Veteran Nollywood actor Yemi Ayebo, popularly known as Yemi My Lover, has voiced his disappointment over singer Olamide's refusal to acknowledge or respond after referencing his name in a popular song.
In a recently surfaced video interview on social media, Yemi expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of recognition and communication from Olamide, despite the fact that the artist used his iconic nickname “Yemi My Lover” in a track. The actor disclosed that despite the popularity the mention brought him, there was no financial compensation or meaningful engagement from the singer—or from others who have done the same.
“I Haven’t Received a Kobo” — Yemi Speaks on Lack of Compensation
When asked whether artists and content creators who have used the name “Yemi My Lover” have ever compensated him, the actor responded bluntly: “I haven’t received anything from anybody. No skit maker or musician has paid me a dime.”
He singled out Olamide, revealing that even efforts made through their mutual acquaintance, Fuji icon Pasuma, failed to foster a sustained connection.
“Olamide was the first to use my name in his song, and I was so happy,” Yemi said. “Pasuma even asked me if Olamide settled me for using my name, and I said no, I have never seen him before. Pasuma then called him while I was there.”
According to Yemi, Olamide answered Pasuma’s call and asked to speak with him. During that brief exchange, Olamide reportedly promised to stay in touch and asked Yemi to get his contact from Pasuma. However, what seemed like a breakthrough quickly fizzled out.
“I called him for over six months—he never picked my calls. I messaged him several times, and he never responded,” the actor lamented.
Despite Disappointment, Yemi Says the Name Has Brought Him More Fame
While clearly disheartened by the snub, Yemi acknowledged that having his name referenced by major artists like Olamide and Davido, as well as popular skit makers, has boosted his recognition in recent years.
“My name is blessed by God,” he said. “That’s why all these people are using it. It has brought me more popularity even though I wasn’t paid for it.”
Cultural Legacy, Recognition, and Rights in Entertainment
Yemi Ayebo rose to fame in the late '90s and early 2000s with his romantic-themed Yoruba movies, notably Yemi My Lover, which earned him the enduring nickname. The current situation has sparked broader conversations online about intellectual and cultural acknowledgment in Nigeria’s entertainment industry—especially when legacies of older artists are leveraged by newer stars without formal credit or compensation.
While no response has yet come from Olamide’s camp, the issue underscores a recurring tension between past pioneers and today’s entertainers: recognition versus reward.