Yemi Solade: Yoruba Filmmakers Pioneered Nollywood

Seasoned actor Yemi Solade has reignited the conversation on the origins of Nigeria’s film industry, insisting that Yoruba filmmakers laid the foundation for Nollywood long before it became a national brand. NigeriaTravel Guides

In an interview with Feel Right News TV, Solade said the contributions of Yoruba practitioners have been downplayed and that it was time to ‘set the record straight’.

The actor argued that movie-making in Yorubaland predates the term ‘Nollywood’ and cited early practitioners as proof.

“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.

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“People like Muka Ray, Peju Ogunmola and co were born into this and acted since they were small; they started before me too.

“Yoruba people started making movies before any tribe in Nigeria. It’s a fact; facts don’t care about emotions”, Solade added. NigeriaTravel Guides

He also blamed the media for skewing the narrative: “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 used the discussion to clarify his standing in the industry, referencing veteran actor Pete Edochie.

“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 in a 2025 video said he has spent 48 years in the profession, added that respect for elders does not erase industry hierarchy.

“Jide Kosoko cannot start talking now, and I’ll talk back to him when it comes to the industry,” he added.

Solade said his goal was not to diminish others but to ensure Yoruba cinema gets its due recognition in the history of Nigerian filmmaking.