I started acting before Pete Edochie – Yemi Solade

Yemi Solade, a seasoned Nollywood actor, has claimed that he began his acting career before legendary actor Pete Edochie.

Solade stated that despite Edochie being older, he is senior in terms of professional acting experience, having started his career at 17 in 1977 and working in the industry for 48 years.

Solade also highlighted the significant contributions of Yoruba filmmakers to the Nollywood industry, crediting pioneers like Ade Ajiboye, Hubert Ogunde, and Dr. Ola Balogun for laying the groundwork.

He expressed frustration at the lack of recognition for Yoruba creatives, attributing it to poor documentation and promotion of their work.

“I’m senior to Pete Edochie. I started acting before him, though he’s older than me. I was 17 in 1977 when I represented Nigeria as the youngest actor, and I’ve done 48 years in the industry and still standing,”

“We had film, the celluloid and everything… Even when home video was starting, it was just an experiment,”

“So, you as a shop owner, would introduce the cassette for people to buy; it all started like that,”

“My people in the Yoruba setting didn’t document anything; that was why the other people in the industry just stepped in to say they started it. ‘Hey shut up’; when people like us are here, we will let you know you didn’t start anything”