Veteran actor Yemi Solade has reignited the debate over the origins of Nigeria’s film industry, insisting that Yoruba Filmmakers played a major role in establishing what later became known as Nollywood.
Solade made the claim during an interview with Feel Right News TV, where he argued that the contribution of Yoruba practitioners to Nigerian cinema has not received enough recognition.
According to the actor, filmmaking in Yorubaland existed long before the name “Nollywood” became widely associated with Nigeria’s movie industry.
“We’ve been acting in Yorubaland before Nollywood started; even Nollywood, we started it. I cannot watch and let anyone undermine my tribe, because others not talking doesn’t mean I shouldn’t talk,” he said.
He cited early practitioners including Muka Ray and Peju Ogunmola, noting that they began their careers from a young age and were already active before his own time in the industry.
Yoruba Filmmakers Deserve Recognition, Solade Says
Solade maintained that Yoruba Filmmakers were making movies before practitioners from other parts of Nigeria.
“Yoruba people started making movies before any tribe in Nigeria. It’s a fact; facts don’t care about emotions,” he said.
The actor also criticised the media for what he described as an imbalance in how the history of Nigeria’s movie industry is presented.
“The press caused this; they only go to English movie makers to ask questions. My people don’t really care about these things, but we need to set the record straight,” Solade said.
He argued that greater attention should be given to the contribution of Yoruba practitioners when discussing the development of Nigerian cinema.
Solade Speaks on His Place in Nollywood
During the interview, Solade also discussed his position in the industry and referenced veteran actor Pete Edochie.
He said Edochie was his senior by age and would receive the respect due to him, but maintained that he was senior to Edochie in terms of industry experience.
“Pete Edochie is my senior by age. If he enters this place now, I will go down to greet him, but I am senior to him in this industry,” he said.
The actor, who said in a 2025 video that he had spent 48 years in the profession, added that respecting older people should not be confused with industry hierarchy.
“Jide Kosoko cannot start talking now, and I’ll talk back to him when it comes to the industry,” he added.
Solade stressed that his comments were not intended to diminish other practitioners but to ensure that Yoruba cinema receives proper recognition in the history of Nigerian filmmaking.