word of thanks from anyone.
He particularly mentioned the YBNL boss, who was the first major artist to use his name in a song. According to Yemi, he was excited when he heard Olamide mention his name, but that joy quickly turned to disappointment when the artist stopped responding to him.
Efforts to reach Olamide failed
Yemi explained that he made several efforts to reach out to the ‘Durosoke’ singer through various channels, including fellow entertainer and Fuji legend, Pasuma.
“I was so happy when Olamide used my name in his song,” Yemi said. “My name is blessed by God. That’s why musicians like Davido and Olamide, and even skit makers, keep using it.”
He continued, “Pasuma once asked me, ‘Yemo, did Olamide settle you for using your name in his music?’ I told him no. I’ve never met Olamide in person, and we’ve never spoken before. We didn’t even have each other’s phone numbers.”
According to Yemi, Pasuma took it upon himself to contact the YBNL boss after their conversation.
“Right there, Pasuma picked up his phone and called Olamide. He told him that I came to complain. Olamide asked Pasuma to hand the phone over to me. That was the first time I ever spoke with him,” Yemi said.
Six months of silence
During their short phone conversation, Yemi said Olamide instructed him to get his number from Pasuma and call him directly later.
“I collected his number and started calling him,” Yemi revealed. “But for six months, Olamide didn’t pick up my calls. I also sent him messages. Still, no reply. I was disappointed.”
Despite the disappointment, Yemi admitted that the repeated use of his name in songs and online content has helped boost his popularity over the years.
Name recognition but no benefit
The actor pointed out that while he appreciates the recognition his name has received in Nigerian pop culture, he feels overlooked and undervalued.
“It’s not just about the money,” he said. “A simple call or message to say thank you would have meant a lot. Respect matters.”
A cultural Icon
Yemi Ayebo rose to fame in the early 2000s through his self-produced movie Yemi My Lover, which uniquely combined music and romance. The movie gained massive popularity, especially in the South-West region of Nigeria, and the name “Yemi My Lover” became a cultural catchphrase.
In recent years, that name has resurfaced in music lyrics and social media content, often without context or credit to the man who made it famous.
Final words
Yemi says he holds no grudges but hopes artists and entertainers can show more respect and appreciation to those who came before them.
“I’ve been in the industry for years,” he said. “I paved the way in my little way. All I ask is recognition and respect.”
So far, Olamide has not responded publicly to the claims.
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