Yemi Etieme Solade is a seasoned Nigerian actor, educator, dancer, and cultural advocate with a career spanning nearly five decades. Beginning at age 17 during FESTAC ’77, he has contributed to over 100 films and TV shows, engaged in union activism, taught at universities, and shared his opinions on social issues. Below, his background, achievements, and controversies are detailed.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Yemi Etieme Solade |
| Date of birth | 31 January 1960 |
| Place of birth | Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of origin | Ogun State (paternal Egba heritage) |
| Partner | Hannah Marsh Solade (married 2005) |
| Children | Daughter: Rola Solade; Son: Femi Solade |
| Occupations | Actor, Producer, Lecturer, Cultural Activist, Dancer |
| Net worth | Around $500,000 |
Early Life and Education
Yemi Solade was born on January 31, 1960, in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. His father comes from the Egba clan in Ogun State, and his mother is from the Oron ethnic group in Akwa Ibom.
Growing up in a culturally diverse environment influenced his ability to perform in multiple Nigerian languages. He attended St Acquilla Primary School and Birch Freeman High School in Surulere. After an incomplete A-Level program in the UK, he went to Oyo State College of Arts & Science to prepare for university.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, studying under Wole Soyinka. Later, he obtained postgraduate degrees in Public Administration, Sociology & Anthropology, and International Relations from Nigerian and UK universities.
He completed his National Youth Service in Maiduguri, teaching at Ramat Polytechnic, and also lectured at other Nigerian institutions.
Career
Yemi Solade began his career as a dancer and actor, representing Nigeria at the Festival of Arts & Culture (FESTAC) in 1977 when he was 17.
He won several dance championships in Lagos and started acting with a one-man theatrical show called “Crazy Youngie.” He was appointed Artistic Director of a theatre company at Obafemi Awolowo University and worked with the Kaduna Music & Drama Society.
He broke into Yoruba-language cinema with the film Oju Inu and became well-known through TV shows produced by Wale Adenuga, such as Super Story and Papa Ajasco.
He has also acted in English-language films like Widow, Elevator Baby, and Ajosepo on Netflix.
Beyond acting, he co-founded the Theatre Arts & Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) and currently leads The Shakers Foundation, which supports the arts. He continues to teach through masterclasses and holds an honorary academic position.
Personal Life
Solade’s first marriage ended due to religious differences. In 2005, he married Hannah Marsh, a former actress, and they have two children. He supports a parenting style that balances artistic freedom with strong academic discipline.
Yemi Solade Net Worth
His estimated net worth is around $500,000, earned through acting, directing, teaching, and public speaking. Although modest compared to younger actors, he values intellectual contributions as well as financial gains.
Controversies
- In 2013, Yemi Solade faced allegations from actresses Bunmi Ladipo and Dolapo Lawal who accused him of sending unsolicited nude messages and making sexual propositions; he denied those claims.
- In 2021, he publicly supported the Nigerian government’s suspension of Twitter, which drew significant criticism on social media.
- In 2024, he encountered backlash for playing a gay character in the Nollywood film 5 Alive. He responded firmly to critics on social media.
- Also in 2024, he publicly disputed event organizers who allegedly withheld his award plaque because he refused to pay a sponsorship fee.
- In 2025, he reignited debate by claiming he started acting before the veteran Pete Edochie, asserting seniority in the Nollywood industry despite Edochie being older. This statement stirred mixed reactions online.
- Later in 2025, Solade apologized for a decades-old incident where he slapped fellow actor Afeez Abiodun on set.
Filmography (Selected)
- 1998: Made his Yoruba-language film debut as the lead in Oju Inu.
- 2005: Acted in the English-language film Widow in a supporting role.
- 2006: Played Dr. Ojo in Madam Dearest, a Nigerian drama classic.
- 2018: Portrayed Senator Da-Silva in Voiceless Scream.
- 2019: Featured as Dr. Otabor in the hit film Elevator Baby.
- 2021: Took the lead role in the thriller The Reckoner.
- 2023: Starred as Chief Owonifaari in the Yoruba production Ijogbon.
- 2024: Appeared as the patriarch in the Netflix film Ajosepo and as the commander in Mercenary.
- 2024: Played a controversial gay lover role in 5 Alive.
- 2025: Acted as the governor-elect in Her Excellency.
Awards and Nominations
- In 2014, he received the City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award for his four decades of contribution to Nollywood.
- In 2018, he won the Best Actor (Yoruba) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards, shared with Femi Adebayo for the film Irolabi.
- In 2024, he was honored as Best Dressed Male Celebrity by Odunlade Adekola Film Production Awards and also received the Golden Stars Appreciation Plaque the same year.
- In 2025, he was awarded an honorary Professor Emeritus of Stage Craft title by Federal University Oye-Ekiti in recognition of his artistic scholarship.
