Moment Yemi My Lover’s Solomon Broke Down Over Olamide Snub, Piracy Woes

Veteran Nollywood producer and filmmaker Ayebo Yemi Solomon, famously known for his iconic 90s film Yemi My Lover, has expressed mixed emotions over being overlooked by Nigerian rap star Olamide, whose 2019 track “Yemi Lover” is widely believed to be inspired by Solomon’s work.

In a recent emotional interview, Solomon said while he appreciated the tribute, he was disheartened that Olamide never reached out to him.

“Olamide didn’t call me when he released the song. I was happy, but not happy,” he said. “When the video dropped, I was expecting a call, at least a feature. I tried to see him, but it didn’t work.”

Solomon’s 1990s film Yemi My Lover is regarded as one of the earliest musical romance dramas in Yoruba cinema, combining dialogue, song, and fantasy in a unique way that resonated with a generation. For many fans, the song “Yemi Lover” rekindled memories of the movie — but not for Solomon, who feels a personal connection was lacking.

Beyond that, the filmmaker also opened up about the crushing financial challenges he has faced, mainly due to piracy. According to him, Yemi My Lover, though widely celebrated, was financially ruinous.

“I didn’t make money from Yemi My Lover. Pirates waged war against me. They were printing the movie jackets anyhow,” he recalled. “I invested about N50,000 to N60,000, but I didn’t earn much back.”

Over the years, Solomon has produced over 17 films, but says “90% of the money went to pirates.” He shared that the situation pushed him into debt and even forced him to sell his land in Ajah to survive.

“They are a curse to me,” he lamented. “I ran into debt. I’m broke. I only managed to get a car, some cameras, and an office. That’s all. I don’t have a house.”

Despite his pioneering role in Yoruba romantic cinema, Solomon said he now lives a modest life and still struggles to make ends meet.

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The video sparked mixed reactions online, with fans and critics weighing in:

@captainblazee: “I don’t mind to support in my own little way, he made love easy for me as a kid… Ooomase oooo.”

@bigbritgernaiiiija2021: “He should start a YouTube channel and post videos, that’s a way to start earning again.”

@sharyyvybes: “Why bring Olamide into this? There’s a way to speak without calling him out.”

@toppyjay001: “@kunleafod please sir, as God used you for other veterans, help him too.”

@rexgallery4: “He has an office, bought cars but no house… very deep. May God lift you, sir.”

@show_face00: “This man campaigned for Tinubu and spent the money Tinubu gave him. Now he wants more. He insulted people online then. He’s part of the problem.”

What’s Next for Solomon?

Some fans are calling on influential figures in Nollywood and government to intervene. Others suggest Solomon tap into digital platforms like YouTube to document his legacy and possibly earn revenue.

“Things are not easy,” he said. “But I’m still here. I believe in storytelling, and maybe someday the reward will come.”

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